Flo and Her Crew Sail to France
She reunites with her fiance Gene on Red Beach
My Mother and Audie Murphy Ch. 27
August 26–30, 1944
Finally, the time had come for the American Red Cross workers to follow the boys to France. Flo wrote in her diary:
Saturday, August 26, “Leaving for France with other clubmobile gals on Liberty tomorrow. Finished packing, changing money, sending home packages. No mail yet.”
Sunday, August 27
“3 mos. In Italy. Came aboard Jos. T. Dickman APA enroute to France with 25 clubmobile gals. Have one comp. on C deck together. Good food. Dance on top deck with phon.”
August 28
“On board ship. Fun with Lt. Scharff. Dancing in moonlight on deck. Very hot in compartment.”
August 29
“Still on ship — last day. No dance while at sea. Spent time with Lt. Scharff.”
(I don’t know who Lt. Scharff was. Flo did correspond with friends after the war, but there’s no indication she ever saw or corresponded with Lt. Scharff again.)
Wednesday August 30
Up at 5:00 a.m. for breakfast, but left ship after 8 o’clock. Landed on beach where 3rd made assault. Many ships in convoy. 36th E on beach; found Gene & saw Co. G. Wonderful to see him. Drove to Aix (Aix-en-Provence) with R.C. man & Dottie late in afternoon. Stayed at Thermes Hotel. Quaint place.
August 31
Cannot go up with Div. yet. Will be staying in Aix for a while and working in office. No work today, tho. Walked around town — very nice place — people clean and shops interesting. Prices high. No vehicles as yet. Miss Gene.
Sunday September 3
Down to Red Beach to see about car. Saw Gene.
September 4
With 36 E
36 E is the 36th Engineers, Flo’s fiancé, Gene’s unit
