French embarkation ports (returning vets) 1945

I am trying to find out which French ports were used to send U.S. soldiers home from France in 1945. I realize that this would vary depending on where army units had been fighting, so my question covers a wide area and so will my answer, I suppose. Also, am interested in units that may have been sent from Europe to the Pacific, expected to fight there after having survived Europe(!). Where would they have embarked in France bound for the Pacific?

 

I have only heard LeHarve and Marseille mentioned by veterans. LeHarve had a number of the 'cigarette' camps like 'Lucky Strike' nearby.

Later, like 1946, I think Bremenhaven[sp?] was used.

I know the 97th Infantry Division made it from Europe to the Occupation of Japan. I could look up the other divisions if somebody doesn't save me the trouble. The 45th ID sounds right too.

 

"All generalizations are incorrect, even this one."

I believe that all PAC-bound units in Europe were first rotated stateside for a brief leave and then refitted prior to embarkation to the PAC theater.

 

Miles,
Look up the history of the USS GENERAL HARRY TAYLOR (AP-145). This was my 2nd cousins ship. She made voyages to the Pacific and to Europe. She made 2 "Magic Carpet" runs to Marseilles in '45. She also made 4 voyages to Bremerhaven and La Havre, returning to NYC in Jan of '46.
Bob

 

I confirm Marseille for having a picture of a Vet on board of Libertyship who sailed home from there. le Havre seems correct,

Cherbourg was the largest Operationnal harbour which commuted between New-York and France. From NY many went to the Pacific through the U.S.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cherbourg-Octeville (for details use the French version)

 

My father's unit left on the USS Waterbury Victory from Le Havre in November 1945.

Just a tidbit, after the war ended in Europe my father was part of a group running a driving school in Epernay as some sort of preparation for the Pacific.

Here's a very short video talking about troops being given 30 days in the States prior to being sent to the Pacific. I also just finished "If You Survive" by George Wilson, and Wilson talked about getting 30 days in the States prior to transferring to the Pacific, and being relieved to hear while he was still on leave that Japan had surrendered.

http://www.criticalpast.com/video/65675060886_United-States-troops_World-War-II_troops-drawing-clothing_troops-receive-money

 

This might provide some insight if you reference the footnotes and sources for the article:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Magic_Carpet_(World_War_II)