This document was kindly shared by Marc Shafer (whose father was a 298th member).

Transcribed by Bob Kipke (March 2013) – Attempts have been made to maintain the original formatting, within my limited HTML capabilities, and the differences between a 1940’s typewriter and a modern computer keyboard. Formatting (inconsistent in original) such as capitalization, underlining, punctuation, use of quotes, etc. have been maintained. A typo is noted by the use of [sic] other errors are probably my own.  For ease of recognition, names are in a bold red font.

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

THE ADJUTANT GENERAL’S OFFICE

WASHINGTON

DEPARTMENTAL RECORDS BRANCH, A.G.O.

HISTORICAL RECORDS SECTION

ROOM MB-858 PENTAGON

ENBN-298-0.7 (26637) Master– 298^th Engr C Bn

JOURNAL

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Aug 1/45

To: 2400 Aug 1/45

Place: Alizey [sic], near Rouen, France

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

Weather: Fair

887

0800

Aug

1/45

Co A: Working at E517 at Le Harve [sic]

Co B: One squad supervising work at E517B. One squad on guard detail at Rouen, 27 EM on guard detail at E517

Co C: Working at E504 at Cherbourg at Valognes.

H&S Co: NCO’s supervising PW Labor at E517. 6 EM on Guard detail at E517

888

1300

Organized athletics.

89 [sic]

1900

Movie at Depot Theatre: “The Spirit” with Peggy Ryan & Jack Oakie.

S E C R E T

JOURNAL

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Aug 2/45

To: 2400 Aug 2/45

Place: Alizey [sic], near Rouen, France

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

Weather: Fair

890

0800

Aug

2/45

Co A: Working at E517 at Le Harve [sic]

Co B: One squad supervising work at E517B. One squad on guard detail at Rouen, 27 EM on guard detail at E517

Co C: Working at E504 at Cherbourg at Valognes.

H&S Co: NCO’s supervising PW Labor at E517. 6 EM on Guard detail at E517

891

1230

Cpt Watson & Capt Forsythe departed for the 16th Reinf. Depot for shipment to the Z.I.

892

1300

Organized Athletics.

893

1900

Movie at Depot Theatre: “Practically Yours” with Fred McMurry and Claudette Colbert.

S E C R E T

JOURNAL

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Aug 3/45

To: 2400 Aug 3/45

Place: Alizey [sic], near Rouen, France

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

Weather: Fair.

894

0800

Co A: Working at E517A at Le Havre

Co B: One squad supervising work at E517B. One squad on guard detail at Rouen, 27 EM on guard detail at E517

Co C: Working at E504 at Cherbourg at Valognes.

H&S Co: NCO’s supervising PW Labor at E517. 6 EM on Guard detail at E517

895

1300

Organized athletics.

896

1900

Movie at Depot Theatre: “A Tree Grows in Byooklyn [sic]”

S E C R E T

JOURNAL

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Aug 4/45

To: 2400 Aug 4/45

Place: Alizey [sic], near Rouen, France

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

Weather: Fair.

897

0800

Aug

4/45

Co A: Working at E517A at Le Havre

Co B: One squad supervising work at E517B. One squad on guard detail at Rouen, 27 EM on guard detail at E517

Co C: Working at E504 at Cherbourg at Valognes.

H&S Co: NCO’s supervising PW Labor at E517. 6 EM on Guard detail at E517

898

1300

Organized athletics.

899

2100

EM Dance held at Depot Theatre.

S E C R E T

JOURNAL

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Aug 5/45

To: 2400 Aug 5/45

Place: Alizey [sic], near Rouen, France

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

Weather: Fair

900

0800

Co A: Working at E517A at Le Havre

Co B: One squad supervising work at E517B. One squad on guard detail at Rouen, 27 EM on guard detail at E517

Co C: Working at E504 at Cherbourg at Valognes.

H&S Co: NCO’s supervising PW Labor at E517. 6 EM on Guard detail at E517

901

1000

Protestant Services held at 179th General Hospital.

902

1230

94 EM, Capt Sewell, Lt Lekberg, Lt Stafford departed for 16th Reinf Depot for transfer to ZI.

903

1600

Catholic Services held at 179th General Hospital.

