GenealogyGraphics
100_1346
MOVING
By 1 August 1944, the Squadron was well acclimated to their surroundings in Normandy. After five weeks in France, the men felt very much at ease in the hilly, fertile country which they now called "home". Although they lacked many of the conveniences and comforts that they had in England, the men had tents, beds, water and three nourishing meals a day. The men ate well and heartily. For the month of August, Captain Leon Schults, Medical Officer, reports that there were no serious medical cases. An occasional sprain, bruise or touch of "Athletes Feet" would beset the soldiers, but grave maladies or hampering colds were negligible. Strange as it may seem, the medical section was ore often called upon to render medical assistance to the unfortunate French denizens, who for several years had been without any medical attention. It is estimated that approximately fifteen civilians were treated for various disorders ranging from Heart Disease to burns and bruises. The French were very grateful for the services rendered and responded gratefully by bringing fruits and vegetables to the encampments. In brief, the Squadron adjusted itself admirably to the field condition it now encountered.
After six weeks at Maroon 1, (Vouilly, Normandy) the outfit was becoming restless if not a bit annoyed at the involuntary internment which permitted them no more freedom than the width and breadth of the field extended. True, the Liaison Pilots flew to various regions within the Normandy area, but the ground echelon had to content itself with the fertile pasture, which was the extent of their domain.
Then, with much satisfaction, the stubborn, well garrisoned city of St Lo fell. The Germans left this vital communications center and were steadily retreating. The outfit stirred out of its lethargy and on August 6th they moved to (Maroon 2) (Canisy, Normandy), Before the month had ended, the Squadron moved Thrice more: To St Pois on August 11th (Maroon 3), to Couterne on August 23rd (Maroon 4), to Maillebois on August 25th (Maroon 5). They were still in Normandy, but the scenery had changed. With each move the outfit acquired more experience, so by this time the men were definitely packing and unpacking their belongs with all the dexterity of experienced furniture movers. On these bustling days reveille was held at 0600 hours, and tow hours later the convoy had started.
In Normandy the French were friendly and were always willing to lend a helping hand. They brought vegetables, eggs and potatoes to the kitchen and on numerous occasions laundered clothes. They tendered information freely and aside from annoyingly clutter the fields, they were very much welcome. The soldiers were always anxious to strike a conversation with a Frenchman, and several men took this opportunity to learn French.
At varied intervals, Flight Officer William O. Huttlinger, Special Service Officer, arranged to have some very welcome entertainment. On August 15th, Dinah Shore, the famed songstress and actress appeared with her troupe at Maroon 3 and charmingly did her best for the boys; the candid camera fans snapped pictures, the jitterbugs jittered, and the sedate reminisced of home. It was a successful afternoon and the morale of the outfit was greatly boosted. The Cinemas exhibited were "The Hairy Ape", "Mrs. Miniver", "Follow the Boys", and "Beautiful but Broke". A special Service Troup, consisting of former stage stars, new in Khaki, also displayed its talents and were appreciatively received.
100_1346
MOVING
By 1 August 1944, the Squadron was well acclimated to their surroundings in Normandy. After five weeks in France, the men felt very much at ease in the hilly, fertile country which they now called "home". Although they lacked many of the conveniences and comforts that they had in England, the men had tents, beds, water and three nourishing meals a day. The men ate well and heartily. For the month of August, Captain Leon Schults, Medical Officer, reports that there were no serious medical cases. An occasional sprain, bruise or touch of "Athletes Feet" would beset the soldiers, but grave maladies or hampering colds were negligible. Strange as it may seem, the medical section was ore often called upon to render medical assistance to the unfortunate French denizens, who for several years had been without any medical attention. It is estimated that approximately fifteen civilians were treated for various disorders ranging from Heart Disease to burns and bruises. The French were very grateful for the services rendered and responded gratefully by bringing fruits and vegetables to the encampments. In brief, the Squadron adjusted itself admirably to the field condition it now encountered.
After six weeks at Maroon 1, (Vouilly, Normandy) the outfit was becoming restless if not a bit annoyed at the involuntary internment which permitted them no more freedom than the width and breadth of the field extended. True, the Liaison Pilots flew to various regions within the Normandy area, but the ground echelon had to content itself with the fertile pasture, which was the extent of their domain.
Then, with much satisfaction, the stubborn, well garrisoned city of St Lo fell. The Germans left this vital communications center and were steadily retreating. The outfit stirred out of its lethargy and on August 6th they moved to (Maroon 2) (Canisy, Normandy), Before the month had ended, the Squadron moved Thrice more: To St Pois on August 11th (Maroon 3), to Couterne on August 23rd (Maroon 4), to Maillebois on August 25th (Maroon 5). They were still in Normandy, but the scenery had changed. With each move the outfit acquired more experience, so by this time the men were definitely packing and unpacking their belongs with all the dexterity of experienced furniture movers. On these bustling days reveille was held at 0600 hours, and tow hours later the convoy had started.
In Normandy the French were friendly and were always willing to lend a helping hand. They brought vegetables, eggs and potatoes to the kitchen and on numerous occasions laundered clothes. They tendered information freely and aside from annoyingly clutter the fields, they were very much welcome. The soldiers were always anxious to strike a conversation with a Frenchman, and several men took this opportunity to learn French.
At varied intervals, Flight Officer William O. Huttlinger, Special Service Officer, arranged to have some very welcome entertainment. On August 15th, Dinah Shore, the famed songstress and actress appeared with her troupe at Maroon 3 and charmingly did her best for the boys; the candid camera fans snapped pictures, the jitterbugs jittered, and the sedate reminisced of home. It was a successful afternoon and the morale of the outfit was greatly boosted. The Cinemas exhibited were "The Hairy Ape", "Mrs. Miniver", "Follow the Boys", and "Beautiful but Broke". A special Service Troup, consisting of former stage stars, new in Khaki, also displayed its talents and were appreciatively received.