Some very cool photos of desert training in 1942, courtesy of the LA Times: Desert training with Gen. George Patton - Framework - Photos and Video - Visual Storytelling from the Los Angeles Times Dave
We stopped at a Rest Area along I-40 last year that was in the Camp Clipper training center. I wondered what the Memorial was and snapped a picture when I read the sign. Nothing but heat and blowing sand as far as the eye could see. The photo with the jeeps rolling reminded me of how large an area it was. The pictures also reminded me of the desolate feeling you get standing there. Here's a link to where we stopped; http://www.hmdb.org/Marker.asp?Marker=50708
Here's more info about the California/Arizona Maneuver Area. http://www.ww2f.com/wwii-general/30727-california-arizona-maneuver-area.html
Most are wearing Brodie-style helmets, but there are a few wearing the new M1s. I wonder if they are officers. Not an expert on jeeps, but looks like a mix of Willys and Fords.
If I understand this correctly, what is now Historic California Posts: Fort Irwin (i.e. National Training Center) was the western portion of the larger C/AMA. Appreciate the "like" O-P!
Here's some info on Camp Ibis. This is in eastern San Bernardino County, not to far from Needles. Generally, its at the intersection of US95 and Goffs rd. Interstate 40 is a few miles away. This is a prime railroad watching location, which is how I came across it. Note how 70 years of time has not erased the layout of the camp. Google earth view #1 View attachment 15671 Google view #2 View attachment 15672 Highway sign indicating where the camp is: View attachment 15673 Warning sign about unexploded ordinance View attachment 15674 And the historical marker View attachment 15675
Camp Clipper; A google view brings up an interesting relic in the desert. Only a mile south of where Biak saw the marker at the highway rest stop; there is a long abandoned airstrip, built shortly after the war started. The layout suggests it was intended to be a fall back airfield for bombers. But there is no record of it being used as such. I tend to think that it was an army corps of engineers project to practice building a serviceable airstrip in the desert, that ultimately was used for CAMA activities. Note how that even after seven decades, the camp layout can still be seen. View attachment 15676 and View attachment 15677
We were heading East and I walked along the South side of the rest area,you can make out the half-circle section that is fenced in. Never realized anything else was out there due to the terrain. Neat shot.
Camp Danby: A few months ago, I came across this location while train watching. Afterwards, out of curiosity I googled the name of this siding to find out anything about it's US66 significance and mining history, and found out it was part of CAMA. Historic California Posts: Camp Danby "Camp Danby is located approximately 10 miles southwest of Essex, in San Bernardino County, California. It is 1.7 miles, heading southeast, down Danby Rd., off of National Trails Highway. On September 17, 1943, the Department of Interior issued a use permit, in lieu of a formal directive, that transferred 316.79 acres to the War Department. The War Department also leased 0.22 acres by Lease No. W04-193-ENG-2199 from the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Company. This included 1253 feet of railroad track that was located over the leased area and on public main. Camp Danby was used as a campsite for the Army during General Patton's desert training program. A campsite and railway siding was constructed on site but they are no longer located there. Camp Danby was declared surplus on March 16, 1944. The Corps of Engineers was to take custody by April 2, 1944. A surplus directive was then issued on August 15, 1944. The land was transferred from the War Department to the Department of Interior, by letter, on February 7, 1945. The Department of Interior revoked the use permit, by letter to the War Department, on April 11, 1945. The lease for the 0.22 acres, Lease No. W04-193-ENG-2199, from the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway Company was cancelled on June 3, 1944. The structures that were installed by the Army during the time of occupation are no longer at the site. Since use by the Army, a mining company has apparently been at the site." View attachment 15681
