This Day, seventy years ago, May 12, 1943

This Day, Seventy years ago

Seventy years ago on this day, Wednesday,  May 12, 1943 during the Battle of the Atlantic two allied ships were sunk (the Norwegian Motor tanker Sandanger in HX-237; and the Norwegian Motor merchant Brand in convoy HX-237) and one damaged (the American Steam merchant Cape Neddick). 

There were three German U-Boats sunk(U-186 in Wolfpack Elbe 2; U-89 and U-456 in Wolfpack Drossel). Wolfpack Drossel attacked convoy HX-237.  Seven U-Boats would be sunk, for a loss of four merchants and two allies aircraft. Convoy HX 237 was seen as a success by the Allies, 38 ships arrived safely. The convoy was another in a series of set-backs suffered by the U-boat Arm, referred to as Black May.

"...May opened with the battle for ONS 5, a hard-fought clash which saw heavy losses on both sides; 12 ships were lost for the loss of six U-boats. But the tactical improvements of the escorts began to take effect; The next three convoys that attacked saw seven ships sink, for the loss of seven U-boats. Finally, convoy SC 130 saw five U-boats sink (Admiral Dönitz's son Peter was among those lost aboard U-954) without loss to the convoy. Shaken by this, Admiral Dönitz ordered a retreat from the Atlantic, in order to recoup; the U-boats were unable to return to the fray in significant numbers until autumn, and never regained the advantage. Total allied losses in May were 58 ships of 299,000 long tons (304,000 t), of which 34 ships (134,000 long tons (136,000 t)) were lost in the Atlantic. .."

There were 129 U-Boats at Sea (Events this day - U-Boat Net). During the previous month April 1943, 56 merchant ships were lost to U-boats (328,000 gross tons). 

---

Since the beginning of the year, Destroyer Escorts were entering into service at an ever increasing rate.  On May 12, 1943 the USS Sellstrom (DE-255) was launched.

Naval History Blog - 1st Submarine

I follow the Naval History Blog, and recently they posted this story - April 11, 1900: The First Submarine of the Navy, USS Holland (SS-1). "....This article was written by Captain Frank T. Cable as The Submarine Torpedo Boat Holland: First Submarine to Become a Part of the United States Navy for the February 1943 issue of Proceedings magazine. ...."

Great article! Interesting comment from Clara Bar­ton: ".... On one of these trips we had Clara Bar­ton, founder of the Red Cross, on board as a guest. Perhaps she was the first woman to venture in a submarine. We ran the Holland for several miles on the surface, then submerged her and Miss Barton to a depth of 15 feet on a run of 2 miles. Hol­land explained to her the boat’s mecha­nism, particularly the operation and effect of the torpedo. If he looked for congratula­tions on his ingenuity, he did not get them. On the contrary, she expressed her great surprise that any American citizen should be guilty of inventing such a deadly instru­ment of war. Holland, with his usual Irish good nature, assured her that to take life was not the purpose of the boat, but rather the contrary. He believed that if all the nations of the world were equipped with submarines there would be no war. The World War proved that he erred...."  

Perhaps, that's the comment John Holland made to Clara Barton, but I doubt he was sincere when he made it!  Earlier protypes of Holland's submarine were called the Fenian Ram.  It was built with financial support from the Fenian Brotherhood (an organization that conducted terrorist raids into Canada). From the start the Fenian Ram was intended as a weapon that would sink British Shipping.

---

Today John Holland's Fenian Ram is in the Patterson Museum.  William Maloney has a great series of photographs of the Ram.  btw - He also has excellent photos of the USS Slater.

This Day, April 28, 1943

This Day, Seventy years ago

Seventy years ago on this day, Wednesday, April 28, 1943 during the Battle of the Atlantic no allied ships.  There were several German and Japanese ships sunk.

There was an epic battle in the North Atlantic involving U-Boats and British Escorts, convoy ONS-5:

"...In the course of a week, ONS 5 had been the subject of attacks by a force of over 40 U-boats. With the loss of 13 ships totalling 63,000 tons, the escorts had inflicted the loss of 6 U-boats, and serious damage on 7 more. This battle demonstrated that the convoy escorts had mastered the art of convoy protection; the weapon and expertise at their disposal meant that henceforth they would be able not only be able to protect their charges and repel attack, but they would also be able to inflict significant losses on the attacker. ONS 5 marked the turning point in the battle of the Atlantic. Following this action, the Allies inflicted a series of defeats and heavy losses on the U-boat Arm, a period known as Black May. This culminated in Dönitz withdrawing his forces from the North Atlantic arena.."

