"Our Hq. C.O. suggested we accumulate coffee and any non-perishable material that we could transport and use, due to doubtful rations in the future. This six-week layover awaiting our equipment (guns, trucks, jeeps, etc.) we became aware of the prime necessities of the populace: candy, cigarettes, sugar and our bed covers. The white mattress covers were a premium price to the Arab. During the inspection, or "shakedown", prior to moving into interior Africa, an extreme shortage of covers was exposed. Most were stolen from them according to G.I. testimonials, but of course they were worth about $20.00 so how could you tell."
"Another asset for the soldier was the French Garrison's "vino saloon". Within walking distance of our bivouac area, the garrison presented some immature wine (vino) of very short vintage with just enough alcoholic contents to make you sick. However, it did permit a place of relaxation in a different atmosphere than our tents. Card playing and some gambling of sorts prevailed; anything that could pass the time without going into the city of Casablanca, which required a pass." (B.F.)
The replacement equipment arrived for "D" Btry and with the following in hand the 532nd was ready to roll.
On 10 April of 1943 (My dad was still in training at Callan) the unit left Casablanca. They traveled about 600 miles across North Africa to Arzew, Algeria. Arzew is 38 km east of Oran and it was there that they were attached to the 3rd Infantry Division under Gen. Truscott. The battalion left Arzew on 17 April and moved to Mantesquiew, Algeria. The trip spanned approximately 700 miles. From April to July Battery "D" was assigned to the air defense of Sedrata airfield. The following story of that assignment is told by co-author John Grady.