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Staging areas for new troops arriving in the ETO (European Theater of Operations), were known as "Cigarette Camps". Each camp was named after a brand of cigarette for security reasons. Referring to camps without any indication of geographical location help to block information leaks to the enemy. After V-E Day (Victory in Europe) the camps were converted to redeployment centers. An estimated 3 million American troops either entered or left Europe through the Le Havre area camps.

1. Tent Area, Camp Philip Morris, Le Havre, France

United States Army Major Elmer Prince stands outside his two man tent in Camp Philip Morris. This "cigarette camp" could hold up to 35,000 men. In 1946, men in all camps were waiting for their number to be called to board a "Victory Ship" home. The port at Le Havre became known as the "Gateway to America".

2. Major Elmer W. Prince of Morgantown, W. Va. at Camp Philip Morris, Le Havre, France

While enduring the long waiting period to go home, most GIs had less than ideal living conditions, as one soldier wrote, "Under the floor of the tents the rats grew to cat size and sounded as through they were wearing boots when they tramped around while the men trying to sleep ..."

3. Tented Billets at Camp Philip Morris, Le Havre, France

Photograph taken by United States Army Major Elmer Prince of Morgantown, West Virginia.

4. Information Center At Camp Philip Morris, Le Havre, France

Post war "Mess Hall" at Camp Philip Morris. After V-E Day (Victory in Europe) many camp mess halls were staffed with German POWS as cooks and waiters

5. 'Mess Hall', Camp Philip Morris, Le Havre, France

The front of the Red Cross Club at Camp Philip Morris. Since camps did not have bathing facilities, the Red Cross shower room was usually the first place visited by soldiers with a 24 hour pass.

6. Red Cross Club at Camp Philip Morris, Le Havre. France

A fence separates the WAC (Women's Army Corps) and French War Brides living areas from the rest of the camp. There were approximately 6,500 French War Brides, many left France with their husbands to live in America.

7. WAC and French War Bride Area At Camp Philip Morris, Le Havre, France

Located on the north bank of the River Seine, the port city of Le Havre was a world class harbor facility before the war. After the war it was possibly the most severely damaged city in France.

8. Dock Area, Le Havre, France

The Allies' determination to liberate Le Havre to open up a necessary supply artery resulted in heavy bombing. Between 130 to 150 air raids were launched against the German held city and the coveted harbor facilities.

9. Damaged Dock Area , Le Havre, France

Le Havre fell to the Allies on September 12, 1944. Before evacuating, the Germans destroyed all of the port facilities, including 17 kilometers of quaysides. The final war toll in Le Havre was 5,000 people killed, 12,500 buildings destroyed, and 80,000 people left homeless.

10. Destruction at Le Havre Dock, France

The "Sea Witch" sailed for America one hour before Major Elmer Prince's transport. Major Prince of Morgantown, West Virginia, probably took this photograph. Note the crowded deck, packed with GIs returning home.

11. 'Sea Witch' Victory Ship, Le Havre, France

Picture taken in the spring time. This is the transport Major Elmer Prince of Morgantown, West Virginia took to return home. The "Sea Witch Victory Ship" is docked on the left.

12. Loading On 'Hood Victory Ship' For U.S.A., Le Havre, France