There were 148 U-Boats at Sea (Events this day - U-Boat Net). During the previous month March 1943, 107 merchant ships were lost to U-boats (627,000 gross tons). About two-thirds of the tonnage sunk by U-boats during March was in convoy (a record for the war).

---

Since the beginning ot the year, Destroyer Escorts were entering into service at an ever increasing rate.  On April 28, 1943 the USS Griswald (DE-7) was commissioned, Lieutenant Commander Charles M. Lyons in command.

This Day, Seventy years ago, April 14

This Day, Seventy years ago

Seventy years ago on this day, Wednesday, April 14, 1943 during the Battle of the Atantic three allied ships (Norwegian Destroyer Eskdale, Norwegian/German Tug Pasvik, and British Naval Trawler Adonis) were sunk.  One U-Boat (U-526) was also sunk.
 
There were 122 U-Boats at Sea (Events this day - U-Boat Net). During the previous month March 1943, 107 merchant ships were lost to U-boats (627,000 gross tons). About two-thirds of the tonnage sunk by U-boats during March was in convoy (a record for the war).

---

Since the beginning ot the year, Destroyer Escorts were entering into service at an ever increasing rate.  On April 14, 1943 the USS Hurst (DE-250) was launched.  As of 2012, that ship is still in service in the Mexican Navy as the ARM Comodoro Manuel Azueta D-111.

This Day, Seventy years ago, 11/04/1942

This Day, Seventy years ago

Seventy years ago on this day, Wednesday, November 4, 1942 during the Battle of the Atlantic six merchant ships were sunk.  Three were sailing with Convoy SC-107: the British steam merchant Empire Lynx was torpedoed and sunk by the U-132; the Dutch steam merchant Hobbema was also torpedoed and sunk by the U-132; and the British steam merchant Daleby was torpedoed and sunk by the U-89. A straggler from Convoy SC-107, the British steam merchant Hatimura was torpedoed and sunk by the U-442. During the attack, it was believed that U-132 was destroyed by the explosion of the Hatimura which was carrying roughly a thousand tons of munitions.

Also, the unescorted British steam merchant Oued Grou was torpedoed and sunk by the U-126 off the coast of central Africa in the southeastern Atlantic Ocean;

The unescorted American steam merchant William Clark was torpedoed and sunk by the U-354 off Jan Mayen Island in the Arctic Ocean. The William Clark was one of thirteen vessels sent unescorted and alone on the Murmansk run due to the high losses in previous convoys. This operation was code named Operation FB. Only five vessels reached their destination.

In the Indian Ocean, U-178 sunk the unescorted Norwegian steam merchant Hai Hing; and the unescorted British steam merchant Trekieve.  This was U-178s first patrol. It lasted 125 days (six ships were sunk, 47,097 tons).

On Novermber 4, 1942 there were 122 U-Boats at Sea (Events this day - U-Boat Net). During the previous month, of October 1942, 105 ships (566,939 tons) were sunk and 15 ships (99,709 tons) were damaged by U-boats.

This day, seventy years ago, 10/21/1943

Seventy years ago on this day, Wednesday, October 21, 1942 during the Battle of the Atlantic no merchant ships were sunk. Two Japanese merchant ships were sunk by American submarines in the Pacific. 

There were 116 U-Boats at Sea (Events this day - U-Boat Net).

Highline Transfer - Right way and Wrong Way

The above video shows the rightway to do a highline ship-to-ship transfer.  It details a transfer between the USS King and the USS Orleck.  Today, the USS Orleck is a museum ship in Lake Charles, Louisiana. The entire deck log for the Orleck is available on-line. 

