Port Lyautey
Having read a number of rememberances of those who were in Morocco, I would like to add a few notes of my own. I first arrived in Casablanca aboard the USNS (MSTS) General Geiger in September 1953. We went directly to Port Lyautey where my dad was living even though he was working as a base engineer at Sidi Slimane since 1952. We stayed at several hotels including the Mamora and then into a series of private homes on rue de Lyon, Avenue de la Gare, Avenue de lorraine and the Route de Rabat.
In 1953, I was in 7th grade and always remembered waiting for the Navy school bus and watching the French kids approximately my age then walking to school carrying a baguette and a bottle of red wine. Things were certainly different then. The only persons I can remember from the school bus days are Chris Navarro, Bill Griffin, Leila Griffin and Lapred Brady. I had many good times there. I graduated 8th grade in 1955 and came back to the US and did my freshman year here and then went back to Morocco via MATS to Nouasseur for my sophomore year 1956-57.
I can remember Brian Burke, Pat Perkett and Mrs. Riggs but few others. I lost my copy of the “Sultan” many years ago, so I go by memory only.
Most people seem to have been in Morocco in the years following my stint. I do remember the French Navy cooks slaughtering the pigs or hogs in the open on the street directly below the school. Sanitation was not a requirement. I have many other remembrances of Morocco.
If anyone would like to drop a line it would be nice to hear from you all.
Vince Bailey