Anderson Family History Issue 20 ● November 2014

Glenn Anderson War Letters Camp Shanks & Jan-May 1944

On 1 Jan 1944, Grandpa Glenn was packing his belongings in his barracks bag and getting ready to leave Camp Claiborne for his new assignment. He had completed 10 weeks of training as a combat engineer. However, Glenn did not have a “Happy New Year” for several reasons. First, he spent the day on the rifle range and he failed to qualify. Second, the weather on the rifle range was cold, rainy, and miserable. Third, he was uncertain about his next assignment, especially after all of the combat engineer training he had completed the previous ten weeks. Fourth, Glenn and several others from his unit received Special Orders saying that they were reduced in rank from sergeant to private. This was perhaps the low point of his military career—he was very discouraged. How could this happen? After all, he had completed all of his assignments in a satisfactory or exemplary manner. Did he know this was coming?

Yes, Glenn knew that his rank would change sometime before he left Camp Claiborne, but he didn’t know when or how much. In fact, he knew as early as 4 Sep 1943, when he wrote to his parents that “the Army needs fewer sergeants.” He said that he was part of the “cadre pool” and was “one of many excess non- coms” (non-commissioned officers). He explained later that the unit he joined (1302nd Engineers General Services Regiment) already had as many sergeants as they needed. They didn’t any more. Grandpa Glenn explained that “the rank goes with the assignment and responsibilities—you change assignments and you change rank.” “They admitted to our faces that we are all very good soldiers deserving of our ratings…Naturally, the Commanding Officer has men of his own to whom he wishes to give the ratings” (2 Jan 1944).

In addition to the disappointment this caused, it had another impact. “I will have to cut out my [war] bond allotment from my pay now or I wouldn’t have enough money left over from pay day to keep me in toothpaste and soap” (2 Jan 1944). At least he didn’t suffer as much as his buddy whose father died and was denied furlough to attend the funeral. “It makes us all very mad for the way he gets treated because he is a fine fellow and about the best solder I have ever known.”

After several more days of infantry drill, extended order drill, calisthenics, volleyball, and guard duty, Glenn packed his barracks bag and prepared to move. He left Camp Claiborne on a troop train at 5:15 pm on 8 Jan 1944. He rode through Baton Rough, New Orleans, Hattiesburg, Birmingham, then Tennessee and Virginia. He passed the time reading a book and playing checkers. He also served as train guard during stops. After breakfast in Philadelphia on 11 Jan 1944, he rode to New York City (viewing the Empire State building); he arrived at Camp Shanks at noon. Camp Shanks was the Army’s largest embarkation camp, dubbed “Last Stop USA” and located 15 miles north of NYC on the west bank of the Hudson River. The remainder of the day was filled with processing—physical exam, vaccinations, turning in rifles and bayonets, and checking clothing. He was assigned orderly at regimental headquarters and fire watch in the officers’ quarters for 24 hours. In the evening, his unit was given passes to New York City. Glenn shopped for birthday cards for Fritz and Doris. He also ordered flowers to be delivered to Violet and Mabel on Valentines Day. The next morning, he had drill and calisthenics, and then helped Army clerks process personnel records.

On 14 Jan 1944, they rolled their packs and “practiced debarkation.” The following day, Glenn and fellow soldier, Byrne, were again assigned fire watch at the officers’ hut. In the evening, he wrote letters to Violet, his parents, and Bertha. In the letter to his parents, Glenn wished Fritz a happy birthday (“able, well, and strong at age three score and ten”). Glenn was also saddened by news of the death of cousin Phil Peterson (Mary and Jane’s uncle). After rifle and equipment issue the next morning, they cleaned the barracks (“shacks”) and left Camp Shanks at 6:15 pm. By 9:30, they were on the USAT (Army Transport) Cristobal and Convoy forming in the Narrows of the Hudson River, near Staten Island, about the time Grandpa Glenn sailed for England on the hit their bunks. The next morning, they ate troop ship USAT Cristobal breakfast at 9:30 and remained docked, waiting to join the convoy. After reading Lutheran Companion and serving on guard duty, the convoy finally left New York harbor at 11:00 that night. Ship convoys were the safest way to reach England because troop ships and supply ships were accompanied by naval destroyers and sub chasers, many of them British or Canadian. Near land, Army Air Corps fighters and anti-submarine planes also accompanied convoys. Very likely, Glenn’s convoy was designated HX 275. According to http://www.warsailors.com/convoys/hx275.html, there were 62 ships in this convoy, protected by 19 escort ships. Other likely ships in the convoy were the USS Waighstill Avery, Clara Barton, Henry W. Grady, and George Washington. The USAT Cristobal (Glenn called it a “banana boat”) was built in 1939 by Bethlehem Steel in Quincy, Massachusetts, for the cruise line of the Panama Railroad Company. In 1942 it was requisitioned by the US Army and converted from an ocean liner to a camouflage-painted task force communication ship that also carried 2,300 troops.

