USS Rhea; Port Stanley

USS Rhea; Port Stanley

Between the fall of 1967 and Feb 1971, when I joined the Canadian Navy I was one of the engine room Cadets in my last two years, who monitored the engines and generators when we were at sea—two 8-cylinder, flat head, diesel engines. In the generator room, there were two generators—a 671 and a 371 Diesel. I also remember practicing an emergency propulsion trial (in case both engines were disabled) where there was a small shaft that was put through the bulkhead, between the engine and generator room, and hooked the port engine up to the 671 generator, with emergency steering using two two-fold purchases on the AX. Oh, that was the life. LOL! And when we went to the slips after almost sinking, I was one of the cadets on my back underneath, caulking the ol’ girl with tarred hemp (I think—could be wrong) and a caulking hammer and caulking tool.

• The captain was Tommy Raymond
• One of the ship’s officers worked in the liquor store in Port Stanley
• One of the engineers worked for GM Diesel in London
• Bruce Lumley was the coxswainThe coxswain is the person in charge of a boat, particularly its navigation and steering. The etymology of the word gives us a literal meaning of "boat servant" since it comes from cox, a coxboat or other small vessel kept aboard a ship, and swain, which can be rendered as boy, in authority.

Jim Sherret
P2 BoatswainA boatswain is an unlicensed member of the deck department of a merchant ship. The boatswain supervises the other unlicensed members of the ship's deck department, and typically is not a watchstander, except on vessels with small crews. Other duties vary depending on the type of ship, her crewing, and other factors., retired

This’ll also contribute to the ultimate goal of generating a dynamic timeline. Pardon the dust.

Up next, I’m going to just back into transcribing some action reports and muster rolls. I want to get the names up as soon a I can, to start auditing names and families.

We’re still pre-action here in terms of Chuck in the war. The next letter will be his first time aboard YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-299, which is exciting. You’ll get his first impressions of the ship and we’ll be going into the shakedown, where the ship is stress tested prior to crossing the Pacific and going into firefights.

https://www.facebook.com/yms299

The ultimate plan is to enter all of the journal entries and letters (I’ll go back and fix them) in the actual date they are from. This will allow me to put them all into a timeline that I can also add war context to (e.g., XYZ invasion, presidential speeches, etc.). It will make it easier and more interesting to browse.

It’s a big project, for sure, but it will be a life’s work.

I am holding out a glimmer of hope that one or more of the soldiers on my ship are living. I know it isn’t very likely, but I have found another YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines. sibling’s crew member who is living. It isn’t my ship, but I’d like to visit soon to ask questions about the ship that I was never able to ask my grandfather.

Scruton Marine Services

Cool stuff! Of course, it is well overpriced, and I wouldn’t know what to do with such a large thing in my house, but it is a very neat find, nonetheless. I am curious how they validated the authenticity of it—and if it is truly WWII-era, or if it would have been replaced post-war. They have the YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines. number wrong in their listing, which makes me wonder.

Being the following incident has happened many years ago, I will try to be as accurate as possible. It would be best to keep in mind that at the time, I was only 15 years old, therefore everything seemed so critical and disastrous. In all honesty, I can’t remember if the winter of 1971–1972 was particularly bad or not, after that amount of time the best I can say is, “I’ve had a sleep since then” and winter is winter.

It was during the very early spring thaw that a fairly large log had floated downstream on the Talbot River through Port Stanley, Ontario and somehow managed to get jammed between the pier and port side of the ship. Due to the strong current of the river and high winds, the constant rocking and sway of the ship, a fairly large hole had been punched into the hull right at the water line on the port side slightly forward of amidships. I believe it was Lieutenant Harrington, who at the time was at his place of employment, had been notified that the Rhea was sitting low in the water and had a noticeable list.

Most of the regular crew, including myself, headed for Port Stanley as soon as we were notified. Although we should have been going to school and attending to our schoolwork, to us this was our ship and our pride and loyalty would never allow us to be in a classroom fretting about what was happening to the Rhea. Upon my arrival, I could see there was at least a 10-degree list to starboard and was curious how that could be, considering the damage was to the port side of the ship. My curiosity was soon answered, as it was explained to all of us that the officers got here much earlier and had managed to get the generators and bilge pumps running. Also, they had placed dozens of forty-five-gallon drums along the starboard side of the ship and filled them with water. All of that extra weight is what caused the 10-degree list to starboard, which of course also kept the hole in the port side above the waterline.

The next four days were filled with the kind of work that none of us had ever experienced before. Of course, there was also a lot of cleaning. Everything from emptying the tiller flats for cleaning, to using two man hand pumps to help clear out the water. I guess those pumps started to make men out of a bunch of scared kids. Both the officers’ quarters and the crew quarters had to be completely stripped and cleaned. The engine and generator room, the gyro room—there is no end to the list. Basically, everything below the main deck looked like it had been through another war, but somehow everything came together. Once again, we pronounced our ship ready to sail.

I remember, during one of the coffee breaks, Sub-Lieutenant Bruce Lumley mentioned that when he got the call, the Rhea was sinking. It was the first time he had driven all the way from London to Port Stanley in under 20 minutes. Considering the quality of the road back then, I thought that was a miracle. Being he was from my home Sea Cadet Corps, I had always thought he was a bit to gruff. It was at the end of that weekend he commented to me, “Mills maybe you do have potential after all.” That was the closest thing to a compliment I had ever gotten from him at anytime, so I finally learned he wasn’t so bad after all.

The hole, of course, could only be given temporary repairs. It wasn’t until late spring that we were able to take her to Erieau, Ontario, to a dry dock facility. Actually, the dry docks were made for the repairs on local fishing trawlers, with an average length of 50–80 feet. Therefore, were not able to bring her all the way inland from the water. So, over the course of the long weekend we were able to line the hull at the waterline with steel plates. Again, I have to think back hard, but I believe we used 4′x4′x1/4″ thick plates, pre-drilled so they could be bolted to the hull and then all the seams between each plate were welded. I remember a few of the guys ended up with flash burns, from exposure to the arc welding without proper goggles. With a couple quick coats of paint, she looked like new. Once again, it was another long, hard weekend but I’m sure everyone knew it was worth it.

I don’t know whether I should mention this or not, but during the late fall of 1971, a gas tanker ship named the Alfred Sitaki ran into the pier at Port Stanley, at which time there had been a fair amount of the gasoline spilled. (Nowadays, that would have been called an ‘ecological disaster’ and there would have been hell to pay.) Anyway, shortly afterward her cargo had been pumped off to another tanker and she was taken to Erieau harbour to be torn down and scrapped. So, during our short stay at Erieau, late one night a few of us decided we should pull a gunga din on the Alfred Sitaki, being it was going to be scrapped anyway. So, here we are, sneaking aboard this ship…some of the guys are grabbing heaving lines, fire hoses, or anything else useful that isn’t nailed down or locked up. Of course, because I always worked in the galley, that’s exactly where I headed, grabbing pots and pans and any cooking utensils that I thought would be useful. It wasn’t until I got back that I realized I had a problem. Some of these pots and pans were monstrous. “How the hell am I going to put them away without them being noticed as out of place without Lieutenant Galino, the Galley Officer getting suspicious?” I ended up working half the night in the galley rearranging the cupboards and cabinets to make everything fit. However, the next day when Lieutenant Galino couldn’t find anything, I had some explaining to do, but he just laughed and let it go. Hell, I was worried I was in serious s**t.

Well, there you have it Anthony. I think the only thing I’ve left out is the size of snowshoes us Canucks wear when we’re out chasing beaver. I have to admit, this has been fun.

After posting the muster roll, out of curiosity, I Googled each of the names to contact a few genealogy hits and let them know about this site. Maybe it will lead to some other photos or war trinkets. I am also holding out hope that I run into someone who is still alive…but that window of opportunity is quickly vanishing.

Stay tuned!

I plan to try and get my hands on better copies of these plans from the National Archives in the near future. Click through for as high of resolution as I have thus far.

YMS-135 Subclass; Blueprint

I’d give personal credit to the artist, but I need to clarify if he would like me to, as the model was put together for a paid project. If I end up using it for anything commercial, I’ll have to get permissions.

So, what do I plan to do with such a great find?

Well, at the moment, not too much. The 3D model lets me pan and rotate the ship so I can get more intimate with its layout, but it is only an exterior model at the moment. I’m in the process of scheduling some Naval archive visits to get more blueprints, because I’d like to add more detail to the 3D model, then build out the interior for some digital walk-throughs. I can’t imagine how amazing it would be to virtually walk around inside of the ship, eventually even adding textures and materials to make it seem life-like. Time to sharpen up those rusty CAD skills!

Here is a quick screenshot of part of the model:

YMS-304 3D Rendering

The YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-304 is a near sibling of the YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-299. Of the same subclass, the same blueprints were used in their manufacturing. The only differences between them would be minor in the construction process, as only YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-299 to YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-302 were built by the same builder.

Here is a sample portion from one of the blueprints:

YMS-135 Subclass; blueprint sample

Silent Defenders patch logo

• Download the vector (high resolution) EPS version

M.V. Rhea cap tally (band) and shoulder flash (patch); 1970s

Vern served on the ship in the 1970s, alongside Charles Donaldson, the other former cadet whom has sent me a great number of photos of the ship.