This transfer above took place on Friday, October 7, 1967.  Here are the log entries:

	Friday, 6 October 1967
0000	Steaming in company with Task Element 70.8.2.2 composed of COMDESRON 3, COMDESDIV 72, USS KING (DLG 10), USS ORLECK (DD 886), USS LEONARD F. MASON (DD 852), USS WILTSIE (DD 716), and USS BUCK (DD 761), enroute from Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, to Guam, M.I., in accordance with COMDESRON THREE Operation Order 301-67.  This ship in station #3 of a circular screen 11C4.  Formation course 258°, speed 18 knots, formation Axis 258°T.  SOPA, OTC is COMDESRON THREE in USS KING (DLG 10).  USS KING (DLG 10) is guide, bearing 213°T, distance 3000 yards.  Condition of Readiness FOUR and Material Condition YOKE set.  Ship darkened except for running lights.
before 1417	**** Entries before Highline Omitted ****
1417	Set the Special Highline and Transfer Detail.
1430	C/s to 20 knots.  C/c to 190°, maneuvering to take stand-by station 500 yards astern of the USS KING (DLG 10) for highline transfer of personnel.
1437	By order of OTC, highline transfer delayed until 1500.  Maneuvering to regain assigned station five.
1455	C/form/c to 300°.
1459	C/form/c to 320°.
1505	C/form/c to 255°, c/form/s to 12 knots.
1507	Commenced maneuvering on various courses at various speeds to obtain assigned stand-by station 500 yards astern of the USS KING (DLG 10).
1512	Obtained stand-by station, began making approach on USS KING (DLG 10) to facilitate starboard side for highline transfer of personnel.  Using various speeds on various courses to obtain alongside station.
1530	First line over.
1537	McGHEN, M.A., SN, 997 07 03, departed this ship by highline transfer to USS KING (DLG 10) to facilitate early departure on emergency leave.
1552	All lines clear.  Maneuvering on various courses at various speeds to clear USS KING (DLG 10) and return to assigned station five in Formation 20.
	J. S. CLARK, LT, USN
1600	Underway as before.  Maneuvering to take station 5 in Formation 20, 255°T, speed 16 knots.

---

This video (The Secret Land) details the wrong way to do a highline transfer (twice). The highline clips are depicted around 46 minutes.  The entire video details Operation High Jump, a Navy expedition made to Antarctica in 1946-47, under the command of Admiral Richard E. Byrd. The video received an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 1948.    However, one ship depicted during the highline sequence was the Destroyer Escort USS Robert F. Keller (DE-419).  DE-419 wasn't assigned to Operation High Jump.

This day, seventy years ago, 10/07/1942

Seventy years ago on this day, Wednesday, October 7, 1942 during the Battle of the Atlantic four merchant ships were sunk: unescorted British steam passenger ship Andalucia Star was torpedoed and sunk by the U-107; The unescorted British motor merchant Boringia was torpedoed and sunk by the U-159; The unescorted American steam merchant Chickasaw City was torpedoed and sunk by the U-172; and The unescorted Panamanian motor merchant Firethorn was torpedoed and sunk by the U-172.

German Schnellboots (S-Boots - S.101, S.46, S.46, S.62, S.80, S.105, S.108 of the 2nd and S.63, S.79, S.117) of the 4th Motor Torpedo Boat Flotillas attacked convoy FN.32, escorted by destroyers Westminster and Vanity, 12 miles NE of Cromer in the North Sea. Rescue tug Caroline Moller was sunk by S.80. Also lost were freighters Jessie Maersk to S.117, Ilse to S.105, Sheafwater to S.46 and S.63, and Motor Launch 339 to S.62.

There were 114 U-Boats at Sea (Events this day - U-Boat Net).

This day, seventy years ago - 09/30/1942

Seventy years ago on this day, Wednesday, September 30, 1942 during the Battle of the Atlantic four merchant ships were sunk: the unescorted British steam merchant Empire Avocet was torpedoed and sunk by U-125; the unescorted British steam passenger ship Kumsang was torpedoed and sunk by U-125; the unescorted British motor merchant Siam II was torpedoed and sunk by U-506; and the unescorted British steam merchant Alipore was torpedoed and then sunk by gunfire by U-516.

There were 108 U-Boats at Sea (Events this day - U-Boat Net).

During September, 1942: 101 ships (454,957 tons) were sunk and 15 ships (119,941 tons) were damaged by U-boats and mines. The German Army was engaging the Russian Army in Stalingrad.  The British were engaging the German Afrika Korps (General Rommel) in North Africa; and the American Marines were engaging the Japanese in Guadalcanal.  A Japanese submarine launched a seaplane which dropped bombs in Oregon.

