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Background Deploying England Letters

October 24, 1944: England

This is “VMail“. To save airplane space, the letters were photographed and the film was shipped back to the US, where they were printed and mailed.

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Note from: An Historical and Pictorial Record of the 87 Infantry Division in WWII

The Queen Elizabeth” departed from New York Harbor on 17 October 1944 and arrived at Gourock, Scotland, on the Firth of Clyde, on 22 October. Debarkation proceeded on 23 and 24 October with the Division Headquarters and other organizations proceeding by rail to Cheshire County, England. Division Headquarters was set up at Peover Manor, near Knutsford, England, with the other organizations being billated in nearby towns.

From 346th Infantry:

The Second and Third Battalions were billeted in Congleton. The Regiment spent a pleasant month in England receiving new vehicles and combat equipment, training, and getting acquainted with the English people.]

According to the history of the 87th Infantry Division, they were deployed in Scotland/England as follows


England
Oct. 24, 1944

Hello Folks,
I hope this turns out to be a successful experiment. As I haven’t got any black ink yet I hope a pencil will do. Also I have been carrying this Vmail form in my pocket for some time so if your copy is sort of messy looking you’ll know why.
I am happy to tell you that the latter part of my boat ride was more enjoyable than the few days just preceding it. In fact under different circumstances, I might have enjoyed boat riding for a few more days. Solid ground did feel good though.
These last few days certainly have added to my travel experiences. I have now tread on soil outside of our good old U.S. You needn’t even consider where I would rather be though.
I am very happy that it was possible for me to see what little part of the scenery here that I did. The little sight-seeing that I had a chance to do was really a thrilling experience for me. All that I have seen in pictures can be seen first hand. It’s a real education. I am doing OK. Lots of Love,
Donald