Elizabeth Stanton (AP 69) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 56 text:

J:-I I 3 V A i L... ameifdri Like so many cities in Europe . Marseilles shared the same fate as Naples, Bizerte and Cherbourg. Once a fine harbor, it was now battered and bruised beyond recognition. Upon entering port, we anchored opposite the Chateau d'If of Count of Monte Cristo fame. For most of us, it was the first opportunity to see a real French city. As one gazed along the shore line, he was struck by the dead-pan atmosphere of a once thriving seaport. The usual punk ships and twisted steel cranes amongst wreckage of bombed buildings, piers and docks, were to be seen. It was a grim re- minder of what we had so often witnessed before. Taking a closer look at the city, you couldnlt help but notice a grateful and thankful people. . ' To those aboard, Marseilles will remind them of: . . . a 55-knot gale that swept the harbor . . . the Domino, Embassy, Blue Parrot and Gay Paree clubs . . . a chance meeting with a very lovely French girl . . . souvenirs that were but a slim reminder of a fine liberty . . . a rough experience in an LCVP which made you wonder whether it was better to miss the ship or risk your neck in a cargo net . . . FFI men dashing through the streets . . . shat- tered ships blocking the entrance into the inner harbor. . .little children with their ever-increasing taste for American chocolate and cigarettes fpoor man perel . . . touring the city in a jeep. Harbor Wreckage Did Not Keep Us from Unloading at the Docks

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