---

The Loss of the USS Wasp (CV-7)

On Tuesday, 15 September 1942, on the carrier Wasp, at 14:44 a lookout reported "three torpedoes ... three points forward of the starboard beam". A spread of six Type 95 torpedoes were fired by the Japanese submarine I-19. Wasp put over her rudder hard to starboard, but it was too late. Three torpedoes struck in quick succession, all hit in the vicinity of gasoline tanks and magazines. There was a rapid succession of explosions and Water mains in the forward part of the ship had been rendered inoperable. After consulting with Rear Admiral Leigh Noyes, Captain Sherman ordered "abandon ship" at 15:20. All badly injured men were lowered into rafts or rubber boats. The abandonment took nearly 40 minutes, and at 16:00—satisfied that no one was left on board—Captain Sherman abandoned the ship. The Wasp was sunk at 21:00 (9:00PM).  An oral history of the sinking was recorded by Rudolph Cusson in 2008. During the attack, 193 men had died and 366 were wounded.

The USS San Francisco (Frank Slater's ship) was 2500 yards on the Wasp's starboard quarter when the torpedoes struck. 

---

On September 27, 1942, en route from Cape Town to Surinam, the new liberty ship the SS Stephen Hopkins encountered the heavily armed German commerce raider Stier and her tender the Tannenfels.

This was a David and Goliath Battle. The main gun on the Stephen Hopkins was a 4" 50 Cal, which fired a 33 pound shell at a rate of 9 rounds per minute. The Steir had six - 5.9" (L45) guns, which fired a 100 pound shell at 7 rounds per minute. In one minute the Stephens could deliver approximately 300 pounds of shells on target. During the same period the Steir could deliver over 4,200 pounds on target (if all guns could bear on target).

Because of fog, the ships were only two miles apart when they sighted each other. At 8:55 am, the first round from the Hopkins disabled the Steir's rudder. The second round a water feed pipe in Stier’s engine room. The Steir was dead in the water, but it returned fire and soon the Hopkins was a flaming wreck. 

The Hopkins sank at 10 am. Forty-two of her crew were killed in the action, and three more died later; the fifteen survivors finally reached Brazil 31 days later.

Meanwhile Stier had been fatally damaged; unable to make headway, and not responding to the helm, Gerlach made the decision to abandon ship. Stier exploded and sank at 11:40.

Stephen Hopkin's commander, Captain Paul Buck, was posthumously awarded the Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal for his actions. So was US Merchant Marine Academy cadet Edwin Joseph O'Hara, who single-handedly fired the last shots from the ship's 4". The Destroyer Escort Kenneth M. Willett (DE-354) was named in honor of Kenneth Martin Willett who was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross during the action. Lt. Willett commanded the Stephen Hopkin's Armed Guard Unit.

• Detailed Account on Stephen Hopkins
• Detailed Account posted in Armed Guard.Com 

09/04/2012 - Reunion Group Info

Last week I gave a tour to a couple that were attending a Destroyer Escort Reunion in Los Vegas. 

They loved the tour of the USS Slater and were going to suggest that their group consider Albany/USS Slater as a destination in the future. The USS Slater and the city of Albany is a great destination for military reunions (especially for DE and Tin Can veteran groups).  In my experience, the USS Slater crew will roll out the red carpet.  Check out the visitor reviews on Trip Advisor.

Albany has an excellent visitor bureau that can assist with reunion groups.  Other Albany destinations that may interest military reunion groups include the Albany Visitor Center (includes an exhibit dedicated to USS Albany); the NY State Museum; Dutch Apple Cruises;  and the Watervielt Arsenal.  From time to time I plan group events, and I'd like to give a plug to the Albany Med Hilton Garden Inn.  They can provide shuttle services to the Train Station; the Airport and the USS Slater.

A short distance away is Saratoga Springs and Lake George.

More information on USS Slater Reunions is available at ussslater.org. 

Need help - send me an email - dedocent@gmail.com.

This Day, seventy years ago, 8/26/1942

Seventy years ago on this day, Wednesday, August 26, 1942 during the Battle of the Atlantic three merchant ships were sunk: the unescorted British steam merchant Beechwood was torpedoed and sunk by U-130; the unescorted Norwegian motor tanker Thelma was torpedoed and sunk by U-162; and sailing with Convoy LW-38, the British steam merchant Empire Kumari was torpedoed and sunk by U-375.

There were 101 U-Boats at Sea (Events this day - U-Boat Net).

During August, 1942: 114 ships (544,908 tons) were sunk and 17 ships (95,053 tons) were damaged by U-boats and mines.

