THE ARRIVAL

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIII, Issue 22, 27 January 1942, Page 6

THE ARRIVAL

WATCHED BY LARGE CROWDS

LONDON, January 26,

The contingent of United States forces consists of several thousand troops. People who watched their disembarkation were impressed by their fine physique and martial bearing. Many bore Irish names, being the sons and grandsons of men who had emigrated to the United States, and they said they were pleased to be in the land from which their forbears came.

The first man to disembark was the commanding officer, Major-Gen eral Russell Kartell, who was welcomed by the Governor of Northern Ireland, the British Air Minister (Sir Archibald Sinclair), and the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland (Mr. Andrews). As General Hartell came ashore the band of the Royal Ulsters played the United States National Anthem.

■ The news of the arrival quickly spread and large crowds gathered to see the men march from the docks to the station, with the band of a famous Irish regiment at their head. Some of the Americans reached camp in moonlight, carrying hurricane lamps to warn traffic and singing "Marching Through Georgia." Their ranks had a tendency to wander to the righthand side of the road, and the British sergeant leading them had occasionally to direct them to the other side. The British and American navies took part in escorting the contingent across the Atlantic. Until the coast of Ireland was sighted, none of the men knew exactly where they were going, though there had been rumours.