Vern also pitched in this humorous bit of information:

I just remembered something that will give you one hell of a good laugh. During my time on the Rhea, I always worked in the galley with another guy named Brian Shuart. It was Brian who got the rest of the crew and even the officers to call me, “Captain Heartburn”.  Oh yeah, my culinary skills have improved since then. (I think)

I’ve been contacted by another post-war cadet from the 70s. I’ll see if he has anything great he’s willing to share with us. I’m particularly interested in the interior of the ship lately, only because I have no photos of it.

I recently found a blueprint for the ship, as well as a model-maker who does custom WWII ships. The model-maker has made sibling boats of the YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-299, so I’d like to get my hands on a fairly accurate model of the ship with gun turret placement and all. That would help me paint a more clear picture of battle, when my grandfather talks about what gun he was using and where chaos was happening around him.

To Vern, I have a number of other documents/stories from Charles regarding the cadet service. I’ll work on getting them posted quickly for you.

Imperial Japanese currency (front); one

Imperial Japanese currency (back); one

The duplicates are of particular interest because you can see the level of variation in the bills from lack of quality control on production. Colors vary in saturation and the image is placed inconsistently on the paper.

Imperial Japanese currency (front); five

Imperial Japanese currency (back); five

Imperial Japanese currency (front); five

Imperial Japanese currency (back); five

Imperial Japanese currency (front); ten

Imperial Japanese currency (back); ten

Imperial Japanese currency (front); ten

Imperial Japanese currency (back); ten

Imperial Japanese currency (front); fifty

Imperial Japanese currency (back); fifty

I really like the Samurai detail.

Samurai detail from five bill

Rhea 52 in Welland Canal, 1959

More information on Welland Canal in Ontario: on Wikipedia

Rhea 52 painted by Chuck Donaldson's brother by memory in 1992. The dock was owned by the government of Canada and rent was $1 per year.

The U.S.S. RHEA was built by William F. Stone and Sons Company of Oakland, California. She was launched on 14 November 1942 with Mrs. Lester F. Stone of Almeda, California serving as sponsor.

The U.S.S. RHEA (AMS 52) was originally commissioned as the YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines. 299 on 7 April 1942 with Lieutenant F.H. GENTRY USNR as the first Commanding Officer. This ship is a Wooden-hulled minesweeper with an overall length of 136 feet and a beam of 25 feet. Her displacement is about 300 tons, her draft nine feet. Two 500-Horsepower General Motors diesel engines turn her twin propellers for a maximum speed of about 15 knots. She is fully equipped with modern electronic devices including Radar, Sonar and Loran. One 40 millimeter and two 20 millimeter rapid fire anti-aircraft guns comprise the armament of this vessel. While this type of ship is very seaworthy, it is not unusual to experience rolls of from 45 to 50 degrees. The complement of the ship is four officers and 30 enlisted men.

This vessel spent the Second World War in the Pacific and was Commanded by Lieutenant Edward James FOLEY Jr., USNR until the 2nd of April 1945 when Lieutenant Commander Warren Arthur WISLE R, USNR took command. During this period the YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines. 299 won her first “Battle Star” on the Asiatic- Pacific Medal. This star was earned while participating in the Assault and Occupation of Okinawa Gunto. In July 1945, Ensign Robert James BAUMAN, USNR became the fourth Captain of the vessel. It was during the command of this young Ensign (he was but nineteen years old) that this ship was awarded her second and third “Battle Stars”. One star was received for operations with the U.S. Third Fleet in the vicinity of the Phillipine Islands during July 1945.

When the USS-MISSOURI steamed into Tokyo Bay with the Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers, General MacArthur, on the way to the surrender ceremonies, this ship, together with others of her class, preceded MISSOURI up the channel to insure that the way was cleared of mines. This typified the motto of the MINE FORCE -”Where the Fleet goes, we’ve been”.

Upon conclusion of the surrender of Japan, this vessel was engaged in minesweeping duties around the Japanese Home Islands. Ironically, the majority of the mines with which she was confronted at this time had been planted by our own Army and Navy Aircraft. In keeping with the old adage of the sea -”Those that mine must sweep”, the YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines. 299 participated in the tedious task of sweeping the Japanese Inland Sea for which she was awarded her third and final “Battle Star”. This duty also saw the ship add the Navy Occu· pation Service Medal for the Asiatic Theatre to her other laurels.

In late 1946 the YSM 299 recrossed the Pacific Ocean, transited the Panama Canal, and entered the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard where she underwent a major change in equipment. All minesweeping gear was removed in order to prepare this ship for employment in the Naval Reserve Training Program. In November 1946 Ensign BAUMAN relinquished his command to Chief Quartermaster HEELY, USN who was in turn relieved by Chief BoatswainA boatswain is an unlicensed member of the deck department of a merchant ship. The boatswain supervises the other unlicensed members of the ship's deck department, and typically is not a watchstander, except on vessels with small crews. Other duties vary depending on the type of ship, her crewing, and other factors. H.W. SADLER, USN. This ship together with several other ships of various classes operated as a unit, their main function consisting in taking Naval Reservists out to sea for training purposes. The allowance of the ship at this time was nine enlisted men and one commissioned warrant officer.

In September 1947, the YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines. 299 was reclassified AMS 52 and then named RHEA. The designator AMS 52 which normally follows the name of the RHEA indicates that she is one of the class of ship known as motor minesweepers, the U.S. Navy’s largest wooden-hulled ships. Like its sister ships, this vessel is named for a bird; a RHEA being a South American member of the Ostrich family. This ship continued with the routine peacetime work of training reservists and in 1948 Lieutenant (jg) ROCKER, USN took command. This vessel was so magnificently maintained that Rear Admiral SHERMAN, who made semi-annual inspections, once remarked that he would like this ship for his own personal yacht.

During the years 1948 to 1951, this ship was Captained by BoatswainA boatswain is an unlicensed member of the deck department of a merchant ship. The boatswain supervises the other unlicensed members of the ship's deck department, and typically is not a watchstander, except on vessels with small crews. Other duties vary depending on the type of ship, her crewing, and other factors. KANNEY, USN and later by Chief BoatswainA boatswain is an unlicensed member of the deck department of a merchant ship. The boatswain supervises the other unlicensed members of the ship's deck department, and typically is not a watchstander, except on vessels with small crews. Other duties vary depending on the type of ship, her crewing, and other factors. SADLER, USN. In November of 1951, this vessel underwent overhaul at Quaker Shipyard, Camden, New Jersey when it was once again equipped as a minesweeper. Lt. W.C. MAGEE, USNR became Commandirg Officer at this time. In June of 1952 the RHEA reported to Charleston, S.C. to become an active member of the MINE FORCE, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. Charleston then became the home port and the home yard of the ship.

In the autumn of 1952 the RHEA operated out of Norfolk, Virginia where she underwent intensive “shakedown” training. Following that she returned to Charleston from which port she conducted routine minesweeping assignments. Lieutenant (JG) Carlos C. VILLABREAL, USN took command in November 1952. At Key West, Florida during the months of January and February 1953, the lessons taught at Norfolk the preceding summer were repeated during the annual period of “refresher” training. In the fall of 1953 LT(JG) Gerald F. DOOLEY, USN assumed command while RHEA was operating out of Charleston, South Carolina. Type exercises and routine upkeep periods occupied RHEA for the remainder of 1953 and through the summer of 1954. In August 1954 she was again in Key West undergoing refresher training after a routine overhaul period when LT(JG) John N. MORRISSEY, USN took command. Upon completion of refresher training, RHEA returned to Charleston for duty until January 1955 when she was assigned as schools ship for the Naval Schools Mine Warfare in Yorktown, Virginia. July 1955 brought another change of command when LT(JG) Claude J. TETRI, CK, USN relieved LT(JG) MORRISSEY. RHEA continued on as schools ship training the mine countermeasures personnel for the Mine Warfare School. Following routine overhaul at Portsmouth, Virginia, RHEA returned to Charleston in May 1956 and once again commenced routine minesweeping training.

In August 1956, under the command of LT. J.A. SAGERHOLM, USN, who relieved on 14 July 1956, RHEA and the ships of Mine Division 45 visited New York City to participate in the New York Summer Festival. RHEA later took part in LANTMINEX 1-56 in November, and following that, participated in a joint minesweeping exercise with Canadian Mine Squadron ONE at Charleston.

RHEA decommissioned 23 December 1957. She was struck from the Navy List 1 November 1959.

I’ll come back to this post and update with as much date/location info as I have for each.

Rhea 52

Rhea 52, 1971 in Port Stanley, Ontario

More information about Port Stanley: on Wikipedia

Rhea 52, 1970 in Erie, Pennsylvania; Chuck Donaldson next to ship's bell, center

Rhea 52; Chuck Donaldson is the young boy, center

Photos include (in order of appearance): McIntyre, Charles Dean Paul (CDPCharles Dean Paul, “Chuck,” my grandfather and the author of the journal. For brevity, I’ll continue using his initials.), Bill H ‘Red’ Davis, Arragon, Welch, Richard M George and John, Eugene, Charlie and Barbara (in the car photo).

