FROM JANUARY 27, 1945 TO MAY 7, 1945
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Work at this Depot, O-631, continued to be heavy. Due to the unusual
cold weather and snow experienced in the later part of January, much of
the work was accomplished under somewhat of a handicap, but production
levels were maintained nevertheless.
On the 27th of January 1945 2nd
Lt. Clyde W. Cloninger went to London to attend an Education and
Orientation school, returning 4 February 1945.
On the 9th
of February 1945 orders were were received promoting 2nd Lt.
Clyde W. Cloninger to 1st Lt., date of rank 1 February 1945
per par 15, SQ 32, HQ HTOUSA.
On the 13th
of February 1945 two enlisted men who had been on detached service at
Depot O-635 returned to duty.
The unit received
its first call for infantry reinforcements on 15 February 1945 and
enlisted men were transferred to the 12th Reinforcement
Depot on 19 February 1945. Three replacements arrived and joined the
company on March 8th, and one on March 11th.
These men were assigned from the GPRC (Det 80) APO 226. Soon thereafter
we received our second call for replacements and this time for 15 men.
These men left on the 19th of March for the 12 Rein. Dept.
APO 551.
Due to the critical
shortage of men in the shop, two men were recalled
from the detachment in Northern Ireland, they arrived on the 21st
of March.
Three replacements
joined this company on the 26th
of March, being assigned from the GPRC (Det 80) APO 226. All
replacements received so far were found to be energetic and willing to
learn, and with a little training, will be able to materially aid in
the mission of this unit.
Since another call
was received for reinforcements it was necessary to
begin the selection of the men. This group of 18 was transferred on the
30th
of March to the 12 Reinforcement Depot, APO 551. This unit now had less
personnel then at any other time during the last three years.
On the 4th of April six enlisted men who had been
transferred to the Depot by the 874th
Ordnance Heavy Automotive Maintenance Company were transferred to this
Organization. The fact that these men were trained in the type of work
we are doing is a great help at this time since we have lost so many of
our trained personnel as infantry reinforcements.
On the 12th
of April one of the men was returned to the unit from the 12th
Reinforcement Depot. After having completed his infantry training he
has passed his 31st birthday.
During the month of
April the unit was nominated as the Ordnance for
Task Force Nightlight. Work continued to be heavy at the maintenance
shop and April proved to be a record month.
At 1100 hours on 7
May 1945 the unit was notified to move to Camp
Crookston in Scotland the next day. Everyone was busily engaged in
packing and loading when word was received of the unconditional
surrender of Germany. The unit moved by convoy on 8 April 1945 and
cleared the initial point at 0700 hours. Therefore, instead of having a
day off the unit spent VE Day fighting it's way over the hilly roads of
Northern England and Scotland. The unit arrived at its destination at
2045 hours and found the Camp to be dismal and muddy place.
As this account closes the unit is busy preparing for its mission
with the Task Force Nightlight.