Yesterday I mentioned the difference between the training given to Marine recruits in 1942, and that given to today’s recruits. I would like to share with my readers an account about a 1942 training practice that focused on landing skills. The men were preparing to go to the South Paciific.
Here is what was written in a 1942 yearbook, a yearbook given to members of a Marine Corps Reserve Officers Class:
“The battalion arises at 0200 some morn in silent blackness pierced only by the stabbing barracks light. After a hasty breakfast, with sandwiches stuffed in pockets, men march down to the Potomac, carrying the regular equipment of infantry battalion minus packs. Mortars, machine guns, auto rifles and regular arms are carried. Down at the dock the Higgins landing boats mill around…Men climb from cargo nets into boats as they come alongside the platform. Equipment is lowered down with ropes and the men climb the nets hand over hand, rifles slung over backs, canteens and bayonets dangling.”
The Marines at Quantico took advantage of their proximity to the Potomac. The same yearbook from which I took the above quote shows pictures of Marines in training. They are running on the shore of the Potomac in their fighting gear.
Today’s quote has described the men boarding the craft that was to take them to a shorepoint on the Potomac. Tomorrow I will post information about the experience that the Marines in training had, once they got on that River.