'Bill' William L. McIntyre and CDP; December 1944, Hawaii

CDP; 1943, Hawaii

Bill H. 'Red' Davis and CDP; September 1944, Hawaii

Arragon, CDP and Welch; September 1944, Hawaii

CDP; 1943

CDP; 1944, Hawaii

CDP; 1944, Hawaii

CDP; 1944, Hawaii

CDP; 1944, Hawaii

CDP (date unknown)

Richard M. George and CDP; 1944, Hawaii

(top row) John, Eugene and CDP; (bottom row) Charlie and Barbara; 1943, Los Angeles, California

'Bill' William L. McIntyre, Richard M. George and CDP; 1944, Hawaii

Some of the photos had addresses written on them. I’m guessing these were the homes of the guys:

• Richard M. George (1511 Murray Dr., Los Angeles, CA)
• ‘Bill’ William L. McIntyre (459 Homestead Ave. #20, New Orleans, LA)

You should read through them, or post your own:
HBO’s The Pacific, Stories

I don’t have HBO, so I’ll have to watch the episodes in delay, unfortunately.

World War II Victory Medal

This medal was awarded to any member of the US military to serve between December 7th, 1941 and December 31st, 1946.

The medal’s front depicts Nike standing victorious, holding a broken sword, representing the broken power of the Axis, with one foot upon the helmet of Mars, the Roman god of war, representing the end of the conflict. Behind Nike is a sunburst, representing the dawn of peace. The reverse recalls the “Four Freedoms” speech by President Roosevelt, with a laurel sprig, surrounded by the words “United States of America”, and the dates of the conflict, “1941-1945″. The edges of the ribbon revisit the multi-colored rainbow ribbon of the Allied World War I Victory Medal. This again honors all the allied nations. The wide red center represents the new sacrifice of blood by World War II combatants. The thin white lines separating the central red band from the outer multi-colored bands represent the rays of new hope, two of them signifying that this was the second global conflict.

World War II Victory Medal

Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal

This medal was awarded to any member of the US military to serve in the Pacific Theater from 1941 to 1945.

The flag colors of Japan and the United States are visible in the ribbon.

Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal

American Theater/Campaign Medal

This medal was awarded to any member of the US military to serve in the American Theater (the Atlantic Coast) from December 1st, 1941 to March 2nd, 1946.

American Theater Campaign Medal

Update: Thank you to Jeff Hannan of Cheshire, UK for the information on the history of the paper (see below).

Update: Thank you to M.S. for transcribing the receipt (see comment).

The Rocky Mountain Times

History of Rocky Mountain Times

Based in Utah, with a Christian focus, Rocky Mountain Times was one of four Japanese-American papers that published in the United Stated during the WWII. It was originally published by Shiro Iida, until it was absorbed by Utah Nippo (another Japanese-American paper) in 1927. Utah Nippo was a collaboration of husband and wife, Uneo and Kuniko Terasawa, begun in 1914. In 1939, when Uneo died, his wife took over the publication. Soon after, she added an English section to the paper that caused it to peak in circulation during the war. Then running three times per week, the circulation was up to 8,000 during the war. After the war, the paper steadily declined in circulation until Kuniko’s death in 1991.

Questions to Answer:

• What country is this from (or what language is it in)?
• What is it? A subscription receipt? A postal receipt?
• Does it have a date anywhere on it?
• What is the watermark at the bottom? (There is part of a block-type watermark facing backward at the bottom. It reads “MMERMU”.)

Well, I was expecting an email at some point, but I was expecting incorrectly. I was surprised today when I checked the mail, to find a scrapbook of the ship with professional photos of the ship sailing, a full history of the ship issued to the cadets in 70′s, handwritten memories aboard the ship, photos of himself as a boy on different parts of the deck, a beautiful painting of the ship his brother made and the sad newspaper article of its unexpected sinking at dock in 1983.

I’ll be typing up these stories and scanning these documents for inclusion here as quickly as I can. Thank you, Chuck!

The map’s legend reads:

NANSEI SHOTO

OKINAWA GUNTO

FROM H. O. CHART NO. 5303

"DISTANCE CHART" (side 1)

PRINCIPAL INSTALLATIONS (side 2)

The covered note in side 2 is “NOTE: Defense concentration areas are shown thus: [shaded in red.]” The upper-right is a “key map” simply showing the relationship of this map with the greater continent.

We’ll be swapping some photos, documents and stories. More to come…

YMS-299 in front of the Eastern portion of the Oakland-San Francisco Bay Bridge. The Berkeley Hills can be seen faintly to the East (on the left side of the bridge) with the Port of Oakland and (now gone) Alameda Naval Air Station to the right of the bridge. (notes from Rich Warren)

If you look at the photo in full size, it has a couple dozen crew posing and waving.

YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines. = Yard Minesweeper. Mines had magnetic force to make them attack battleships. The YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines. was made of wood to skirt around the mines and destroy them.

Notes on the back of the photo:

• Engine: 12-cylinder, diesel, two propellers (screws)
• Speed: 14 knots max (16 mph)
• Crew: 35 men

Chuck was a motor machinist mate, 2nd class, in charge of engine room mechanics. In addition to his role in the crew, he also manned anti-aircraft gun when under attack.

(via http://www.navsource.org) YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-135 Class Auxiliary Motor Minesweeper:

• Laid down, 5 June 1942 by William F. Stone and Sons Co., Oakland, CA;
• Launched, 14 November 1942;
• Commissioned USS YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-299, 7 April 1943;
• Placed in service, in reserve, 6 March 1947 at Philadelphia, PA;
• Named Rhea and reclassified as a Motor Minesweeper AMS-52, 1 September 1947;
• Recommissioned, 15 November 1950;
• Reclassified a Coastal Minesweeper (Old), MSC(O)-52, 7 February 1955;
• Placed in reserve, 1 November 1957 at New London, CT;
• Decommissioned, 23 December 1957;
• Struck from the Naval Register, 1 November 1959;
• Sold in June 1960 to the Ships, Engines and Equipment Co.;
• Sold in 1960 to the Courageous Sailing Club Inc., London, Ontario, Canada;
• Sold in 1962 to Canadian Navy Cadet group at London, Ontario based at Port Stanley;
• Sold in 1983 to Peter Cash, et al, Oshawa, Ontario;
• Acquired by Gary Zulauf of Oshawa;
• Sank due to rotted hull, 10 October 1997;
• Raised, 11 November 1997 and scrapped.

(via http://www.navsource.org) Specifications:

• Displacement 270 t.;
• Length 136′;
• Beam 24′ 6″;
• Draft 8′;
• Speed 15 kts;
• Complement 32;
• Armament one single 3″/50 gun mount, two 20mm, two dcp;
• Propulsion two General Motors diesel engines, two shafts.

(via http://www.navsource.org) Below are some more recent photos of the ship, when it was recommissioned in post-war:

AMS-52 (YMS-299/Rhea), photo via Ed Traylor (crew member June 1956 to 23 December 1957)

AMS-52 (YMS-299/Rhea), Historical Collections of the Great Lakes

AMS-52 (YMS-299/Rhea), copyright Stan Cochran, August 1955, MSC(O)-52 at Mine Warfare School, Yorktown, VA

San Diego, CA, circa 1943, 43-452 after boot camp

Questions to answer:

• How would someone try to get a list of names for a photo like this?

Comments:

“This was the 452nd company of recruits graduated from San Diego Naval Station in 1943. The Chief Petty Officer was probably the Company Commander. The First Class Petty Officer (fourth from left, front row) was probably the Executive Officer. All other men are E-1 Seamen Recruits (white band around right shoulder.) The tall recruit between the petty officers would have been the ‘Recruit Company Commander’. The third from the left and the fourth from the right would have been ‘Recruit Platoon Leaders’. After nine weeks or so of grueling training, this would have been one of their last times together. They were dispersed to the fleet. I wonder how many never came back?” —Code Basher via Shorpy

The back says:

“1943 after boot camp
San Diego, CA navy base
80 men to a platoon, with 2 platoons
160 men”

(NOTE: I only count 150 men, not including the officer.)

Chuck is almost directly above the officer, four rows up (so 5th row from bottom) and very slightly to the left.

Charles Dean Paul, pulled out of the line-up

If you are a historian and/or a family member of a soldier involved in the story of YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-299, I’d be more than happy to hear from you.

Below is the local newspaper article (and transcription) from the next day (October 11th), provided by post-war cadet, Charles “Chuck” Donaldson.

WWII Ship Takes Plunge; Toronto Sun, October 11, 1997

WWII ship takes plunge

MESSY SPILL… Oshawa marine rescue personnel work to clean up diesel oil that was leaking from the MV Rhea after the ship sank yesterday morning in Oshawa harbor.

Former U.S. navy mine sweeper sinks in Oshawa harbor

By BRAD HONYWILL
Toronto Sun

OSHAWA—A mine sweeper that led U.S. military forces into Tokyo harbor at the end of World War II sits on the bottom of Oshawa harbor today after a mysterious sinking.

The MV Rhea—a 136-foot-long mine sweeper converted into a home—sank in about seven metres of water yesterday while tied to the Oshawa dock that has been its home for the past decade.

Harbormaster Donna Taylor said the ship appeared fine during a visual inspection at 10 a.m. but, 10 minutes later, it was sinking rapidly.

Phil Murphy, a tenant on the ship, had left for work when it went down. But it’s assumed that his cat was trapped in their cabin and unable to escape, Taylor said.

Taylor said emergency personnel from COMRA (City of Oshawa Marine Rescue Association) were immediately on the scene and prevented an estimate 1,600 litres of diesel oil from escaping into the harbor. The harbormaster said the former U.S. navy ship also saw action in the Korean War after World War II.