---

The Guadalcanal Campaign

Battle of the Eastern Solomons

 

 

 

The naval Battle of the Eastern Solomons took place on 24–25 August 1942. It was the second major engagement during the Guadalcanal Campaign. The two adversaries were never within sight of each other. All attacks were carried out by aircraft. Neither side secured a clear victory. However, Japan's losses were greater and included dozens of aircraft and their experienced aircrews. Also, Japanese reinforcements intended for Guadalcanal were delayed. 

08/12/2012 - What Ships Did Dad Serve on?

Today I was asked about researching a parent's service record from WWII.  There are quite a few sources but the starting point is the discharge papers. 

Military personnel records can be used for proving military service, or as a valuable tool in genealogical research. Most veterans and their next-of-kin can obtain copies of some records at the National Archives.  Access to records before 62 years are considered non-archival and there are restrictions.  Records before 1950 are archival, and are public.

• National WWII Museum - How to Locate Someone Who Fought in World War II
• National Archives - Veteran Service Records
• How I Found Out Which Ships My Dad Served On in World War II 
• Request Military Service Records PDF - Form 180

This day, seventy years ago, 08/12/1942

Battle of the Atlantic

Seventy years ago on this day, Wednesday, August 12, 1942 during the Battle of the Atlantic two merchant ships were sunk by U-508 while sailing with special convoy 12 (from Cuba): the Cuban steam merchant Manzanillo and the Cuban steam merchant Santiago de Cuba.

There were 96 U-Boats at Sea (Events this day - U-Boat Net).

---

The Guadalcanal Campaign

1st Naval Battle - Savo Island

USS Quincy (CA-39) Photographed from a Japanese cruiser during the Battle of Savo Island,
Quincy, seen here burning and illuminated by Japanese searchlights, was sunk in this action.

The Guadalcanal Campaign (Operation Watchtower) was the first major offensive by Allied forces against Japan. On August 7, 1942, marines landed on the islands of Guadalcanal, Tulagi, and Florida in the southern Solomon Islands. They overwhelmed the outnumbered Japanese defenders, who had occupied the islands since May 1942. The key prize was an airfield (Henderson Field) that was under construction on Guadalcanal. The Allies intended to use Guadalcanal as a base to support a campaign to eventually capture the major Japanese base at Rabaul.

Powerful U.S. naval forces supported the landings. They planned to unload as many supplies as possible throughout the night of August 8 and then depart early on August 9. That night, as the transports unloaded, the screening Allied cruisers and destroyers, were surprised and defeated by a Japanese Crusier/Destroyer Forece based at Rabaul. One Australian and three American cruisers were sunk and one American cruiser and two destroyers were damaged. The Japanese suffered moderate damage to one cruiser. The Japanese immediately retired to Rabaul without attempting to attack the transports. They were concerned about daylight U.S. carrier air attacks if he remained in the area. On August 10, one of the Japanese Cruisers (Kako) was torpedoed and sunk by the submarine USS S-44 near Rabaul (70 mi).

The USS San Francisco was assigned to escort the Carrier Wasp (about a hundred miles away from Savo Island). It was detached from the force that supported the landings, and was not directly involved with the battle.

---

Relief of Island of Malta (Mediterranean)

SS_Waimarama_explodes

On August 12th, 1942, a relief convoy to Malta is subjected to constant attacks during the day. Operation Pedestal was a British operation to get desperately needed supplies to the island of Malta. The most crucial supply was fuel delivered by the SS Ohio, an American-built tanker (with a British crew). The operation started on 9 August 1942, when the convoy sailed through the Strait of Gibraltar. The arrival of the last ships of the convoy on 15 August 1942, coincided with the Feast of the Assumption (Santa Marija) and the convoy was named the Santa Marija Convoy. 

Roughly fifty ships sailed through minefields, and came under attack by bombers, E-boats, and submarines.The operation cost of more than 400 lives, and only five of the original 14 merchant ships reaching the Grand Harbour. The SS Ohio made it to Malta but was so badly damaged that it sunk in Malta's Grand Harbor.

---

August 12, 1942 - Movie star Clark Gable enlists in the Army Air Corp. During the war he flew five combat missions.  Gable is discharged in 1944.

This day, seventy years ago, 07/29/1942

Seventy years ago on this day, Wednesday, July 29, 1942 (during the Battle of the Atlantic two merchant ships were sunk): The Norwegian steam merchant Bill was torpedoed and sunk by U-155; and the unescorted Canadian steam merchant Prescodoc was torpedoed and sunk by the U-160.