At sea, Glenn served on guard duty during the day. At night, they hit rolling seas. Glenn and many others got seasick. He skipped breakfast in the morning, but felt hungry by supper (which he “kept down”). By the fourth day out (21 Jan 1944), he was “feeling good again” and enjoyed star gazing that night. The next day, his friend Kitzmiller stayed topside in the wind and rain with Glenn on guard duty. “He stood watch with me the entire day.” The next day was Sunday. At noon, Glenn attended chapel services in the troop mess. He then enjoyed a complete turkey dinner. His thoughts turned to his family— Christine was eight months old.

Monday, 24 Jan 1944, was the seventh day out. The seas were still rolling, but there was less wind. He got a haircut and went to the commissary. “Contact made with [German] subs during the night, but no action.” The next day they experienced a strong gale with rain and heavy seas. Waves were 20 to 30 feet high and lasted over 24 hours. When seas quieted, it was his turn to stand guard duty. Night watch was in total darkness to avoid being spotted by German subs. He passed the time Christine held captive while Great-Grandpa John repeating Psalms and favorite passages of scripture that he had Wilson prepares their garden for spring 1944 memorized. He also sang hymns to himself— “Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me and All the Way My Savior Leads Me have a fuller, deeper meaning to me now” (4 Feb 1944). He ate chicken and ice cream for supper. On the tenth day out, 27 Jan 1944, they spotted a lighthouse on the Irish coast at 7:30 pm and the convoy split up. The next day, they watched the coasts of Ireland and Scotland. The “Irish sea was very green and calm.”

Finally, the sun shone when they docked at Swansea, Wales, at 10:30 am on 29 Jan 1944, the USAT Cristobal, outfitted as a troop ship with camouflage twelfth day out of New York. After debarkation, paint and communication masts. Glenn was one of over they left at 4:30 pm on trucks through Cardiff and 166,000 US troops who arrived in England during January Bristol, arriving at the bivouac area about midnight. 1944. By D-Day, the total would number over 1.6 million They were served a hot meal and went to bed about 3:00 am. They were up at 9:30 the next morning and unpacked in their tents. He was paired up with Norman Field, “someone I knew from civilian life.” While others went to a nearby town, he spent the rest of the day cleaning rifles and other equipment with his buddy, LaVerne Dow. The next day, Glenn wrote V-mail to Violet and his parents after a shave and sponge bath. He ended the letter with a Biblical reference, Psalm 1. In his next V-mail, he sent his Valentines greetings and wished he had Valentines cards to send, but had no way to obtain them. He said that he was well and happy, strong and healthy, and “in a contented frame of mind” (11 Feb 1944). This V- mail and the following one had one word redacted at the end of the V-mail, blackened to an illegible state by the camp censor. Apparently, like the previous V-mail, these were Biblical references which were not allowed in mail from the ETO. “I was told today that it is not permissible by censorship rules. It is possible to use it as a code device, so I can see the point in not allowing it” (15 Feb 1944). Glenn made at least a passing acquaintance with the camp censor (a lieutenant) because on at least one occasion, Glenn shared with him a fruitcake that Mabel and Fritz sent from home.

On 1 Feb 1944, his construction detail (2nd Platoon) began several projects in the bivouac area: cinder walks around the mess tent, brick fireplace for heating water, and installing a stove. The 1st Battalion then stood inspection in ranks. On 4 Feb 1944, they packed up and left at 11:00 am for their new location, Crendle Court at Milborne Port, in County, England, about 125 miles southwest of London. They ate dinner and moved into their tents. The Crendle Court, a manor house for the Purse Caundle estate at next day, Glenn was part of a detail to clean the Milborne Port. Glenn’s second assignment in England was to Crendle Court mansion for officers’ quarters. clean this “mansion” to serve as officers’ quarters After inspection, they washed clothes and shined shoes, their first opportunity since leaving the US. More of the same happened on the next day, followed by Sunday services in the mess tent. CPL Campbell, a baritone, “likes to sing as much as I do.” Together, they led “an enjoyable, old-fashioned song fest” and organized a male chorus to sing in chapel services. Glenn said that the scenery in the area was “different, beautiful and very picturesque” (11 Feb 1944). Each week, he drew his rations at the PX—seven packages of cigarettes (“I have no difficulty in getting rid of them”), one bar of soap, one bottle of Coca-Cola, two razor blades, and one box of matches. “We can get all the shaving cream, toothpaste, and toothbrushes we need. And the prices of all these articles in the PX is very low” (15 Feb 1944).

