Fort McClellan’s origins trace back to 1917, when it was established as Camp McClellan in response to the United States’ entry into World War I. The camp was named in honor of Major General George B. McClellan, a prominent Union Army leader during the American Civil War.
Initially, it served as a training ground for National Guard units, rapidly growing to accommodate the influx of soldiers preparing for overseas service.
Fort McClellan is located near the city of Anniston in northeastern Alabama, United States. During World War II, Fort McClellan served as a major training center for the United States Army. It was primarily used for the training of infantry and military police units, as well as hosting specialized schools such as the Chemical Warfare Service.
The fort played a significant role in preparing troops for deployment overseas and contributed to the overall war effort by supporting the rapid expansion and mobilization of U.S. forces.
On December 7, 1942, Pfc. James T. Moran sent a picture postcard purchased from the Past Exchange at Fort McClellan to a former teacher, Mr. Charles Bicknell at 39 Elliott Street in Meriden, Connecticut. This was exactly one year after Pearl Harbor was bombed. On front of the postcard is a photo of soldiers undergoing weapons training.
The card simply reads:
“Hello Charlie,
Things are different to say the least. I’m here with a Boston crowd – 6 week course – after that on to another camp – so they tell us.
Jim”
Private James Moran successfully made it through the war, going on to work for AT&T as a mechanic before retiring in Port Charlotte, Florida. Born on February 20, 1923, he passed away at the age of 80 on December 16, 2003.
Charles Roscoe Bicknell was born April 3, 1901. He worked as an instructor at a trade school for many years before retiring and moving to Florida. He died there on October 24, 1991, at the age of 90.
Unlike many of the WWII cards I’ve come across, this one had a relatively happy ending for both the sender and card recipient.
I like to write junk... 