HEADQUARTERS 90TH INFANTRY DIVISION
APO 90, U.S. ARMY
INTRODUCTION:
As of 1 June 1944, the 90th Infantry Division was disposed in marshaling areas as follows:
The main body of the Division was stationed in the XXIX District, Western Base Section, located
generally north and east of the cities of Cardiff and Newport, Wales. The Division's residual
elements were located at Bournemouth, England while Group A (composed of foot elements of
the first and third Battalions 359th Infantry Regiment and forty vehicles) was located at Camp
Syon Abbey in Devonshire, England, and attached to the 4th Infantry Division. The 358th
Infantry Regiment was stationed at Camp Llangattock, Wales; the RCT 9 (-) and the 90th
Reconnaissance Troop at Camp Court-Y-Gollen, Wales; the RCT 7, 344th FA Battalion,
Company B, 315th Medical Battalion and Company B 315th, Engineer Battalion at Camp
Chepstow, Wales; and Division Headquarters, Division Artillery Headquarters, 345th FA
Battalion, Special Troops at Heath Camp, Cardiff, Wales; and 315th Engineer and 315th Medical
Battalion (less 3 Companies) also at Heath Camp.
The Division had completed its preparation for overseas movement to the coast of France
and was in the midst of loading vehicles aboard motor transport ships.
OPERATIONS:
1 June (D-5): The main elements of the Division were loaded on 9 Motor Transport ships at
Cardiff and Newport, Wales. Group A initiated embarkation at Dartmouth, England. The 24th
Cavalry Squadron was attached to the 90th Infantry Division through Corps order to take effect
D+5.
2 June (D-4): The detachment accompanying the vehicles of Combat Team 9 (- Group A)
embarked as per schedule during the day. The remainder of the Division completed last minute
preparations for movement. Group A completed embarkation at Dartmouth.
3 June (D-3): The personnel accompanying the 9 motor transport ships went aboard their assigned
craft. Combat Team 9 (-Group A) and Division advance detachment went aboard the personnel
ship, the Susan B. Anthony, and moved into the Bristol Channel at 1800. Group A moved to or
remained at Anchorage in Dartmouth-Salcombe Bay and the English Channel.
4 June 9 (D-2): The remainder of the Division, less residual elements, went aboard transports as
follows: one-half Division Headquarters and Combat Team 8 (less 3rd Battalion) on the Excelsior
at Newport. Combat Team 7 (less 3rd Battalion) on the Explorer at Cardiff. One half Division
Headquarters, plus the 3rd Battalions of the 357 and 358, and Division troops on the Bienville at
Cardiff. Group A still at anchorage, conducted briefing.
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5 June (D-1): All units remained at anchorage until late in the evening when Group A, joined
convoy and initiated the Channel crossing.