Later it was used as a training vessel.

The Rhea is owned by Gary Zulauf of Oshawa, who was away on a camping trip and had not been reached yet by authorities.

Taylor said that, although the Rhea was being used as a home, it was in the process of being restored as an operational [boat?]

September 7, 1945; Letter to Home, from Chuck

September 7, 1945

Dear Folks:

We just received some great news—that is, in a way. There is no more censoring of letters. Now, we can write a few things now and then—at least I can try.

I just got back from Leyte in the Philippines, September 6th. We are at this time in Okinawa, at the main anchorage where the Jap fleet used to anchor. That is, until they saw us coming. Hundreds of ships of all descriptions are anchored here. It is a real sight if you have never seen that many together before.

In four or five days, we are shipping for Tokyo to sweep all mines and allow the fleet to get in. I wish we could get out of it as mine sweeping is far more dangerous than anything I have seen so far. We have pulled through many times and I feel certain we will on this assignment. It sure seems good to be without air-raids, etc., especially Jap suicide planes and robot bombs. As far as that goes, they are all unwelcome. I hope to never go through the Hell of war again. One war is enough for any man.

I imagine you want to know a little of what we did way out here. Several days before the invasion of Okinawa, we started sweeping with six sweepers (ships) for the invasion. As we drew close to land, with each sweep we could see the Japs only a few hundred yards away. They did not bother us for several days. When we’d worked our way in between the islands, where there was only one way out, they opened up on us. All we could do was try to run for it. All but one ship behind us made it. She had a direct hit. The next day, the second ship behind us hit two mines. Shortly after that, the next ship hit two mines. That left us three ships out of six. Believe me, we were worried. Who is next was all we could think about. A few days went by until one more ship got a direct hit, leaving two. Fortunately, we made it—with God’s help, I am sure. I am telling you, Mom, it was Hell—screams, noises, men blasted to bits before your eyes, only yards away. I wish those who sacrificed their lives could have been there to see the finish. Those that were left each received a written citation, a copy of which is attached. Our company suffered a higher percentage of losses than any other company of its origin in the history of the Navy. I am proud to have been a part of it, but on the other hand, the ones that died should get all the honor and glory bestowed upon them. They gave their lives so that we might again enjoy a free world of happiness. I take my hat off to those boys. We knew most of them, and a finer bunch of fellows will never be found. It is a great honor to have known them.

Forgive me for writing like this, but a fellow has to let go once in a while. Being held down so long, it is quite something to have a little freedom. I will let you know how we make out every chance I get.

Love to all,
Charles (signed)

Note: The written citation is an award. Chuck forgot to include the citation with this letter and it was attached to the next letter.

YMS-103 Action Report; April 25, 1945; Table of Contents

SECRET
U.S.S. YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-103

YMS103/A16-3
Serial: 001

%Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California
25 April 1945

SECRET

From: The Commanding Officer,
To: The Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.
Via:

(1) The YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines. Type Commander, Pacific Fleet.
(2) The Commander Minecraft, Pacific Fleet.
(3) The Commander Task Force Fifty Two.
(4) The Commander Amphibious Forces, Pacific Fleet.
(5) The Commander Fifth Fleet.
(6) The Commander-in-Chief, United States Pacific Fleet.

Subject: ACTION REPORT— Okinawa Operation, 26 March to 8 April 1945.

Reference: (a) Cinepac Conf. C/L 1CL-45.
Enclosure: (A) Subject Action Report.
1. In accordance with reference (a) enclosure (A) is submitted herewith.

[signed] L M Thornton
L.M. THORNTON

Copy to:
Cominch (3 advance)
CinePac
AdComMinePac
YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines. Type Commander

YMS-103 Action Report; April 25, 1945; Introduction

U.S.S. YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-103
SECRET
ACTION REPORT

INTRODUCTION
Due to the fact that all logs and communication records of the U.S.S. YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-103 were lost a strictly chronological account as required in Part III of reference (a) would be inaccurate. Therefore Part I has been expanded to include a complete report which is believed to be basically accurate and of more value in showing clearly the order of events as they occurred, including the rescue and disposal of survivors as well as the salvaging of all confidential and secret publications which was accomplished some time after the U.S.S. YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-103 was abandoned for safety reasons.

YMS-103 Action Report; April 25, 1945; Part I

SECRET
ACTION REPORT

PART I — Brief Summary
Enroute from Saipan to Okinawa Gunto as escort for Task Unit 51.13.4 during the period of 6 March 1945 to 2 April 1945 inclusive. The passage was uneventful except for very heavy weather which kept the decks awash almost continuously thereby hampering practice emergency drills which had previously been held daily.

YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-103 arrived at Kerama Retto anchorage about 1000 2 April 1945 and proceeded alongside the U.S.S. LSTLanding Ship, Tank. The LST was essentially the ship’s equivalent of an over-sized cargo plane. Primarily used in amphibious operations, it was used to run aground large quantities of vehicles, soldiers and supplies. Cynics nicknamed them “Large, Slow Targets,” though in reality they fared pretty well—losing less than one in 40 to battle and less than one in 85 to typhoons, through the course of the entire war. 798 for fuel and water. After completion of this operation anchored independently to await further orders. During this period all hands were carrying out routine maintenance procedure and readying the ship for sweeping operations. Condition II Easy was maintained for material readiness and a security anchor watch was manned at all times.

At 0430 3 April General Quarters was manned as a result of enemy aircraft being reported in the vicinity. 0620 small caliber AA fire was opened on an enemy plane (TONYThe “Tony” was a US War Dept. codename for both the Kawasaki Ki-100 and Kawasaki Ki-61 model planes. Ki-61 was the original model, though on January 19th, of 1945, a US bombing raid destroyed the engine factory in Akashi, Hyōgo. 275 leftover frames were converted to fit the Mitsubishi Ha-112-II radial engine and the Ki-100 was born. By April of 1945, it is unlikely many of the Ki-61 were still in operation. Instead, it was more probable the above-mentioned Tony attacks were from the Ki-100 models assembled less than two months prior, in February.) which succeeded in breaking through the barrage and crashed amidship(also amidships) A Naval term for the midsection of a ship or plane; between the bow and the stern. the U.S.S. LSTLanding Ship, Tank. The LST was essentially the ship’s equivalent of an over-sized cargo plane. Primarily used in amphibious operations, it was used to run aground large quantities of vehicles, soldiers and supplies. Cynics nicknamed them “Large, Slow Targets,” though in reality they fared pretty well—losing less than one in 40 to battle and less than one in 85 to typhoons, through the course of the entire war. 599 in spite of repeated 20MM hits which were observed after he closed within 1500 yards’ range.

On 4 April the YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-103 joined Task Unit 52.7.2 for sweeping operations in areas along the East coast of Okinawa inside the 100 fathom curve. No enemy mines were swept and the Type “O” gear was recovered without casualties prior to retuning to the Minesweep Anchorage at Kerama Retto for the night. Enemy planes were reported in the vicinity but no action resulted.

Rejoined Task Unit 52.7.2 on 5 April for operations in the Tatsu Kuchi area and approaches into Nakagusuku Wan. Starboard Type “O” gear was streamed and position number four(4) of a echelon formation was assumed. Two enemy contact type mines were swept. The last of these caused loss of our float. It appeared that an anti-sweeping device caused said loss but since no other ships experienced like difficulties this cannot be confirmed. After recovering sweep gear the YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-103 rejoined the unit to act as mine disposal ship. One enemy mine was sunk with small caliber fire prior to following out our night retirement plan.

YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-103 reentered Nakagusuku Wan with Task Unit 52.7.2 to act as mine disposal ship on 6 April. Laid an obstruction buoy 100 yards southeast of Chikuniga Shoal about 0900.

During the day seven enemy mines of contact type were exploded or sank with small caliber fire. Four of the mines were not cut by the unit but appeared to be “drifters”. Explosions were all of high order and 20MM fire at a range of 200 yards proved most effective.

On 7 April the YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-103 assumed the same duties as the previous day and accounted for three enemy mines one of which was a floater lying outside swept waters.

YMS-103 Action Report; April 25, 1945; Part I (continued)

SECRET
ACTION REPORT

About 1700 the entire unit was taken under fire by enemy installations located 2000 yards from China Saki on bearing of 225[deg] true. The YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-103 returned fire at a closing range of 6000 yards with the main batteries until ordered by Task Unit Commander to expedite retirement. While retiring the U.S.S. YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-427 received a direct hit on the port side at frame 90. The YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-103 was next taken under fire and five straddles were observed close aboard during evasive action. Enemy battery appeared to be about 75MM. Night retirement was carried out as before.

The following day, 8 April 1945, the unit again entered Nakagusuku Wan. The YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-103 assumed position number four(4) in a starboard echelon formation consisting of the YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-1(flag), YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-299, and YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-92, in that order. Type “O” gear was streamed using 250 fathoms’ scope and a 40-foot pendant. Station distance between ships was 700 yards and the U.S.S. PGM-18 was acting as mine disposal ship 500 yards astern of the formation bearing 10[deg] off the YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-103 Port quarter.