904

2100

EM Dance at Depot Theatre.

S E C R E T

JOURNAL

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Aug 6/45

To: 2400 Aug 6/45

Place: Alizey [sic], near Rouen, France

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

Weather: Fair

905

0700

Aug

6/45

Battalion Commander and Supply Officer depart for Hqs Chanor Base Section at Brussels by Air

906

0800

Co A: Working at E517A at Le Havre

Co B: One squad supervising work at E517B. One squad on guard detail at Rouen, 27 EM on guard detail at E517

Co C: Working at E504 at Cherbourg at Valognes.

907

1300

Organized athletics

908

1900

Movie at Depot Theatre: “Dark Waters” with Merle OBeran and Franchot Tone.

909

2130

Battalion Commander and Supply Officer return from Brussels.

S E C R E T

JOURNAL

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Aug 7/45

To: 2400 Aug 7/45

Place: Alizey [sic], near Rouen, France

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

Weather: Fair

910

0800

Aug

7/45

Co A: Working at E517A at Le Havre

Co B: One squad supervising work at E517B. One squad on guard detail at Rouen, 27 EM on guard detail at E517

Co C: Working at E504 at Cherbourg at Valognes.

H&S Co: NCO’s supervising PW Labor at E517. 6 EM on Guard detail at E517

911

0900

Battalion Commander meets with Staff and Co Comdrs, information received regarding movement of Bn to Camp Philip Morris-all companies relieved of work assignments this date. Remainder of day spent preparing for movement.

912

1900

“Song to Remember” with Paul Muni showing at Depot Theatre.

S E C R E T

JOURNAL

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Aug 8/45

To: 2400 Aug 8/45

Place: Alizey [sic], near Rouen, France

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

Weather: Fair

[sic – Next Serial No. should be 913 (not 910)]

910

0800

Aug

8/45

Co A: moves from Le Havre to Camp Philip Morris

All other companies preparing for movement.

911

1900

“Having a Wonderful Crime” with George Murphy and Pat O’Brien Showing at Depot Theatre.

S E C R E T

JOURNAL

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Aug 9/45

To: 2400 Aug 9/45

Place: Alizey [sic], near Rouen, France

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

Weather: Overcast

912

0800

Co C: moving from Valognes to Camp Philip Morris

Co A: improving billets & Co Area at Camp Philip Morris.

Co B & H&S preparing for movements to Camp Philip Morris

S E C R E T

JOURNAL

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Aug 10/45

To: 2400 Aug 10/45

Place: Camp Philip Morris

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

Weather: Rain

913

0800

Bn Hqs, H&S Co, Co B moves to Camp Philip Morris.

914

1100

Bn Hqs opens at Camp Philip Morris remainder of day spent in improving Battalion Area and billets.

S E C R E T

JOURNAL

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Aug 11/45

To: 2400 Aug 11/45

Place: Camp Philip Morris

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

Weather: Fair

915

0800

All companies improving there billets and Company area.

916

1230

Sgt Rulsheh and S/Sgt Overbeek both of Co C presented Bronze Star Medal by Battalion Commander.

917

1900

Passes to Le Havre granted 15% of command.

S E C R E T

JOURNAL

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Aug 12/45

To: 2400 Aug 12/45

Place: Camp Philip Morris

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

Weather: Fair.

918

1000

Aug

12/45

Catholic Services held at 1186th Engr C Gp Area

919

1100

Protestant Services held at 1186th Engr C Gp Area.

920

1130

TWX received from Hqs Chanor Base Section ordering Lt Col Liedike and Major Foster to the 16th Reinf Depot for return to ZI.

921

1900

Pass to Le Havre granted to 15% of command.

S E C R E T

JOURNAL

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Aug 13/45

To: 2400 Aug 13/45

Place: xxx

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

Weather: Overcast

922

0730

Aug

13/45

Lt Col Liedike and Major Foster depart for 16th Reinf Depot at Compiegne, France on first leg of their journey to U.S.

Major Burce [sic] E. Pettit assumes command of the battalion.