There were 87 U-Boats at Sea (Events this day - U-Boat Net).

U-210 sights Convoy ON.115 in the North Atlantic (41 Ships). Within a week 3 ships will be sunk and two damaged.

In July, 1942:  97 ships (458,351 tons) were sunk and 11 ships (90,138 tons) were damaged by U-boats and mines.

---

The First Battle of El Alamein ended. The British had stopped the Afrika Korps advance into Egypt.

Soviet Marshal Josef Stalin began moving massive numbers of troops into the Stalingrad area.

Gas rationing began on the East Coast of the United States.

Operation Watchtower began as 17,000 U.S. Marines boarded ships near Fiji on July 26, 1942. The Watchtower force, numbering 75 warships and transports left for Guadalcanal on July 31. The USS San Francisco is in the Watchtower Force. 

07/29/2012 - Fuse Settings & Kw

Today started wet and rainy I didn't get a chance to walk my 4 mile loop.   After a little while it cleared up, and it turned out to be a nice day. I managed to conduct three tours.

During one of the tours I was asked about the kw rating of the Main Propulsion Generators. The answer turned out to pretty easy. It was detailed on the USS Slater Web site - Description of B-2, The generators were Allis-Chambers, 1200 KW, 525 VDC, 750 RPM, The USS Slater has four.  The picture above is the main generator in the forward motor room.  In the description of the aft motor room B-4, there is a panoramic view.

The USS Slater has a power plant arrangement that is similar to fleet submarines.  There is a detail description of WWII US Navy submarine generators on the Historic Naval Ships Web Site.

---

At the 3" 50 cal I was asked what was the minimal time setting of the mechanical time fuse (MTF)?  A mechanical time fuse is used for shooting at airplanes.  This minimal time is referred to as arming delay (a safety feature).  It is the minimal setting from the time a gun is fired, until a projectile can detonate.

The short answer is 0.60-second for the 30-second mechanical time fuze.  There appropriate projectile (3" Mk26) is detailed in the US Explosive Ordnance Manual (OP1664, May 28, 1947). The fuse referenced is Mk21 MTF (same manual, OP1664 page 105). 

At a muzzle velocity of 2700 ft per second, the .60 delay, means that the shell will travel somewhat less than 540 yards (2700 * .60 / 3).  The muzzle velocity is the highest rate of travel for a projectile but it will slow the further the projectile travels.  The rate is influenced by the gun elevation.  You need range tables to determine the exact value for a given elevation.

btw - Detail Information of the 3" 50 cal. is available in OP 811, 1943

7/18/2012 - Coast Guard Convoy Video

On the 15th of July, we gave a tour to a WWII Coast Guard man who served on Patrol Frigates (PF). I ran across this Coast Guard Video that shows PFs in action.

This Day, seventy years ago, 07/15/1942

Seventy years ago on this day, Wednesday, July 15, 1942 (during the Battle of the Atlantic three merchant ships were sunk): Dispersed from Convoy OS-33 the British steam tanker British Yeoman was torpedoed and sunk by U-201; Dispersed from Convoy OS-33, the British steam merchant Empire Attendant was torpedoed and sunk by the U-582; and Sailing with Convoy KS-520, the Nicaraguan motor merchant Bluefields was torpedoed and sunk by the U-576.

A few days before, on July 12,  Convoy OS-33 (41 ships, 8 escorts) was attacked by 6 U-boats in wolfpack Hai (Shark).  Eight ships were sunk, including the British Yeoman and Empire Attendant noted above.  There were no survivors on the Empire Attendant.

There were 70 U-Boats at Sea (Events this day - U-Boat Net).

Off of Cape Hatteras Convoy KS-520 was engaged by U-576. Besides the Bluefields (sunk, noted above) two other ships were damaged: the American ship Chilore (eventually it sunk on July 24) and the Panamian ship J.A. Mowinckel.  The unlikely hero was the US Navy Auxiliary Ship Unicoi, IX-216 (pictured above).  The gunners on the Unicoi managed to damage U-576 (the U-boat was sunk later in the day by aircraft). 

---

Also - Field Marshal Erwin Rommel's Afrika Korps and the British 8th Army are engaged in a major battle at El Alamein, Egypt.

---

The Destroyer Escorts USS Stewart (DE-238) and USS Sturtevant (DE-239) were laid down at the Brown Shipbuilding Houston.

