The following narrative will endeavor to give informally but accurately the important but interesting activities of "B" Troop from the time it began to prepare for overseas movement until its work and missions have been completed. The writer joined the Troop three weeks before the Troop left Camp Polk. Louisiana so the story will begin at this time.

For many weeks before October 23, 1944, the day on which we left Camp Polk, there was busy preparation. No one knew the exact date for departure but as the time drew near all equipment which was to accompany us was packed and crated and the men's individual clothing and equipment was received, issued, and assembled in rows of new duffle bags. Finally all preparations seemed about complete. The new men who had joined the Troop had been POM qualified and an air of suspense and expectation prevailed. We had been given instructions in what to do and what not to do, what to say and what not to say and what to write and what not to write.

Suddenly the day for which everyone had worked, studied, trained and prepared, arrived, and weighed down under an impressive load of combat equipment, the Troop marched to a siding where a long, black, serious looking Pullman train waited. Quietly and quickly the Troop boarded the train as prearranged and rehearsed and the adventure had begun.

The trip by train was orderly and uneventful. In many ways it was a rest for the men and gave time for thought and relaxation. The route followed was roundabout and perplexing, but as we approached the first of our many destinations it was evident we were to sail from the general location already anticipated by many of the men. Camp Kilmer, our staging area, was near New York City and this was a treat and thrill for many. A great number of the men lived in or near this area and were able to see families and friends, while others who had never visited New York had the fun and enjoyment of being introduced to the great City.

Our stay in the staging area lasted 11 days. During this period the Troop received various articles of clothing and equipment which had not been issued at Camp Polk and also there were last minute medical check-ups, clothing and equipment inspections, and training periods and films. The days sped by until we were told there would be no more passes. Again there was a note of waiting and expectation. Two days later we again boarded a train and from the general atmosphere of seriousness and quietness it was clear that all appreciated the long-awaited sea voyage was close at hand. The movement was quiet and rapid and under the cover of darkness we were soon lined up on a pier along side the ship that was to be our home for 13 days. A Red Cross canteen truck was on hand to give us coffee, doughnuts and candy. It was our first experience in enjoying and appreciating all the Red Cross does for those overseas.

It was the night of November 6 and we climbed the gangplank with some unseen strength or help as each man was tired, nervous and almost bogged down with the overwhelming weight of clothing and equipment. We went below to our quarters, which at first seemed impossible because so little room was allowed each man in his bunk, the whole ensemble of which seemed more like a series of closely arranged shelves. Gradually it became clear that one could arrange ones things in, on and under ones bunk so that there was room to sleep and relax.

Our ship moved a ways down the harbor and waited. On the 7th of November she sailed, and we, a small part of a large convoy, were crossing the Atlantic Ocean. Our ship was a modern, hastily constructed, welded plate freighter, converted for troop transport. She was seaworthy but uncomfortable. There was much rough weather and considerable sea-sickness among the men, which in the most ideal situation is difficult but under our crowded and congested conditions could have been impossible. It seemed a remarkably good illustration of the good nature and adaptability of the American Soldier that we were so soon able to make the best of our cramped quarters and follow a schedule of living, eating, bathing and sleeping without any serious problems or results. The weather for the most part was cold and disagreeable and making one's self comfortable on the wet, crowded and wind-swept decks was a problem. The quarters below were so crowded and ill ventilated that sleeping there was about all one could take. In spite of all this the men took the 13 days with only a normal amount of surprisingly good natured complaining. The opportunity given for reading and resting seemed some compensation for the many discomforts. The voyage itself was uneventful except for occasional reports of submarines sighted, a few depth charges lowered, and a collision between two ships in the convoy. We docked at Southampton November 18th.

November 19, 1944 to January 4, 1945

Landing at one of England's great ports was a welcome change after having begun to feel like cattle herded in a small enclosure. Here we were again greeted by the Red Cross with hot coffee and doughnuts. The pier was also a train shed and our train was waiting. It excited considerable interest and amusement because of its small size, the individual doors to compartments, and most of all, the engine, which looked so plain and weak in comparison to its American brother, but which in reality is so fast, quiet and efficient, particularly for England's flat country and short distances.

