CIVILIAN passenger ship Argentina left Southampton, England, for New York carrying 452 brides, 30 of them pregnant, 173 children, and one war groom.

This was the first official war bride contingent. Nicknamed the “Diaper Run,’’ “Operation Mother-in-Law,’’ and “The War Bride Special’’ the ship faced stormy seas resulting in four out of five passengers being seasick.

Argentina arrived a day late due to rough seas but that did not keep the radiant but tired GI brides who came from across the UK, from crowding the decks to see the Statue of Liberty. They were met by a band, and Mayor William O’Dwyer waited on the dockside with 200 newsmen.

If you were or know a GI Bride, contact Keith Hamilton at keith.hamilton@dailyecho.co.uk.