Camp Ibis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Camp Ibis |
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Camp Ibis in 1943
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| Location | near Needles, California |
| Built | 1942 |
| Architect | US Army |
| Designated | May 1, 1987 |
| Reference no. | 985.5 |
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Camp Ibis was a special training camp for the U.S. Army during World War II. It was one of twelve camps in the Desert Training Center (DTC). This center was set up in early 1942. Its main goal was to teach soldiers how to fight in the desert. They also learned how to use tanks in desert battles.
The DTC was located in the Mojave Desert and Sonoran Desert. Most of it was in Southern California and Western Arizona. In 1943, the DTC became known as the California-Arizona Maneuver Area. The main office for the training center was at Camp Young. This is where General Patton and his 3rd Armored Division were based.
Camp Ibis is now a California Historical Landmark (No. 985.6). You can find the site about 8 miles (13 km) east of Needles, California. It is off Highway 95, north of Interstate 40. The camp was named after a nearby railroad stop called Ibis. It was built near the Dead Mountains Wilderness.
Camp Ibis was built between November 1942 and March 1943. It helped prepare soldiers for the North Africa campaign during the war. Many important army groups trained here. These included the 4th Armored Division and the 9th U.S. Armored Division.
When finished, the camp had many buildings for soldiers. It had 42 shower buildings and 173 latrines. There were also 234 wooden frames for tents. A large 50,000-gallon water tank provided water. Camp Ibis also had 24 different training areas. The camp closed on March 16, 1944. Soldiers used live ammunition during training. Because of this, warning signs about unexploded items are still on the site.
Contents
Training Soldiers for Desert Combat
Camp Ibis was a key place for soldiers to learn desert warfare. The camp provided a tough environment. This helped troops get ready for battles in places like North Africa. They practiced fighting in hot, dry conditions.
What Soldiers Learned at Camp Ibis
Soldiers at Camp Ibis learned many skills. They practiced tank tactics and gunnery. They also learned how to survive in the desert. The training was very realistic. It prepared them for real combat situations.
Important Army Groups at Camp Ibis
Several important U.S. Army armored divisions trained at Camp Ibis. These groups were vital for the war effort.
- 4th Armored Division: Trained from November 1942 to June 1943.
- 9th Armored Division: Trained from July 1943 to October 1943.
- 11th Armored Division: Trained from October 1943 to March 1944.
Camp Ibis Airfield
General Patton made sure there were airfields near the training camps. These airfields helped bring in supplies. Camp Ibis Airfield was an airstrip right next to Camp Ibis. It supported all the training activities.
How the Airfield Helped Training
The airfield had a 4,500-foot runway. It was made of steel landing mats. Small planes used this runway. They helped watch desert survival training. They also watched gunnery practice and tank drills. Aircraft helped coordinate tanks and other vehicles from the sky. This made the training more effective.
Remembering Camp Ibis
A special sign marks the site of Camp Ibis. It is a California Historical Landmark sign on Highway 95. This sign helps people remember the camp's history.
What the Historical Marker Says
The sign tells about the Desert Training Center. It explains that Camp Ibis was one of the camps built in 1942. These camps trained U.S. troops for World War II. The sign also mentions the 440th AAA AW Battalion. This unit trained at several camps, including Camp Ibis. They later fought in Europe and earned many honors.
