WW II Railway Operating Battalions
From: "Arnim Gerstenmeier" gerst@mondicsinsurance.com
Re: Southern Pacific - 715th Railway Operating Battalion - 1943-1945
Re: Southern Pacific - 715th Railway Operating Battalion - 1943-1945
A friend of mine is researching her dad's WW II career. He was employed by the Southern Pacific RR and served with the 715th Railway Operating Battalion in North Africa and Italy. Was the Southern Pacific a sponsor of that unit also?
Where do you suggest we look for information? After the war, he returned to the Southern Pacific and worked for that line (California) until his death.
—Gerst
Courtesy of an anonymous donor.
posted from CPRR Discussion Group at 11:32 AM
10 Comments:
I have been researching the 715th railway operating battalion for several years. My father-in-law was the trainmaster of that unit. His name was Herbert L. Williams. The 715th was sponsored by the Illinois Central. I only have the names of a few others of that unit. I would like to know of any other unit members.
There is a interesting locomotive bell currently up for auction on eBay. Reportedly an artifact from the WWII 715Th Railroad Operating Battalion, it is inscribed with several names, one being a Lt. Heisler! How cool is that!
The above "17" brass bell 1943 Illinois Central railroad 715th RROB" is described as follows:
"Brass railroad bell mounted on wooden plate. I believe this bell was "owned" by the 715th Railroad Operating Battalion. The 715th served in Italy from 1943-1945 and operated the lines between Pisa and the northern Italian coast, supplying the effort to drive the Nazis from the Apennines and out of the Po Valley of Northern Italy.
They were sponsored by the Illinois Central Railroad.
One side is engraved:
Company B
715th Operating battalion
Feb 5th 1943
The other side is engraved with the names of members of the unit:
Capt W. T. Kelly
Lt. R.J. Chinn
Lt. L.B. Griffin
Lt. E.V. Heisler
Lt. J. B. Mattingly
Boiler base 8", base to top of yoke-17", width of yoke-10', bell diameter 8" weighs approx 40 lbs."
—"sivartu"
See additional discussion.
Mike... I am starting to look for information on the 715th railway operating battaliion. My father-in-law, Raymond D. Simpson, served in Company A Oct 1942 to Oct 1945. Any sources you could point me to would be greatly appreciated.
Mike B
My father was also part of the 715th Battalion. He would love to hear more about this subject plus provide any details he may have.
Your dad is most welcome to post details here.
my grandfather served in company a of the 715rob. in the Apennines and po valley campaigns. his name was arnold wolters.
We are trying to record the history of the MRS in WWII at one spot. Have nothing on the 715 ROB.
Would invite contributions at the link below.
http://www.griffincunningham.net/Griffin/MAIN/robstuff.htm
Dave Williams
Leaving the URL to Military Rails on line below.
Dave Williams
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