Camp Ashby facts for kids

Camp Ashby was a temporary U.S. Army base located in Berkeley, California, during World War II. It was a special place where soldiers lived and trained to help with the war effort.

This camp was named after Ashby Avenue, a street nearby. That street got its name from William Ashby, who was one of the first people to settle in Berkeley a long time ago.

What Was Camp Ashby?

Camp Ashby was a temporary military base set up by the U.S. Army in Berkeley, California. It was active during World War II, a huge global conflict that lasted from 1939 to 1945.

The camp's main job was to provide a place for soldiers to live and train. It played a small but important part in preparing soldiers for their duties during the war.

Where Was Camp Ashby Located?

The camp was built in Berkeley, California. This city is part of the San Francisco Bay Area, a busy region on the coast of California.

The base was named after Ashby Avenue, a major street that was close by. This street was once part of a bigger road called State Highway 24, which is now known as State Route 13.

Who Was William Ashby?

William Ashby was an important early settler in Berkeley, California. He was born on August 1, 1819, and passed away on July 12, 1896.

Many streets and places in the area are named after early settlers like William Ashby, honoring their contributions to the community's history.

The 779th Military Police Battalion

One of the main units that used Camp Ashby was the 779th Military Police Battalion. This was a special unit within the U.S. Army.

What Did the 779th Battalion Do?

The 779th Military Police Battalion was responsible for military police duties. This means they helped keep order, managed traffic, guarded prisoners, and supported other army operations.

At Camp Ashby, the soldiers of the 779th Battalion received training for these important tasks. They learned how to perform their duties effectively to support the overall war effort.

An African American Unit

The 779th Military Police Battalion was an African American unit. During World War II, the U.S. Army was still segregated, meaning that African American soldiers often served in separate units.

Even though the unit was made up of African American soldiers, their leaders, or officers, were white. This was a common practice in the military during that time. Camp Ashby provided a place for these soldiers to prepare for their service to the country.

Camp Ashby's Legacy

Camp Ashby was a temporary installation, meaning it was not meant to be a permanent base. After World War II ended, the camp was no longer needed for military purposes.

Today, Camp Ashby is remembered as one of the many temporary sites that supported the United States during World War II. It played a role in training soldiers, including the 779th Military Police Battalion, who served their country during a critical time in history.