As the area was entered all water tight hatches were dogged tight and all personnel were above decks wearing life jackets and helmets. About 0743 as the YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-103 was coming to course 210[deg] true from a course of 100[deg] true an enemy mine exploded under the U.S.S. PMG-18 just at the midships line on the Port side lifting her stern clear of the water. The PGM-18 came down with a 20[deg] starboard list and fire was visible above her decks. It performed a slow 180[deg] turn to the right at the same time rolling completely over to the starboard by 0742. A hole of about 40 square feet in the area and of circular pattern was visible in her bottom.

At 0750 CTG 52.7.2 ordered the YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-103 to slip sweep gear and return to aid survivors. This operation was carried out with all possible speed. Swept water was reentered and an approach was made to the survivors on a course of 240[deg] true on the upwind side. The degaussing was in operation at all times. 0600 stopped all screws after maneuvering so as to be dead in water with survivors along each side of ship. The first aid station was manned in the galley and crew members were deployed along each rail to aid rescue. The wherry was put overboard to pick up wounded and life lines were being passed to groups of survivors when the PGM sank at 0805. At 0808 an explosion blew the bow off the YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-103 as far aft as the forward edge of the bridge. Several men on the 3″50 gun platform were blown clear of the ship. One was killed immediately. There were undoubtedly several members of PGM-18 crew killed by the underwater force of the explosion. Although the forward bulkhead of the after living quarters was not water tight the generator compartment was and immediate steps were taken to keep the ship afloat. Topside weight was being jettisoned and a handy-billy was brought into use to pump the after crew’s quarters. At 0813 all depth charges were inspected in preparation of jettisoning then when the second mine sheared the ship as far aft as the generator compartment. This explosion severely injured several men and “Abandon Ship” was ordered as a safety precaution. Dan buoy floats and all life rafts were in the water prior to the second explosion. All men were able to make their way to safe positions. At 0820 the commanding officer left the ship having first inspected all compartments and machinery spaces for possible survivors.

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YMS-103 Action Report; April 25, 1945; Part I (continued)

SECRET
ACTION REPORT

Survivors were picked up by boats from the YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-103, YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-92, and an AM. By 0950 all had been picked up. The U.S.S. LINDSEY and the U.S.S. YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-92 gave medical aid.

After seeing to the treatment of survivors of his crew aboard the LINDSEY the commanding officer of the YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-103 returned aboard the YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-103 which had been taken in tow by the ATF-84. All registered, secret, and confidential publications were saved as well as the pay accounts and service records of the crew. The YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-103 was beached in territory held by the United States ground forces. Machinery spares and supplies were salvaged as time permitted.

[clockwise from top-right]
SURVIVOR AREA
PGM-18
c100
YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-103
YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-92
YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-299
YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-1
c210
TIDE 1 KN
WIND 2

Rough chart showing disposition of ships at time of first explosion and the maneuvers of the YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-103 to aid survivors.

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YMS-103 Action Report; April 25, 1945; Part II

SECRET
ACTION REPORT

PART II — Preliminaries

A. The U.S.S. YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-103 was operating as part of the Fifth Fleet (Admiral R.A. SPRUANCE, USN) in Task Force Fifty-One (Vice-Admiral R.K. TURNER, USN) and was further assigned to Task Force 52. Upon arrival at objective it reported to CTG 52.7.2 for sweeping operations under Commander Minecraft, United States Pacific Fleet, where it remained until its destruction.

B. These duties and activities are described in detail in Part I.

C. No remarks.

D. No remarks – covered in Part I.

E. No remarks.

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YMS-103 Action Report; April 25, 1945; Part III

SECRET
ACTION REPORT

PART III — Chronological Record

(Omitted as set forth in Introduction.)

-5-

YMS-103 Action Report; April 25, 1945; Part IV

SECRET
ACTION REPORT

PART IV — Ordnance

A. Performance of own ordnance and equipment.

1. Detailed information concerning.

(a) Ammunition expended.
No accurate record available.

(b) Fire discipline, gunnery communications.
Fire discipline excellent.

(c) Effectiveness of anti-aircraft gunnery.
No clear opinion. Seemed above average for ships of our class.

(d) Material and training deficiencies.
No casualties in ordnance. No deficiencies in training.

B. Performance of enemy ordnance.

(a) All mines behaved normally.

C. No remarks.

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YMS-103 Action Report; April 25, 1945; Part V

SECRET
ACTION REPORT

PART V — Damage

1. Own ship.

Mine No. I

Damage

1. Sheared the hull completely off as far aft as the forward edge of the bridge. All compartments forward of the crew’s after living compartment no longer existed. Both after and forward magazines as well as the 3″50 Cal. ready ammunition box were blown up but no ammunition exploded.

Damage Control Efforts

1. Aft crew’s compartment was taking water slowly and preparation were made to pump with handy-billies. Shoring equipment was gathered from aft stowage in preparation of repairs and shoring of forward bulkheads. Topside weight in the form of ammunition and Dan buoy anchors was jettisoned.

Mine No. II

Damage

1. Sheared the hull completely off as far aft as the generator compartment. The entire bridge and radio shack was destroyed. All radar, radio, and sonar equipment was completely destroyed.

Damage Control Efforts

1. No efforts were made along this line. The forward generator room bulkhead was water-tight except for slight leaks at bottom of bulkhead.

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YMS-103 Action Report; April 25, 1945; Part VI

SECRET
ACTION REPORT

PART VI — Special Comments and Information

A. No comments are appropriate.

-8-

YMS-103 Action Report; April 25, 1945; Part VII

SECRET
ACTION REPORT

PART VII — Personnel Performance and Casualties

1.

(a) List of officers and men killed and missing in action as reported to the Bureau is attached.

(b) Accounting of Personnel.

	Survivors	Killed in Action	Missing in Action	Total
Officers	3	1	0	4
Men	24	4	0	28

Officers and men killed in action were buried at sea.

(c) Recommendations for awards will be subject of separate correspondence.

2. Names of officers and enlisted men killed in action 8 April 1945.

(a) Officers.

NAME	RANK	SERVICE NO.
JAMES ROBERT DAVIDSON,	Lt.(jg)(D)USNR	266855

(b) Enlisted men.

NAME	RANK	SERVICE NO.
CARDOZA, Oscar Francis,	MM2cMachinist's Mate, 2nd Class USNR	438-11-28
McKINNEY, Albert Marvin,	SoM2cSoundman, 2nd Class USN	347-14-84
SAVAGE, Jack Ellsworth,	CMoMMChief Motor Machinist's Mate(T) USNR	638-58-01
SMITH, Clarence Leonard,	S1cSeaman, 1st Class USNR	860-15-37

-9-

YMS-103 Action Report; April 25, 1945; Part VIII

SECRET
ACTION REPORT

PART VIII — Lessons learned, conclusions, and recommendations

1. The YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-103 was one of the oldest ships of her type in the Pacific area and was manned by a well trained, confident and experienced crew. As such there was the highest of ship spirit among her officers and crew. The conclusions herein presented are not intended to be at cross purposes with doctrine or procedure but are valuable in that they may present a closer view of small craft problems.

2. Sweeping operations.

A. Better fire support should be given small units when they work in close to beaches in restricted areas. Maneuverability and speed are naturally hampered in sweeping operations.

B. When units have swept areas in bays or anchorages it naturally shows intentions of using same areas at a later date. To prevent possible counter measures under cover of darkness it would be well to post anti-sub patrols across the entrances including as part of their duties that of radar picket to prevent laying of mines by small boats in previously swept areas. Since the U.S.S. PGM-18 was definitely in waters swept by Task Unit 52.7.2 and her degaussing was on, moored contact and magnetic mines are excluded. The second mine which went off under the U.S.S. YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-103 occurred after all engines and generators were secured. This excludes acoustic mines. The mines were, therefore, either floaters or sub-surface floaters. Since the area had been crossed and recrossed prior to 8 April the mines must have been laid by planes, small surface craft or submarines the night of 7 April 1945.

-10-

https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/10332

Once this is resolved, I’ll get back to working on the interactive timeline again…because otherwise my custom hack/fix gets overwritten every time I upgrade.