We boarded the train and for the first time since leaving America we had room and were actually comfortable. The trip was fascinating but all too short. We rolled through towns, villages and countryside, and many and varied were the comments. The small English automobiles and little four-wheeled freight cars were a surprise to most of the men, and our first glimpses of gun emplacements, pill-boxes, air raid shelters and other indications of actual warfare mixed in with the normal setup of everyday life, made a definite impression. The age and permanency of all the houses and other buildings and the utilization of every inch of ground seemed a surprise and a marked contrast to all who were used to the vast expanse and waste in America, and the temporary appearance and characteristic of so many of our buildings in a land still new and subject to such constant and growing changes.

Our arrival in England was on November 19th and our destination was grim and uninviting after the delightful and interesting trip from the port of debarkation. We stepped from the train into mud, mist and darkness and were a forlorn group as we were shown to the area where we would live. It was a "Village of Tents," surrounded by English mud, which prevails in winter. Again the ingenuity and adaptability of the American Soldier came to the front and after several days of carpentry, grading, irrigating and amateur stone masonry, our dismal tent village emerged as a surprisingly neat little settlement. All the tents had doors and were repaired and made weather tight. Each had a stove and wires were strung and lights installed. Paths and walks were either made or repaired and in a short time a busy daily routine with a training schedule was established and the men were again living comparatively comfortable in spite of the penetrating, damp cold and fog of an English winter. We were fortunate here in having a large mess-hall and adequate, if not varied food.

The surrounding country and neighboring villages were none too cordial, but it was understandable as many parts of England, particularly this area, were deluged with soldiers. Perhaps the English resented our consuming so much of their limited rations of lukewarm beer.

We remained in England until early January and during this period it was made possible for every man to visit London, and this was both interesting and good fun. Here again the Red Cross played a big part, as comfortable, conveniently located lodging was made available to the men as well as several dependable and reasonable places to eat. Practically every man both visited the places of historical interest and hit the hot spots. Another pleasant note during this period was what we were able to make out of Christmas Day. We had the opportunity to entertain a group of young English boys and girls at Christmas Dinner. The men had saved parts of their PX rations and various things received from home so that each child had the fun and excitement of getting all kinds of candy, food and so forth not included in present day English life. This all helped considerably on a day which at its best would be most difficult for all the men so far away from home. It was heart-warming to see each soldier's interest in all the children and his efforts to see that every boy and girl had a good time.

During our stay in England we received all our vehicles and as they arrived they were inspected, checked, fitted and stowed for combat. This all took a great deal of time and patience. Also during this period much individual clothing, equipment and supplies were received and issued. Everyone was busy and the days rapidly went by.

It was here we lost our first man. Private Feld had to leave the Troop and go to a hospital because of foot trouble that might have developed into trench foot. It was remarkable that no more men suffered similar trouble because of the constant dampness, cold, rain and mud in England.

January 4 to February 3

By early January we were ready for the last lap of the journey to Europe, and we set forth in. two groups, those who went with the vehicles to Southampton, from where they accompanied the vehicles to France, and those who went to the same port by train, and then proceeded by boat to our first destination on the Continent. In both incidences the trips were made without any real problems, except that the men who went with the vehicles experienced an uncomfortable Channel crossing because of cramped, unclean quarters in an ill kept, poorly equipped ship.

The other group fared much better. They were abroad only a short time and on a ship that was clean and had washing and bathing facilities and good food.

Our arrival at the port of Le Havre was for almost everyone the first actual glimpse of the utter destruction and devastation caused by war. Many had seen badly damaged sections of London but it was not until France that we saw widespread areas completely torn up and destroyed. One was even more conscious of approaching the real thing. We, with the vehicles, traveled inland through interesting country side and picturesque old towns and villages, and all along the way the French people greeted us with smiles and friendly signs and gestures. We were in a part of France where the people were really glad to see us.

We joined the other part of the Troop at an old Chateau. They had arrived before us and were already considerably settled in this beautiful, rambling, country house, typical with its long windows and mansard roof. An air of sanctity was lent to Supply, which was housed in an exquisite little Chapel, adjoining one end of the great house. Remnants of comfort and luxury were still evident in many places, but the Chateau had been badly battered and looted by the Germans who had stayed there not long before us.

It was very cold and there was much snow but we had arrived with overshoes and extra blankets, and while here, we received sleeping bags so the men were fairly well prepared and protected. The Troop was here for two or three days, just long enough to become organized and collected for the next move.