On Leave in Waterloo, 1945

View from the top of the Lion’s Mound monument at Waterloo.

After Germany and Japan surrendered thousands of American GIs just waiting around to be sent back home. To keep them out of trouble the US Army sent the restless men on trips across Europe. My grandfather and some other guys from the 304th Port Company traveled from their base in Antwerp and visited Waterloo battlefield in Belgium.

A GI from my grandpa’s company sitting at the bottom of the Lion’s Mound monument at Waterloo battlefield, Belgium.

Château d'Hougoumont where the British faced Napoleon's Army at the Battle of Waterloo. Photo by my grandpa, 1945.

Waiting in line to enter the museum at Napoleon’s Last Headquarters or the Ferme du Caillou.

My grandpa Cortland Hopkins (lower left), his friend William Kelly (in glasses), and members of the 304th Port Company, 519th Port Battalion in Waterloo, Belgium, 1945.

304th Port Company men posing with WWI German helmets from the museum.

Looks like the GI in the middle is wearing a Napoleonic cavalry helmet.

La Haye Sainte farmhouse where the British allies’ the King's German Legion were stationed during the Battle of Waterloo. Photo by my grandpa, 1945.

304th Port Company GIs getting lunch at a café in Waterloo. Photo by my grandpa.