YMS-103 Muster Roll; March 21, 1945

NAVPERS-605A
(Revised October 1942)
Page 1

MUSTER ROLL OF THE CREW
of the U.S.S. YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-103
for the quarter ending 21 March, 1945

1 NAMES (Alphabetically arranged without regard to ratings, with surname to the left and the first name written in full)	2 SERVICE NUMBER (The service number must under no condition be omitted)	3 Present Rating	4 DATE OF ENLISTMENT Day Month Year	5 Date first received on board
BLACKLOCK, Jack Eugene	623-48-10	GM1cGunner's Mate, 1st Class	28 Aug. 42	3 Nov. 42
BROWN, Mack Helm	955-44-26	StM2cSteward's Mate, 2nd Class	20 March 44	29 June 44
CARDOZA, Oscar Francis	438-11-28	MM2cMachinist's Mate, 2nd Class	15 Sept. 42	6 Nov. 43
CASON, Edward Franklin	612-83-21	BM2cBoatswain's Mate, 2nd Class	21 Sept. 42	23 Dec. 42
DARCY, Thomas Francis	877-06-74	S1cSeaman, 1st Class	13 March 44	26 Oct. 44
EDWARDS, William Alfred	234-26-13	CPhMChief Pharmacist Mate(T)	5 Aug. 40	24 June 43
GILKS, Robert Webb	565-73-17	S1cSeaman, 1st Class	13 Dec. 43	22 Dec. 44
HOWES, Drew Barrett	266-22-85	RT3cRadio Technician, 3rd Class	21 Oct. 40	28 Oct. 44
JOHNSON, Norbert Anthony	638-78-09	S1cSeaman, 1st Class	18 June 42	28 Feb. 45
JOHNSON, Robert Cohen	888-55-42	S1cSeaman, 1st Class	7 June 44	26 Oct. 44
McKINNEY, Albert Marvin	347-14-84	SoM2cSoundman, 2nd Class	23 Dec. 42	15 July 43
MONNIG, Robert Rudolph	612-95-68	EM1cElectrician's Mate, 1st Class	12 Oct. 42	15 Aug. 43
NESNIDOL, Frank Anthony	857-31-65	GM3cGunner's Mate, 3rd Class	19 July 43	1 Nov. 43
NEWMANN, Herman Louis	841-99-75	MoMM3cMotor Machinist's Mate, 3rd Class	27 July 43	1 Nov. 43
REXIN, Denman Alfred	880-31-64	S1cSeaman, 1st Class	6 March 44	29 June 44
RIDER, Howard Courtland	618-37-47	SM1cSignalman, 1st Class	4 April 42	5 Sept. 43
RIGGS, Walter William	943-99-51	F2cFireman, 2nd Class	2 March 44	29 June 44
RITTBERGER, Charles Albert	338-67-07	S2cSeaman, 2nd Class	3 March 44	29 June 44
ROARK, Clifford Dean	322-13-44	F2cFireman, 2nd Class	10 March 44	29 June 44
SAVAGE, Jack Ellsworth	638-58-01	CMoMMChief Motor Machinist's Mate(T)	15 April 42	26 Aug. 42
SIMMANG, Gerald Thomas	843-10-78	S1cSeaman, 1st Class	1 Feb. 44	6 June 44
SIMON, William Adam	639-39-18	GM3cGunner's Mate, 3rd Class	22 Sept. 42	23 Dec. 42
SKIPWORTH, Edward Glen	839-15-00	SC3cShip's Cook, 3rd Class	9 Feb. 43	28 Feb. 45
SLOAN, Arlie Paul	386-98-09	S1cSeaman, 1st Class	16 Feb. 44	6 June 44
SLOUGH, Edwin L.	357-98-85	Y3cYeoman, 3rd Class	12 Feb. 44	6 June 44
SMITH, Clarence Lenoard [Leonard]	860-15-37	S1cSeaman, 1st Class	22 Feb. 44	6 June 44
SMITH, John Andy	637-12-24	MM2cMachinist's Mate, 2nd Class	29 Sept. 42	6 Feb. 43
SMITH, William Louis	193-16-55	CPhMChief Pharmacist Mate(T)	19 Dec. 41	9 Nov. 43

Envelope (front); December 5, 1944

Chas. D. Paul MoMM 2/c
USS YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines.-299
c/o Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, Cal.

Mr. Frank O. Paul
2919 Brinker Avenue
Ogden, Utah

Air Mail

Passed by Naval Censor
DMB

U.S. NAVY
Dec 6 1944

Air Mail
6 cents
United states of America

Envelope (back); December 5, 1944

Air Mail

Letter home (page 1); December 5, 1944

Letter home (page 2); December 5, 1944

Dec. 5, 1944
Tuesday

Dear Folks,
i received a bundle of back mail yesterday and there were several letters from you. Some of them were two months old. Letters are still good, no matter how old they are. The last few days we have been quite busy, so I haven’t had much time to write letters. I just have to wait my chance and take it.

You have me wrong about Margaret Buttler. I said I would like to write her, but I never have. I always was bashful around her. She is the only girl I was ever really scared of, if you know what I mean.

I write to several girls now. Some of them are pretty nice girls, although one or two I have my doubts about. The main ones are as follows: Wilma White, my girl in Beaver. She is really a nice girl. She was at the house one day, if you remember. I still write Gloria Olson. She is another very fine girl. I don’t know if you remember Mary Lou Egan or not. She is from Cedar also. Vida Fullmen from Driggs if you remember her. She is in Salt Lake, working in a bank, in which she started over two years ago. There is a girl in Pennsylvania, which you have never met. The others are not worth mentioning. So you see, I have picked a few nice ones. I always have plenty of letters to write.

I got word from my last ship today that they have two packages for me, so maybe they are the ones you sent me. I may get them tomorrow if the guys bring them over.

I have a twelve to four tonight, so had better hit the sack.

With love,
Charles

Envelope (front); November 19, 1944

Charles D. Paul MoMM 2/c
U.S.S.-Y.M.S. 299
c/o Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, Cal.

Mr. Frank O. Paul
2919 Brinks Avenue
Ogden, Utah

Passed by Naval Censor
OS

U.S. Postage
6 cents
Via Air Mail

U.S. NAVY
Nov 21 1944

Letter home (page 1); November 19, 1944

Letter home (page 2); November 19, 1944

United States Navy
Nov. 19, 1944

Dear Folks,
Well, today is Sunday and I have the day off, so I will spend it writing letters. This is the first day off we have had for months. It really seems nice. I always did like Sunday off, although one day here is the same as the rest.

We are having chicken for chow today. It really looks and smells good. That is quite a treat once in a while. We have  a new cook and so far he is alright. You never can tell. Time tells. Our last one on my other ship was good to start with, but after a bit you needed an antidote after each meal. I hope this one doesn’t turn out that way.

One of these days I will get my mail and when I do, I should have quite a stack. I haven’t received any for several weeks. It will catch up with me someday. Mail is all you have to look forward to, so you will wait a good while.

Well Dad, were you satisfied with the election? I sure wasn’t. Maybe I am wrong, but I would never vote for Roosevelt. Remember when Hoover was in? I liked Hoover better for some reason. You can remember how I stuck up for you against Roosevelt back in Minnesota.

I tried to get tubes for the radio, but no go. The radioman can’t even get them. If he can’t, no one can, so I will send it back. It really is a nice one and every once in a while we hit a place where it would be alright.

How much money and bonds have I got saved up? I would like to know. Are you getting the allotment yet? If you aren’t, I will have to check up on it and see what’s wrong.

Well, in another year and a half, I may be home. The war is a lot going on they didn’t know about. The day will come soon, I hope.

Love always,
Charles D. Paul

The stomach problems have returned, that are presumably a mixture of butterflies for war and seasickness. He is tired of water and yearning for the land in back in Utah.

Ending this letter, he talks about laundry by brush. They never did get a washing machine. There isn’t room for it on such a small ship. I have an audio interview that I’ll post when I can, where he discusses the process and humor in laundry. They would tow their clothes on a line in the water to wash them, then lay them out to dry. They collected so much salt in them that they would become stiff and crispy, making velcro-like sounds when you moved in a freshly “cleaned” pair.

Envelope (front); November 12, 1944

Charles D. Paul MoMM 2/c
USS- Y.M.S. 299
c/o Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, Calif.

Mr. Frank O. Paul
2919 Brinks Avenue
Ogden, Utah

Passed by Naval Censor
F.O.M.

U.S. Postage
6 cents
Via Air Mail

U.S. NAVY
Nov 13 1944

United States Navy
Nov. 12, 1944

Letter home (page 1); November 12, 1944

Letter home (page 2); November 12, 1944

Dear Folks,
Well I have caught me another ship. I believe I will like this one better. The officer aboard her seems to care more about the men than my last ship. It isn’t near as strict, and much easier to get along. It is really a nice crew.

Only one bad feature. The ship is much smaller and as rough as they come. Lately, my stomach has been bothering me more than it ever has before. I am afraid I won’t be able to take it long. If we were in the States, I would go to the hospital and let them operate this time if they wanted to, but I can’t see it clear out here. I don’t want to be stuck some place for months like this.

I may get a chance to go to church yet. The way it looks, it is very possible. All I can do is wait and hope. If I wait long enough, the day will come. If it doesn’t, I’ll have to wait until I get home, which looks very far away.

This year is nearly gone, and what have I done I can really talk about, except travel. All you see is water and more water. Yet when we hit the beach, we go swimming. That’s about all there is to do here. I can’t figure why people from the States leave to work at a place like this. I surely would never leave.

We had chicken today and it was good. Every once in a while we get a break. We have a good cook, so we ought to eat pretty fair all the time.

Chow is just about down and I have a big wash to do tonight. We have to scrub by brush again. Maybe we will get a wash machine.

With love,
Charles

042045 Written Citation

WRITTEN CITATION

NAVPERS – - 601 (9-43)

Paul, Charles Dean

Service No. 660-35-65
Rate MOMM 2/C

Date Reported Aboard
November 7, 1944

USS – - YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines. 299

20 April 1945

Was a member of forces engaged in clearing mines from the approaches to the harbors of NAKGUSUKU WAN, KINMU WAN, and OKINAWA SHIMA from 3rd to 10th April 1945.

Referring to the latter activities the Commander of the Eastern Fire Support Group sent the following message, in paraphrase.