7/1/2012 - Three WWII Vets

Today was a little hot, but quite a few people turned out. As usual, I started the day with a three mile walk through Albany.  Later, I gave two tours that included three WWII Vets. The 1st Group included two vets who were neighbors. One fellow was a real cut-up. He served on the USS Randolph, USS Charger and the USS Loeser. The other vet served on Landing Craft Tank (LCT-587 or LCT-876). Since LCT-876 was destroyed in transit to Okinawa I'm guessing it was LCT-587. Because of mobility issues we did an abbreviated tour.

Later in the day I had a big group that included a Coast Guard WWII Vet who served as a coxswain on a Patrol Frigate in the North Atlantic. This group ranged in age from 6 to 85. It's always a challenge to give an interesting tour to such a diverse group.

---

USS Randolph

In the middle of the Pacific there is an Island Atoll - Ulithi.  This was the forward operating base, thought to be beyond the range of Kamikaze Attacks.


On March 11, 1945 a long range bomber managed a surprise attack on the USS Randolph:  Here is an account - "...It was March 11, 1945. The next night there was a movie on the hangar deck called "A Song To Remember." We may have forgotten the song, but we will always remember the night. I was watching the show the night we were hit and as of next month I will be 76 years young. I have tried to find some of my buddies from the Fireroom gang but only have found only 4 who are up and around and are on the net. I Thank my God that I am still able to cope with life today !  ............."

• USS Randolph - Wikipedia
• USS Randolph - Navsource Photo's
• Max Walker - Account of March 11, 1945
• Don Strating Account of March 11, 1945
• Japanese Account of Attack on March 11, 1945

---

LCT-587

LCT-587 was a Landing Craft Tank (Mark 6).  This LCT-587 was at Omaha Beach, Dog Green sector at H-10 Hour (6:20 a.m.).  From US Army History of Omaha Beach: "...The Initial Assault Wave: Ninety-six tanks, the Special Engineer Task Force, and eight companies of assault infantry (1,450 men), landing just before and after 0630, were to carry out the first assault missions (Map No. V). On the right, the 743d Tank Battalion brought in all its tanks on LCT's. Company B, coming in directly in face of the Vierville draw, suffered from enemy artillery fire. The LCT carrying the company commander was sunk just of shore, and four other officers were killed or wounded, leaving one lieutenant in Company B. Eight of that company's 16 tanks landed and started to fire from the water's edge on enemy positions. .... "

• Wikipedia - DD Tanks - Omaha Beach
• Wikipedia - Landing Craft Tank
• Omaha Beach - Tank Battalion Contrast 741 vs 743
• BBC - Tanks of Omaha Beach
• Blogger account of Uncle in 743 Tank Battalion
• Blog about 743 Tank Battalion
• Saving Private Ryan - 743 Tank Battalion
• Ships of the US Navy - Landing Craft Tank
• Global Security Org - History of LCTs
• Navsource Index of LCTs
• Navsource - LCT587
• Navsource - LCT876

---

USS Charger (CVE-30)

The USS Charger was one of the first escort carriers.  Early in the War the US Navy confiscated four C-3 Merchant ships, converted them to Escort Carriers, and transferred them to the British Navy under Lend Lease.  After Pearl Harbor the HMS Charger was transferred back to the US Navy and used a training platform for air crews.  While the ship was largely assigned to Chesapeake Bay, it was subject to frequent mishaps. 

•  Wikipedia - Escort Carriers
•  Wikipedia - USS Charger (CVE-30)
•  NavSource Online: USS Charger
•  Moore-McCormack (C-3)Cargo Liners
•  Oral History Account: USS Charger
•  Sun Shipbuilding: Baby Flat Tops
•  Naval History: Emergence of Escort Carriers

---

Patrol Frigates

USCGC Haida [WPG 45] upon relief at Weather Station Able 1500 miles West of Strait of Juan de Fuca

The insatiable demand for anti-submarine vessels in 1942 led the Navy to utilize merchant shipyards for their construction. These yards were not thought capable of building ships such as DEs to naval standards, so the British River-class frigate design (similar to the DEs) was modified for American construction techniques. While similar to DEs, they used a Triple Expansion Power Plant and a simpler engineering layout (limited evaporators). They were built with fewer watertight compartments, firefighting and damage control features. And they weren't equipped with torpedo tubes. The frigate program was plagued by delays; only 12 had been completed before the end of 1943, by which time more than 200 DEs were in commission and the Allies were winning the Battle of the Atlantic. Subsequent Patrol Frigate and DE Ships were cancelled.

