Southampton (IP) – There were songs and a few tears at the massive, gray-coated nursery ship Argentina turned her bow toward the United States Saturday.

Fewer than one hundred persons stood in a drizzle to see the dramatic departure of 626 British brides and children of American service men.

Singing “Anchors Aweigh” and “There’ll Always Be an England” the women lined the upper deck rails to take a final look at their native shore. As the Argentina pulled away from the dock, some raised handkerchiefs to their eyes. Shouts of “We won’t forget you, England,” reached the shore.

Earlier as her engines warmed up and her 20 thousand tone bulk loomed high at the Southampton on dock the Argentina looked little like a glamour ship.

But inside it was different. Renovations had been made for the comfort of the women and children during their eight-day trip. Babied staterooms we’re equipped with cribs and dainty pink and blue blankets. There were colorful rattles toys and children’s games.

Last bride to board the ship was Mrs. Alice Castle whose husband, former Sgt. William Castle is an engineering student at the University of Syracuse.

The last mother aboard was 22 year old Mrs. Beatrice Stromberg, quiet Scotswoman who riveted Spitfires during the war. She carried 10-month-old John, whom she is taking to her husband, William, former Eighth Air Force sergeant of Elkridge, MD.

It was a busy day for the women.

They rose long before dawn and piled into buses which carried them from their “processing” camp at Tidworth to the Southampton docks. They are the first contingent of some 50 thousand European wives of American service men who will come to the States.

[picture of Mrs. Queenie Benigno and child]
Philadelphia – bound is Mrs. Queenie Benigno, wife of an American army sergeant. She holds their 14-month-old daughter, Teresa.

AP Wirephoto via radio from London