Transport Units beyond the Division

[floydragsdale]

Note: the discussion below was initiated by thoughts in the first post under 106th Quartermaster Unit: 106thdivision.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=unit&action=display&thread=582
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1944 CHRISTMAS MAIL:

This is does not pertain to the Quartermaster part of the 106th, nevertheless, a similar situation applied to the delivery of mail during the Bulge days (and Xmas season).

Not one piece of Christmas mail, including packages, reached the Soldiers of G Company, 424th Regiment. We (G Co. men) received word that the mail trucks were ambushed by the Germans.

Sacks of mail were used as road blocks and eventually were blown to shreds by the German Army.

Consequently, it was a wishful Xmas season for the men of G Company; we wished for Xmas letters and packages. However, it was just wishful thinking.

The same thing probably applied to other parts of the 424th Regiment as well.

Finally, the night before Xmas most of us didn't know it was Xmas eve until our Company Commander informed us that it was.

Floyd,
424th Regiment

[connie]

1944 CHRISTMAS MAIL:

Floyd,

I had heard of trucks containing division mail being captured/ blown up, etc. This is the first note I have seen about the receiving (or non-receiving) end of those actions... Somehow it makes the loss more real...

Connie

[connie]

TROOP TRANSPORT FRANCE TO FRONT

Floyd (and anyone else who may know),

I read something recently (by someone who wasn't there) that claimed that from France to the front, troops of the 106th were transported in completely open vehicles intended for cargo and not for troops. I know that as a member of the infantry you saw precious little in the line of people transport vehicles. But for that 300+ mile ride from France to the Belgian front, I know you had a lift most of the way.

Can you tell me what type of vehicle transported the troops. The ones I know were transported in those 2 and 1/2 ton trucks that had benches on either side of the truck bed and a canvas canopy over the top (supported by sturdy stays). These would not have been cozy and warm. The canopy was open in the back. But I don't believe these men were totally exposed to the elements. (Sort of like walking with an umberella-- a bit of protection above). Is this the type of vehicle that transported you from France?

Connie

[floydragsdale]

TRAVELING FRANCE TO FRONT

Hi Connie:

We were trasported in U.S. Army 2 1/2 ton trucks, just as you described.

Weather permitting, the trucks could have been open; however it was misting and raining almost the entire trip. Consequently, the trucks were closed. The convoy made stops along the way so we could get out, stretch our legs and attend to personal chores.

Many of the G.I.'s made fun of "Sunny France" and told jokes along the way. Yet, some G.I.s sat in stony silence with a far away look in their eyes.

How well I remember that journey to the front lines. During one break (stop) we could hear artillery missles, "whislting" their unique sounds, overhead. Then we knew our long ride was nearing an end.

When we saw bodies of dead German Soldiers and wrecked Army vehicles strewn along the roadside we knew that "This was the real thing." Our outfit was not playing war games now.

The name of the Army outfit that transported us from France to Belgium was the "Red Ball Transportation Company. All of the drivers were black American Soldiers.

Floyd

[connie]

REDBALL EXPRESS/ GASOLINE/ Jerry Cans

Floyd,
I know I've said it before but it sure helps to have details confirmed and fleshed out by someone who was there...

Your mention of the Red Ball Express is interesting, too. Some time ago I happened across a copy of a book that tells the story of these men. It's here beside me in my pile of books to read... working its way toward the top. It's called The Road to Victory by David P Colley. It looks to be well written and an interesting read as well as a tribute to men whose service was often forgotten.

If the convoy stops were coordinated, I imagine that gasoline re-supply cans must have lined the road for some distance...

Connie

[connie]

LINK TO MORE JERRY CAN DISCUSSIONS
Like most good discussions, this one morphed. I probably lead that morph. The discussion that followed on Jerry Cans fits best under Military Equipment and has been moved there. You can follow that discussion through this link:
106thdivision.proboards.com/post/2079/thread

BACK TO TRANSPORTATION UNITS
What is now the first post under Jerry Cans fits here, too, since it included Floyd's answers to my questions about fuel supply along the convoy travel route. I'll copy that below.

Here from Floyd:
FUEL CANS:

Hello Connie;

Your mentioning of gasoline supplies brought back memories of the "jerrie" cans of gas we passed by along the way to Belgium.They were stacked along the roadside. I don't know why they were referred to as jerrie cans; yet that's what everyone called them.

They were five gallon cans and painted an olive drab color. Most U.S. Army vehicles had one of those cans strapped to their truck, jeep or what ever thing on wheels was being used by the driver.

The top of those cans had a flat surface so they could be stacked, one on top of the other. Also, they were made so they could easily be picked up and carried. When full they sure would slow a person down to a walk though.

A lever on the top of the can allowed a person to open and close the cap with little effort.

Floyd