The night of 6 June 1944 at 2330, the 489th departed from Camp Shanks for the New York Port of Embarkation for trans-ocean shipment aboard the “Queen Mary” to a secret destination per TMO, CG, NYPE. The weather was warm and clear; morale was high.
The 13th of June 1944 at 0515, the ship anchored in the Firth of Clyde, Scotland. Our troops remained on board until the 14th of June on which day they were divided into two groups, disembarked, and placed on trains bound for Tidworth, England. The day was cold and misty.
On the 15th of June 1944, in the mid-morning, the two groups arrived at slightly different times in Tidworth where they were met by the advance detail. With the assistance of parts of the 28th Infantry Division, they were billeted by lunch time in their new quarters in the Tidworth Barracks. The day was cold and sunny. Morale was superior.
The balance of June and the month of July were spent in ordinary garrison duties and preparations for a future move to the continent. Hospitality tours, a trip to London for certain officers and enlisted personnel to see the Imperial War Museum, and organized trips to Salisbury, Andover, and Amesbury were arranged for both officers and enlisted men. There was no change in the battalion strength of 31 officers, 2 warrant officers and 489 enlisted men. Morale continued high.
Letter #1
My darling,
I can’t write you very much because I do not know what the new censorship rules will be at this place. Honey you probably know by the time you receive this that we have gone to sea. I bet you wondered why you didn’t get any mail. Well honey you know for sure now.
On the ship we are on they have placed all the 1st Lt in one stateroom and every night we have a big bull session. Last night it was after two a.m. before we got to sleep. One thing I’m very glad for, no one has got sick in our new stateroom. Penny and Schmidt came the nearest of being sick
I was placed on a detail yesterday that would take me away from the unit for a couple of weeks. Millner put up with that and saw Col Martin and very soon I was taken off. He told Martin he didn’t want any of his B.C on any details. I wonder if that means anything for us. Wish it would.
Letter #2
I received your election form on the boat. So I have it with me. I’m going to fill that out tonight and send it by air-mail to you. Then you can take care of it for me. Also you can arrange for absent notice ballot for me. I really got to vote to cancel your Mother’s vote for Hoffman.
As yet I haven’t told mom about the last ring. I think I better do that very soon. I let you know when I do.
Honey when you receive this we will know I’m safe some where in this world. And just keep hoping this war will soon be over as I can return to you like I want. Be good. I’m afraid now that you are really your own boss now that I’m so far away. I’ll write you as often as I can. Don’t worry because I love you very much and will always my dear.
All my love
Jack