13 May, 2011

12 May, 1944 (Orders)

No letter today. Just this:

* TIDBIT *

about Orders Authorized on 6 May, 1944

TOP SECRET
HEADQUARTERS
SOUTHERN BASE SECTION
SOS ETOUSA


SUBJECT: Concentration Camp           Date: 12 May 1944

TO:   CO, Med Det, 438 AAA AW BN
      Priority List No A--2277  

   The Priority Lists and the Embarco plan indicates that your unit is now in its concentration camp (Sherborne). After complying with POM-SSV (vehicle waterproofing, acquisition of required equipment and supplies, and other preparatory functions) you will be prepared to move on or after   31 May    on six (6) hours notice. You will receive further instructions on Exercise "Hornpipe" through command channels.
EMBARCO
E.R. YOUNG, Lt. Col. CE
Embarkation Control Officer

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ORIGINAL

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[Notes: CO = Commanding Officer (Greg was CO of the 438th AAA AW BN Medical Detachment). POM-SSV = Preparation for Overseas Movement - Short Sea Voyage. "Hornpipe" was the code word for the airborne element of "Overlord," which was the code word for the Invasion of Normandy. This was evidenced in a signal that was sent on May 23rd from General Eisenhower's Headquarters to the operational Commanders-in-Chief. When deciphered it read: "Exercise Hornpipe Bigot Halcyon Y plus four." Hornpipe meant "Overlord". Bigot was a code word used to express the highest degree of secrecy, Halcyon indicated D-day, and Y had been fixed as the 1st of June. The signal thus fixed D-day as the 5th June.]

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