“By those that can now safely use the waters that you have cleared, the sacrifices made and the courage and perseverance of the personnel under your command are deeply appreciated”

The commander of MINE SQUADRON TEN commented on the above as follows:

“With great sorrow for the casualties involved, the Minesweeping Task Group Commander can only add: ‘Well done’”

Signed O. Sapari, Lt. USNR

Original in Service Record
Duplicate to BupersEnlisted Man’s Jacket
Triplicate to Charles Dean Paul

The ship he is referring to likely wouldn’t be his own ship, but the USS Signet (AM-302). The Signet is, I believe, the transport ship he is going to take into the war. I’m guessing the crew and supplies on the YMSYard Minesweeper. The YMS was built with a wooden hull, to prevent detonation of magnetic mines. “Yard” derives from the initial intent of the YMS fleet to remain within close proximity of their domestic naval base, i.e., the naval yard. In 1942, when the YMS was first used, it primarily swept U.S. waters for mines lain by enemy submarines. itself would need to be as trim as possible to make the long journey quickly and with fuel efficiency.

Envelope (front); November 6, 1944

Charles D. Paul 660-35-65 MoMM 2/c USNR
Receiving Barracks Navy 10 (one zero)
General Detail
c/o Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, Calif.

Mr. & Mrs. Frank O. Paul
2919 Brinks Avenue
Ogden, Utah

Passed by Naval Censor

U.S. Postage
6 cents
Via Air Mail

U.S. Navy
P.M.
Nov 7 1944

Letter home (page 1); November 6, 1944

Letter home (page 2); November 6, 1944

Hawaii F.H.
Nov. 6, 1944

Dear Folks,
I received the radio yesterday and was very pleased. There are radios all around here, so in case I may lose it or not be able to use it, I am sending it back. I hope you don’t mind. It is really a nice little radio. I can use it when I return home.

I was transferred off the ship yesterday. I was plenty glad to get it. No one liked it there. You worked too many hours for nothing at all. Someone was always in trouble. I managed to stay out.

Remember the news in the paper about all the islands? I am glad I am away from them now. It gets quite tiresome. There is nothing to do at nine tenths of them. Every once in a while you hit something pretty good.

I don’t know what I will do now. I am just waiting. I don’t think it will be long though. I hate to wait and wonder what is going to happen.

I received the pictures you sent yesterday. They were very good. It looks as though Dad is growing a mustache, is that right? Well I have one too, about an inch long. I shaved my head off. It is too much of an insect catcher[?].

Don is sure growing. I hardly recognize him. He has thinned out a lot and started growing tall. He is going to be a fine boy.

I went swimming today. It was fresh water too. I didn’t believe I would ever see fresh water again.

Tonight, I have duty from 0000 to 0400, so I had better hit the sack. I hope to hear from you soon.

Love always,
Charles D. Paul

Stationery artwork; October 24, 1944

He mentions some love interests. Neither are anyone he ever married, so I don’t have backstory on them.

Also interesting, he acknowledges that he is not allowed to keep a wartime journal. This was common on both sides because picking journals off of the enemy could give intelligence on movements and strategy. Of course, he kept a journal anyway. Keeping a journal would have been a religious conviction (Mormons are urged to keep journals for posterity), but it is out of character for Chuck to break the rules, so I’d be curious what swayed his decision to keep the journal anyway.

Envelope (front); October 24, 1944

Charles D. Paul MoMM 2/c
USS Signet AM-302
c/o Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, Calif.

Mr. & Mrs. Frank O. Paul
2919 Brinks Avenue
Ogden, Utah

Passed by Naval Censor

U.S. Postage
6 cents
Via Air Mail

U.S.
P.M.
Oct
26
1944
Navy

Letter home (page 1); October 24, 1944

Letter home (page 2); October 24, 1944

Oct 24, 1944

Dear Folks,
I was very pleased to receive a letter from you. I am also glad to hear the one hundred dollars reached you. There should be one more if you haven’t already gotten it. I am sending home as much and as often as I can. I feel I will really need it in the future. Let me know when the allotment comes through. It is twenty-five dollars a month, starting two months ago.

I have started writing Gloria Olson again. She really is a cute girl if you remember. I introduced you to her at a dance one night in Cedar City. I am going to try and get her back again, if I can. I had her once and let her go, and have regretted it ever since. So far everything is okay. Wish me luck. I may need it.

I sure would like to keep a diary, but we are not allowed to. They have their reasons, so that is good enough for me. I would also like to take pictures, if ever we’re allowed. I guess I will have to see the world in peacetime, so I will have something to show for it. Nothing but seasickness is all I have to show now.

Lenore Bower got my address from Jack Bradshaw, so she wrote me. She is another very fine girl. How did you like her? Did you have her in any of your classes, Mom? I don’t remember if I ever knew. I heard she was running around with a missionary, the last I heard… I guess he has left by now.

How is Don now? I’ll bet he is really growing fast! How much does he weigh, or haven’t you weighed him for some time?

I have to turn[?] to, so I had better get started. We have a lot to do and no time to do it.

With Love,
Charles D. Paul

In this letter, Chuck is already thinking about what he wants to do after the war he hasn’t even been in yet. He mentions drumming. Playing in a jazz band was something he enjoyed through his life, actually playing weekly until his death in his 80s. He never worked on rail, as he mentions. I’m not sure what he did immediately post-war, but the bulk of the work he talked about was at the Coors canning plant.

Envelope (front); September 27, 1944

Charles D. Paul USNR MoMM 2/c
USS Signet (AM-302)
c/o Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, Calif.

Mr. & Mrs. Frank O. Paul
Milford, Utah [crossed out]

2919 Brinks Ave
Ogden, UT

Passed by Naval Censor

Via Air Mail

U.S.
P.M.
Sep
30
1944
Navy

Air Mail
6 cents
United states of America

Envelope (back); September 27, 1944

United States Navy

Letter home (page 1); September 27, 1944

Letter home (page 2); September 27, 1944

Sept 27, 1944

Dear Mom and Dad, (see code)
How are things at home now? Fine I hope. I guess you are still in Idaho. I haven’t had any mail for quite a while, so I don’t hardly know what’s going on. When I do get it, there should be plenty. I would write more often, but sometimes I feel a little sick out here. i guess a guy never does get over seasickness. At least I never have. By the time the war is over, I should be able to take it.

I took out a twenty-five dollar allotment every month, starting next month. Let me know if you ever get it. I may take out more later if things turn out alright. Did you receive the one hundred dollar money order yet? I sent it about three weeks ago? I hope I sent it to the right address. I guess Milford will always get you. I expect to send another money order in the next few days if we get paid. If I keep the money I will only get rid of it one way or another, so I want to send it home each time. A person goes for some time without a chance to spend money and when he does, I don’t know where it goes.

I have never figured out what I want to do after the war yet. I don’t like what I am doing now. I want to move around with excitement. I wouldn’t mind fixing on the railroad. I guess by the time I get home, all these jobs will be taken a thousand times. What I always did like best was drumming. There is always excitement and a good time. I would give anything to go through high school and drum again. I was always a little backward about playing scales, but I think I could play them anywhere if I had to do it over again. The thrill I got most was when we would march and it was up to me. I want to thank you over and over for that first little drum.

I have a picture album started and have tried to get as many pictures of places I have seen as I can. It is pretty hard to get them, but I managed to get a few. I’ll want to send it home as soon as I can, which probably won’t be until after the war.

How is little Don coming along now? I guess he is growing pretty fast. The last I saw him, he could say one or two words and run all over the place. I guess he can even sing now.

I hope to hear from you soon.

With love,
Charles D. Paul

There are some fun terms in this letter as well. I translated “cow’s age” but didn’t find any definition online for it. Both “cow’s age” and “crow’s age” seem to be used in extreme rarity and I couldn’t figure out a better translation, thinking it possible that neither of those is what is written. If you know it is another saying, please let me know. Otherwise, it sure looks like “cow’s age”.

“Fishful” is another odd term, meaning something is abounding with fish and usually used as an adjective. CDPCharles Dean Paul, “Chuck,” my grandfather and the author of the journal. For brevity, I’ll continue using his initials. uses it as a noun in this situation, meaning he is taking some liberties with the word and using it as a measurement for a lot.

Keep in mind CDPCharles Dean Paul, “Chuck,” my grandfather and the author of the journal. For brevity, I’ll continue using his initials. was as close to a farm boy as you can be, without actually working on a farm. His family was in the West, where much of the area was still pretty close to wild, even in the last century. Idaho and Utah, even now, are not dominantly suburban. His letters and journal are littered with misspellings for words we might find mundane. One that keep tricking me is his use of “kneed”, actually being “need”…presumably hyper-correcting for “know”.

In addition to mundane words, when we get into the journal and the later war letters, all of the military terminologies and names of Japanese locales are spelled incorrectly. This was commonplace amongst soldiers, many of whom knew nothing of the Orient prior to being shipped out. Due to secrecy of the situation, soldiers would likely have never seen the names of targets or military terms written or printed on anything, left solely to translate phonetically.

You can see the censor has been tightening down. There are multiple references in this letter to wanting to say more, but being bound not to.

Envelope (front); September 8, 1944

Charles D. Paul USNR MoMM 2/c
USS Signet AM-302 2nd Div.
c/o Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, Calif.

Mr. & Mrs. Frank O. Paul
Milford, Utah [crossed out]

Downey, Idaho [crossed out]
Brigham City, Utah

Passed by Naval Censor

U.S.
P.M.
Sep
9
1944
Navy

U.S. Postage
6 cents
Via Air Mail

Envelope (back); September 8, 1944

Downey
Sep 14
1130AM
1944
Idaho

Milford
Sep 12
1PM
1944
Utah

Sep 14 1944

Letter home (page 1); September 8, 1944

Letter home (page 2); September 8, 1944

Sept. 8, 1944

Dear Folks,
I have a little time, so I will take advantage of it by writing to you. It seems like once in a cow’s-age that I ever get down to writing letters. If I ever get started, I generally write a fishful.