• Global Security - Patrol Frigates
• David Henderson Blog (about Patrol Frigates) 
• Patrol Frigate Story (Book) David Henderson
• Huff Duff and the Coast Guard
• Coast Guard at War - Escorts
• The Coast Guard North Atlantic Campaign
• Patrol Frigate (PF) Navsource Photo Index
• Oral History - USS SANDUSKY PF-54

This day, seventy years ago, 07/01/1942

The next day I will be available for tours is Sunday, 07/1/2012. If it's a Sunny day I start with a walk around Albany (approx. 5K, 3+ miles) at 9:00 AM. Visitors are welcome to tag along but please send me an email.  

---

Seventy years ago on this day, Wednesday, July 1, 1942 (during the Battle of the Atlantic three merchant ships were sunk): the unescorted American steam merchant Warrior was torpedoed and sunk by the U-126; The unescorted Norwegian steam merchant Cadmus was torpedoed and sunk by the U-129; and the American steam passenger ship City of Birmingham was torpedoed and sunk by the U-202.  


In the Mediterranean, while sailing in a convoy, the British steam merchant Marilyse Moller  was torpedoed and sunk by the U-97.

On July 1, 1942 there were 75 U-Boats at Sea (Events this day - U-Boat Net).  During June 1942, 134 ships (632,869 tons) were sunk and 11 ships (67,343 tons) were damaged by U-boats and mines.

In the Artic Ocean, the infamous Murmask Convoy, PQ-17 (PQ-17 wikipedia) (PQ-17, U-Boat.Net) was discovered by German Aircraft and U-boats on the 1st of July.  Within a few days, 24 of the 35 ships in this convoy would be sunk. Prime Minister Winston Churchill called the event, "one of the most melancholy naval episodes in the whole of the war." The Soviet Union did not believe so many ships could be lost in one convoy and openly accused the Western Allies of lying.


Sad story in the Pacific, the American submarine USS Sturgeon (SS 187), torpedoed and sank the 7,266 ton Japanese transport ship Montevideo Maru about 65 nautical miles west of Cape Bojeador, Luzon, Philippines. From wikipedia - "... The was transporting Australian POWs and Allied civilians to Hainan Island. 1140 (including 88 Japanese crew) were killed while 18 survived. Some of the Japanese including the ship's captain made it to the Philippines but most, including the captain, were killed by local guerrillas. This loss of Australian lives is the worst maritime disaster in Australian history. Only one eyewitness account has ever emerged. After 60 years the sole surviving Japanese sailor described the "death cries" of trapped Australians going down with the ship while others sung Auld Lang Syne.  "

---

Also on July 1, 1942 - Field Marshal Erwin Rommel's Afrika Korps and the British 8th Army are engaged in a major battle at El Alamein, Egypt.

06/24/2012 - USS Amsterdam

USS Astroia (left) and USS Amsterdam (Right) - San Diego Reserve Fleet 1970

When I begin a tour I typically ask visitors if they were in the Navy; had family members in the Navy; or any association with the Navy.  On this visit I had a relative of Mrs. William E. Hasenfuss who sponsored the USS Amsterdam CL-101.  A ship sponsor is the person who breaks a champagne bottle on the bow of  a ship when it is launched.  Mrs. Hasenfuss was a gold star mother from Amsterdam, NY.  Her son was in the Army Air Force, and he was killed at Hickam Field, Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.


Many years ago (in 1970) I happen to do a little legal requisition work on the USS Amsterdam a few weeks before the ship was scrapped. When a ship is scheduled for disposal, active sailors and museum ships are given an opportunity to obtain spare parts. Some of the repair parts for the USS Slater are obtained in a similar fashion. 


I remember that the USS Amsterdam was a gold mine.  My interest was the  5" / 38 Cal Gun Mounts.  Even though the mounts were over twenty five years old, they were in excellent condition.  We stripped quite a collection of spare parts.


About six months later my ship (USS Henry W. Tucker) was deployed to Vietnam.  I was experiencing problems with my fuse setter and I was able to trade (navy slang - cumshaw) a breech block and recoil rod from the USS Amsterdam with the  Naval Ordnance Systems Support Office in Subic for priority repairs. As far as I know these spares from the USS Amsterdam helped three Navy Destroyers deployed to Vietnam.