"Camp Shanks" April 18, 1944

Upon completing a short but intensive training program, the battalion departed by rail from Camp Swift on 11 April 1944 for the POE (Point Of Embarkation) - Camp Shanks, New York. After a hurried three days and nights, the unit left Camp Shanks and boarded the New Amsterdam, a former Dutch luxury-liner now converted to transporting troops. The New Amsterdam sailed from New York harbor on 18 April 1944. A week later, after an uneventful crossing of the Atlantic, the ship anchored at the scenic port of Greenock, Scotland. The train, which was waiting at the dock, took us south into England. By the 27th of April the entire battalion was billeted in private homes of English families located in the village of Port Sunlight, Cheshire. During our two-month visit, we took full advantage of the opportunity and privilege to become really acquainted with our English hosts. The sincerity of the hospitality so graciously offered us, the many little things that made us feel at home, the friendships that developed, will not be soon forgotten. There was an important job to be done; the unit had to be completely equipped and motorized. Although the time for additional training was short, each company was able to get in one day of firing on the range at Ruabon, Wales, as well as some small arms firing. Art Pranger (4/20/98)