In the following weeks, Glenn worked on a construction detail at nearby US Army Station Hospital 228, building coal bins, concrete driveway, asphalt walks, floors, and brick walls. “Helped brick layers—carried brick and mortar” (17 Feb 1944). The next day, he had a day pass and traveled with Army nurses by truck to Yeovil Guards at the entry gate to the 228th Station Hospital. Glenn worked on and , where he enjoyed construction projects here for two months in early 1944 visiting the shops, abbeys (“vaulted ceilings as high as heaven”), and walking the two towns. In September 1940, a few buildings sustained damage from German bombs. After looking in the shops, “…many of the rationed products appear to be plentiful…Among these items are soap and meat…On the other hand, most foods and bakery items are very reasonable…These British people get along on a lot less food than does the average American” (18 Feb 1944). Glenn’s unit soon moved two miles west to the hospital grounds at Sherborne to be closer to their work. More construction the following week was interrupted only by James Cagney, who visited the wounded in the hospital. For more entertainment, Glenn attended a piano recital by Lt. Clayton Mitchell and a movie, “His Butler’s Sister.”

By 1 Mar 1944, Glenn was singing in the chapel choir and sang solos, “Jesus, Rose of Sharon” and “Beneath the Cross of Jesus,” at the request of an Army nurse a week earlier. He was also asked by the Chaplain to sing them again for evening services. “If I can be used in humility to bring a message in song, I am thankful for the privilege.” Afterward, he wrote more letters. At mail call then next day, he received eight letters—from Violet, his parents, Joe Anderson, Hazel, Christabel, Ethel, Doris, and Auntie Iva. News from home included Fritz’s birthday, Christine’s hair and new tooth, Christabel’s surprise, Bertha’s dog, Helen’s classes, Doris’ furlough, June and Vivian’s visit, Bob Gustafson’s training, Alice’s surgery, Ethel’s convalescent furlough, LaVerne’s location in The 228th Station Hospital served as a medical stabilization facility before wounded England, flu and joint th birthdays of Melvin and soldiers were transferred to Army general hospitals. The 228 was staffed by 40 officers (mostly doctors), 76 nurses, 400 enlisted men, plus chaplains, Red Cross volunteers, and Uncle Roy, Uncle Bill’s 23 English civilians employed for maintenance and office work hospitalization, Aunt Hazel’s condition, Grandma [Amanda] Nord’s death, Jean Nord’s death, location of Bob Larson, and cousin Bob Anderson. By 10 Mar 1944, training classes had started, along with calisthenics, drill, and bayonets. More construction work filled the following weeks (digging ditches for water lines), along with choir, mixed quartet, “Trust and Obey,” and duet with Nurse Chaney in chapel services. He kept up on washing and pressing his uniforms, including sewing on SOS (Service of Supply) shoulder patches. This insignia was an indicator of his primary Army assignment for the remainder of his time in England—clerk in an engineering supply depot.

On 20 Mar 1944, 29 soldiers were killed on the hospital grounds. They were training for D-Day by laying and recovering anti-tank land mines. Unfortunately, a truck loaded with 90 mines accidently rolled over a live mine and a colossal explosion killed most members of Company C, 294th Engineer Combat Battalion, part of the 4th Infantry Division (fortunately, not Glenn’s unit). In addition to 29 killed, others were injured and taken to the nearby hospital. (Having an explosives training area so close to a hospital was in violation of the Geneva Convention.) The hospital consisted primarily of Quonset huts and opened its doors on 18 Sep 1943. It was located at Haydon Park on the grounds of the Lord Digby estate. The Digby family was living in a relatively “new” castle. One of the daughters, Pamela Digby, later married Randolph Churchill, Winston's son. The 1617 Digby castle was built next to the ruined 1592 castle of Sir Walter Raleigh. Over 1,200 acres of the 15,000 acre estate became the headquarters and training area for the commandos involved in the D-Day landings. Wounded soldiers from the ETO front lines were transported to the 228th hospital on a new road built by Army engineers from the nearby port at Weymouth. Glenn spent many days spreading gravel and rock on a new road, perhaps the new road from Weymouth. Later in the war, the hospital was converted to a POW camp.