923

1300

Capt Elden relieved of duties as Leason [sic] Officer and appointed operation Officer.

Two EM depart for 7 day furlough at Riveria [sic].

924

1630

Staff and Co Comdrs meeting held in Major Pettis office.

925

2325

One EM departed for 3 day pass in Brussels.

S E C R E T

JOURNAL

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Aug 14/45

To: 2400 Aug 14/45

Place: Camp Philip Morris

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

Weather: Overcast

926

0800

Aug

14/45

Battalion spending in preparation for job assignment.

927

1030

Staff and Co Comdrs meeting held in Major Pettits office

928

2325

One EM departs for 7 day furlough in Switzerland.

S E C R E T

JOURNAL

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Aug 15/45

To: 2400 Aug 15/45

Place: Camp Philip Morris

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

Weather: Overcast

929

0230

Aug

15/45

News received of the Japanese acceptance of the Potsdam Ultimatum, Informal celebrations broke out in Camp Philip Morris

930

0730

Letter companies begin construction work on their assigned area in Camp Philip Morris. One German PW Co attached to each company for this work.

931

1900

Call from Camp Hqs stating tomorrow is a Holiday for all troops.

15% of Command granted passes to Le Havre.

S E C R E T

JOURNAL

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Aug 17/45

To: 2400 Aug 17/45

Place: [sic – place not noted]

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

Weather: Overcast

937

0700

4 EM depart for 7 day furlough in England

938

0730

Letter companies working in their assigned area in camp construction with a German PW Co attached to each company.

939

1900

Pass to Le Havre granted to 15% of command.

940

2325

One EM departed for three day pass in Brussels.

S E C R E T

JOURNAL

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Aug 16/45

To: 2400 Aug 16/45

Place: [sic – place not noted]

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

Weather: Overcast

932

0700

Aug

16/45

All companies taking advantage of the holiday with a late breakfast.

934

1300

Passes to Le Havre grated [sic] to 15% of command.

935

1330

Staff & Co Comdrs meeting held in Major Pettits Office

936

1900

Passes to La Havre granted to 15% of  command.

S E C R E T

JOURNAL

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Aug 19/45

To: 2400 Aug 19/45

Place: [sic – place not noted]

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

Weather: Overcast

943

1030

Catholic Services held at Camp Hq

944

1100

Protestant Services held at 1186th Engr C Gp.

945

1300

Passes to Le Havre granted 15% of command.

946

1330

Co Comdrs & Staff Officers meeting held in Major Pettits Office.

947

1900

Passes to La Havre granted 15% of command.

S E C R E T

JOURNAL

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Aug 18/45

To: 2400 Aug 18/45

Place: [sic – place not noted]

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

Weather: Rain

941

0800

Letter companies working in their assigned areas in camp construction with one German PW Co attached to each company.

942

1900

Passes to Le Havre granted 15% of command.

S E C R E T

JOURNAL

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Aug xx/45

To: 2400 Aug xx/45

Place: [sic – place not noted]

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

[sic – day 19 Aug, Serial No.s 943-947 missing]

JOURNAL

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Aug 20/45

To: 2400 Aug 31/45

Place: [sic – place not noted]

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

948

Letter companies working in assigned areas on Camp Philip Morris construction. One company of PW’s attached to each company.

949

Leaves, Furloughs & Passis [sic] granted:

20 Aug

1 Off to Riviera 7 days

4 EM to Paris 3 days

1 Off & 4 EM England 7 days

22 Aug

2 EM to Riviera 7 days

1 Off to Brussels 3 days

23 Aug

4 EM to England 7 days

26 Aug

1 EM to Switzerland 7 days

1 EM to Brussels 3 days

27 Aug

4 EM to Paris 3 days

1 Off & 4 EM England 7 days

29 Aug

2 EM to Brussels 3 days

2 EM to Riviera 7 days

950

24 Aug

Tec 5 Edmond Malaski returned to Zone of Interior on emergency fur.

951

Passes granted to Le Havre to 15% of command each day.

S E C R E T

Transcribed by Bob Kipke – April 2013