Now all roads lead to France and heavy is the tread
Of the living; but the dead returning lightly dance.
Edward Thomas, Roads

Thursday, September 10, 2020

A Most Valuable Training Camp: Camp Crane, Allentown, PA


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One of the most valuable training facilities for the AEF is long forgotten, except possibly by the citizens of Allentown, PA.  Camp Crane was a military installation established by the War Department at the Allentown Fairgrounds in May 1917. The 46-acre tract in west Allentown was turned into Camp Crane, the only training ground for the U.S. Army Ambulance Service during the First World War. It remained in use until April 1919. It was named for Brigadier General Charles Henry Crane, surgeon general of the Army, 1882–83.


Camp Entrance Signage


At the Fairgrounds


Barracks in the Former Poultry & Pigeon Building


 
Drilling at the Fairgrounds Grandstand



Company Section


Originally, Camp Crane's mission was to train men to serve as ambulance drivers in evacuating wounded from frontline aid stations to rear echelon hospitals. As months passed, base hospital units and other medical corps personnel also were trained there. Also, a special school was included for gas mask instructors. The camp was originally only intended to house approximately 2,500 men. Before the camp was brought up to full speed, however, that number had increased to 4,500 and then to 7,500. In all, 20,310 volunteers (2,085 officers and 18,225 enlisted) trained at Camp Crane. Among the volunteers who became notable figures was America's last Doughboy, Frank Buckles.


First Aid Dogs


Nurses in Training


Stretcher Practice


Knights of Columbus Hut



Practice Trenches


Graduation


Sources: the Lehigh Valley Morning Call, Allentown, PA; Wiki Commons

2 comments:

  1. Terrific information. Never knew about it. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great men doing an Honorable Service to their fellow man in combat! Heros All!

    ReplyDelete