On 28 Mar 1944, Lt. Moore (platoon commanding officer) assigned Glenn as the platoon clerk, “a soft, white-collar job.” Completing Army forms and other paperwork in the platoon office gave Glenn a break from manual labor of road construction. He ran errands around camp and picked up overseas cable (telegram) forms at the Sherborne Post Office. He had time to mend and press (“with military creases”) not only his clothes, but those of Rhodes, Farze, Tunielty, Lt. Moore, and “some other fellows.” One day, he made 10 shillings ($2.00). He also had time to write letters, read the St. Charles Chronicle, Augustana Inner Mission newsletter (“I was thrilled to read my little note in there”), and a book, “Magnificent Obsession.” He was faithful in attending choir practice. He had several long talks with Chaplain Slayton and was given permission to use his office for letter writing and duet practice. The next Sunday, he and Nurse Jansma Burns (“our organist”) sang a duet, “Stranger of Galilee” (Chaplain Slayton’s favorite), in chapel services. On other Sundays, he sang duets (such as “Haven of Rest” and “I Surrender All”) with Nurse Cheney, and received compliments from the Colonel. Glenn was impressed by Chaplain Slayton (a Methodist) and others who preached “directly from his heart…and was spirit-filled indeed” (20 Mar 1944). Back in the office, he delivered telegrams to the Sherborne Post Office. Training continued on weapons, particularly machine guns and bazookas. On Easter Sunday, 9 Apr 1944, chapel services were well attended. Glenn and Lt. Moore sang “We’ve a Story to Tell.” On many Sunday evenings, Glenn attended the weekly hymn sing at the chapel, followed by choir practice. “I am about ready to go to Church for the third time today…How happy I am to have the splendid opportunity to worship here so frequently! It has indeed been a blessing to me” (19 Mar 1944). He wrote letters and read an Irvin Cobb book that he checked out at the American Red Cross service center. He enjoyed walking the area and seeing the sights, not only in Sherborne and Yeovil, but on the 15,000 acre estate. These included the lake and ruins of the old Sir Walter Raleigh castle (“larger than Dunham’s Castle and much older”).

On 15 Apr 1944, Glenn’s unit moved from the 228th Hospital at Sherborne to the Company Headquarters at the port of Weymouth. The next day, they moved to the 1st Division camp eight miles north at Piddlehinton. Their first day’s assignment was guarding clothing and equipment. This was followed by a week of construction, beginning with unloading 300 bags of cement, unloading two bulldozers, setting concrete forms for a slab and storage tank, and digging trenches for 3-inch drain pipe. “My work gives me plenty of exercise—especially in the legs” (20 Mar 1944). On a day pass, Glenn and friend Hulshof visited Weymouth and Dorchester, where he bought a doll to send home to Christine. They returned to camp at Piddlehinton just in time to move back to Company Headquarters at Weymouth. Because of the new location, he was unable to attend chapel (“I felt lost”) and unable to sing another planned duet with Nurse Cheney. He felt lost in another way—no mail service when working in small groups at temporary locations.

The next day, 25 Apr 1944, they moved 16 miles east to the Army 95th General Hospital near Ringwood (12 miles north of Bournemouth). For the next week, they built forms and poured concrete floors for 16 by 50- foot tents. They also built a bridge. (No wonder Glenn didn’t shy away from concrete work at 1311 Elm Street and 813 Indiana Street!) “The place we are at now serves the best chow we have had since coming to England” (29 April 1944). Before returning to Company Headquarters in Weymouth on 4 May 1944, he had a pass and visited the seashore at Bournemouth. He rode on an English train and noted that they are different than in the US—the English coaches were divided into compartments, each with a door, rather than a center aisle connected to doors and platform on each end of the coach (12 Apr 1944).

In Weymouth, after several days of laundry, letter-writing, cleaning rifle and other equipment, Glenn received a new assignment on 6 May 1944 that would last most of his remaining time in England. Stay tuned to find out his new assignment and where it was located.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

To be continued…