|
LAKE GENEVA REST
AND RECREATION CAMP |
 Hotel Royal, Evian France
was the site of an R & R Center for 508th troops and it was managed by
our own Capt. Chet Graham!
 Heimer
Swanson
was one of many who took advantage of the R& facility at Evian |
 WELCOME TO LAKE GENEVA
REST CENTER
We are
attempting to give you everything you desire in our Lake Geneva Rest
Center. You may wear what you like and do what you like, allowing
your good taste to be your guide. Do not hesitate to make requests
or suggestions to any of the permanent personnel. It is our desire to
operate this rest center in the manner in which you would like it to be
run. We only ask of you that you conduct yourselves accordingly and
not commit such acts as may prejudice or injure the civilian population.
Evian is one of the finest resort towns of France and you will find
many wealthy and influential persons visiting here. Consequently,
prices for food, drink and other items in civilian establishments are very
high. It is suggested that you utilize your own bar and dining room
to the maximum extent if you do not want to pay excessively. All
equipment and supplies must be transported a considerable distance so we
ask that you do all that you can in conserving them.
The civilian population of Evian ids very cordial, and if properly
approached will be most responsive, however you must remember that French
customs prevail and what may seem to be coldness on the part of some
individuals is just natural reserve. We want you to feel free to
invite your guests to the hotel, bearing in mind that the rest center will
remain open as long as everyone realizes his personal responsibility for
its maintenance.
Capt. C. [Chester] Graham
Rest Center
Commander
|
Nearby Casino
undoubtedly attracted the attention of anyone
staying in Evian |
Earl Cornwall (Svc Co)
and other unidentified men took advantage of a Lake Geneva Boat tour |
Lofty Perch
Heimer Swanson poses in front of his Mont Blanc hotel which boasts an
altitude of 1860 meters (6102 feet). |
 Terrific
Telerifique
Heimer rode this ski lift )believed to be in the French district of
Chamonix) near Mont Blanc, Europe's highest peak. |
 Looking
Back
Mont Blanc's altitude exceeds 4800 meters (15,748 feet) The
lift doesn't go all the way but the view is spectacular nonetheless. |
|
(all photos above courtesy of Heimer Swanson) |
|
OISE REST AND
RECREATION CENTER |
 |
Oise, Switzerland
was another favorite leave center. By June of 1940, Germany had
140 Army Divisions in the French section of the Oise valley. The
contest between the Nazi might and only 65 French Divisions ensured the
German's successful takeover which did not go unnoticed by the Allies.
During May 1944 the Allies began heavy air attacks on bridges
over the Seine, Oise, and Meuse rivers, and by June, they had weakened the
railroad transportation system in France to the point of collapse.
The Swiss portion of the Oise valley, however, enjoyed the protection of
their neutrality and the area was untouched. Its spectacular
mountain scenery was a magnet for G.I.'s looking for some relaxation after
the hostilities had ceased. |
