The U.S. Army in Penkridge

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Units of the U.S. Army in Penkridge

1943 - 44

Lewis.JPG

Black Army / Air Corp Units

Penkridge 106 Quartermaster Battalion M Headquarters
Penkridge 382 Quartermaster Truck Company
Penkridge 445 Quartermaster Trp T Company
Penkridge 3112 Quartermaster Service Company
Penkridge 3327 Quartermaster Truck Company
Penkridge 3510 Quartermaster Truck Company
Penkridge 3968 Quartermaster Truck Company
Penkridge 4051 Quartermaster Truck Company to June 1944
Penkridge 614 Tank Destroyer Battalion (Towed) to August 1944
by Phil Grinton

At Teddesley

444 Quartermaster Transport T Co.
65 Ordnance Ammunition Battalion HQ
574 Quartermaster Railhead Co.
587 Ambulance Co. Motorized
1511 Engineer Water Supply Co.
1512 Engineer Water Supply Co.

Sam Gross http://withlovingmemories.com/Sam_William_Gross/index.html

american-flag.jpg

Lewis Lane, one of a small group of American soldiers stationed by the railway bridge and coal wharf, Penkridge. He sent his photo to Penkridge friends before he left for D-Day.

The 81st Chemical Mortar Battalion

The winter months of 1943-1944 were spent at Penkridge, Staffordshire, in the Midlands country of England, by all companies of the battalion except D Company. During this time, the unit was re-equipped with all its organizational equipment and was kept in shape by a varied program of exercises and many hikes to nearby Channock Chase. Penkridge was a sleepy English village and at first the natives didn't know quite what to make of the "Yanks," but when the civilians found out that Americans weren't all gangsters and that they might sleep safely in their beds at night, they became quite friendly and hospitable. The cultural points of interest were Penkridge Church, Litchfield Cathedral, and Hatherton Hall. For those interested in culture of a lighter vein, Civic Hall at Wolverhampton, the pubs at Stafford, Cannock, and other neighboring towns, served to keep all amused. "You cawn't miss it," "Any gum, chum," "Time please, gentlemen," became familiar phrases, and despite the protests that it was awful stuff, copious quantities of "Mild and Bitter" were consumed.
D - Day
In clearing the enemy from the beachhead, the companies expended a total of 6,807 rounds of ammunition. Casualties for this period were 11 killed (five officers and six enlisted men), 25 wounded, and one captured.

Unit History of the 81st Chemical Mortar Division