I am sending this money order because I had saved it up and didn’t need it. I will probably be sending them home every once in a while. I wish you would keep me informed to the bonds you get. Sometimes they do foul things up a little.

I started me a picture album the other day. I have some quite nice pictures already. I had liberty today. I’ll tell you a little bit about it. We bought a few little things in town before we started out. We got on a small country bus to go sightseeing. The drive was really slipping as it going over the pass. The car got overheated and we had to stop. Instead of getting more water, or doing anything at all, the driver got out, lifted the hood up, walked across the road in the nice green grass in the shade and laid down. I don’t believe he knew how to put water in it. We saw many beautiful things I would like to tell you about, if I could.

Well there isn’t much I can say, so I had better call it a day.

How is Don today? Can you send me some snapshots? I would really appreciate them very much.

With love,
Charles D. Paul

The “fantail” is a an extension off the back of aircraft-carrying ships that extended the runway for takeoff and landing. The runway on landing ships was just long enough for takeoff, with planes usually dipping before rising as they fell off of the fantail. Inversely, in landing, there was an “arrester” that caught planes (rather abruptly and non-gracefully from accounts I’ve read) before they wrecked into anything else on the deck. Landing was particularly dangerous in night sorties, as turning runway lights on left the ship vulnerable to the enemy ships. Pilots would have to land in the dark, leading to a high volume of wrecked planes. Fortunately, the US was mass producing planes in such force by 1944 that when they became damaged or corroded from the salty air, they would simply get pushed overboard and written off. The flyboys were accustomed to making sea “landings” near their ship, with their cockpit locked open so they wouldn’t get sucked down and could be picked up.

Chuck laments his drumming. Chuck was an avid drummer from his youth up until his death in his 80′s. His favorite music was ballroom jazz and naturally Hawaiian music. Into old age, he played in a senior band every weekend. A sense of percussion runs in the family. My father drummed the steering wheel and I do the same, often making up my own counter rhythm to songs…despite never doing anything significantly musical. I could see how, if I had, I’d have naturally followed in Chuck’s path.

I’m not sure what he means by making his “rate”. Obviously it is a pay rate of some kind, but from the envelope it doesn’t look like his rank has changed since the last letters.

I’m not sure what is going on with the photo from home. He has been requesting it in several letters, obviously not having received it yet. I have a handful of photos of the family from this time period, so it isn’t that one didn’t exist. I wonder if perhaps he was simply not receiving many letters from home. I do not have the reciprocated letters in this dialogue.

Letter home, envelope (front); September 3, 1944

Charles D. Paul U.S.N.R. MoMM 2/c
USS Signet Div-Two
Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, Cal.

Mr. & Mrs. Frank O. Paul
Downey, Idaho [crossed out]
R-3
Ogden, Utah
c/o Joseph Case

Passed by Naval Censor

U.S.
P.M.
Sep
4
1944
Navy

U.S. Postage
6 cents
Via Air Mail

Letter home, envelope (back); September 3, 1944

Downey
Sep
8
1944

Letter home (page 1); September 3, 1944

Letter home (page 2); September 3, 1944

Sept. 3 1944

Dear Folks,
I haven’t heard from you for some time. I guess everything is alright. I hope so. are you still in Downey, Idaho? I will chance it and send this letter to same.

I am not used to hot weather, it really saps[?] all my energy out. At least I can get a good tan, if I don’t burn first. We would go swimming over the fantail, if the water wasn’t so unpure. I could go for a good swim.

Some of the fellows had the hair cut clean off. It sure makes them look stupid. Everyone seems to know how to cut hair. They like to try. once in a while someone gets a good one. I wish I could see my hair.

I was reading about the Idaho Falls Temple. I would like to see it. I would like to see the temple with palm trees, coconut trees and etc. all over the grounds. I have seen pictures of it and expect to see it someday.

Well, I made my rate finally. I can sure use the money. I want to have money sent home every month. I am buying a bond $25 every 1 1/2 months. I wish you would let me know if you are getting them. I started buying them January 1st.

Remember the first and the fifth? It is about time we were starting to think of such things. I will never forget it. It is pretty hard to know how to say things sometimes. Especially for me. But a person might be able to figure it out. I hope so.

Time sure seems to drag on and on. I even lose track of time at times. I guess it doesn’t matter much anyway. I am just waiting for time to pass so this war will be over and we all can go home.

I have been drumming around on tin cans a little lately. I had them fixed so i could work up a pretty good rhythm. Now I have got the bug started again and all I would like to do is drum. I wish i had taken it up when I first joined the navy. I think I could of made it then. if we would get a little band up here, it would sort of break the monotony.

How’s the kid coming along? I wish I had a picture of you three together. I need one. It sort of helps at times. If I can, I will send a picture once in a while.

I am going to look Joe Prescott up tomorrow. I hope I can find him. I guess you remember him. He was one of my best pals.

I will write as often as I can, so won’t worry. They have gone after the mail. I hope I have at least one letter.

God bless you all at home.

With love,
Charles D. Paul

Letterhead illustration; eagle, shield and anchors

He mentions being in charge of a “kay gun”. A K-gun is not really a gun at all, but a depth charge launcher. The model on this ship would likely have been a Mark 6, introduced in 1941 and used through the end of the war. The K-gun projector would launch an underwater charge with a distance of 60 to 150 yards with impact in less than 5 seconds. Depth charges were used on as anti-submarine warfare. They were not required to come into contact with the submarine, as the shock of the explosion under water was usually enough to put them out of commission.

On Wikipedia: Depth Charge

Letter home, envelope (front); August 18, 1944

C. D. Paul. MoMM 3/c
USS Signet 2nd. Dis.
c/o Fleet Post Office
San Fransisco, Cal.

Mr. & Mrs. Frank O. Paul
Downey, Idaho

Long Beach 2 CALIF.
AUG 19
8:30 AM
1944

Letter home, envelope (back); August 18, 1944

AUG 20
1 PM
1944
UTAH

Letter home, page 1; August 18, 1944

Letter home, page 2; August 18, 1944

Aug. 18-1944
Dear Folks,
We just got back to the States. I had several letters waiting for me. It seems good to be back, even if we were gone just a little while, as a few weeks.

We have been to two islands, of some funny name. The main purpose of our cruise was for practice. We had gun practice until I thought my ear would pop. I am a gun captain, and in charge of a K-gun also. Between the two, during fire it keeps me busy. The two guns, each have a crew of four men. At first I never knew anything about the guns at all, but now tear either one clean down, and fix anything.

When firing lasts for several hours, it makes you dizzy, and a real headache. I am getting used to it now though. It’s fun to shoot at planes, more than anything else.

We got liberty today. We have been to the beach getting a little sun. Outside of my shoulder being a little sore, I am alright.

Things are so crowded around here a fellow can’t have a very good time on liberty. You either have to get drunk or make a fool of yourself to get along, so I don’t have much fun.

Has the Navy only sent one bond to you? I have been buying them since the first of the year. I guess it takes a long time to receive them. I figured on buying more when we ship out.

I have spent all my spare time, what little time you get studying. I have taken twenty tests for second class, and passed them all. I think I will make it the first of the month. Of course anything can happen in the Navy.

I hope everything is alright home.

p.s., Could I get a picture, a good one of ou there before I leave? I would like to have one with me.

Love, Chuck.

A shakedown is a new ship’s initiation, prior to setting into the open sea. A ship is put through stress tests and drills to make sure it is seaworthy. The tests are both for the integrity of the ship itself and its crew, who is often being freshly introduced to the ship and its capabilities.

Also interesting in this letter is Chuck’s “code”. He has come up with a system of passing messages to his family to bypass the censors. I haven’t gotten into the latter letters yet, to see if he ended up using it or not. We’ll see!

The reply at the end of the letter is Frank O. Paul, signed “FO.” I’m not sure when he would have written on the letter, or why, as I am sure he wouldn’t have been mailing the letter itself back to Chuck. Also regarding his note, I think I’ve read it correctly despite the sentence being incoherent. If you are able to read it as something that is more logical, please let me know.

Letter home, page 1; June 29, 1944

Letter home, page 2; June 29, 1944

Letter home, page 3; June 29, 1944

June 29, 1944
Seattle, Wash.

Dear Folks,
How is everything going on home now? I guess things are pretty dead with no one to keep the town alive. It won’t be long until we will all be back and change things.

We have been about about two months now. We have been so just loading supplies and etc.

We will leave in a few days to load ammunition aboard. Then by the tenth of July, we should be back in L.A. for our shakedown, which should last three weeks. After that it is goodbye States.

Our skipper gave us a speed on what’s what. We have an extra strong bow on the ship. It is used for ramming subs. So we will have a little sub duty. Our ship has more guns than most small boats so hat spells plenty of action. The skipper said we are to go right into action as soon as possible, which won’t be any too soon for me. We are not sure, but think we will go Southwest as fleet escort and ___ ship.

This letter is supposed to be censored, but I am having it mailed ashore so I can say something.

Remember every fifth word on the first letter of every fifth word. I guess you will be able to make it out. Some of my letters may not make sense trying to tell you something. Try every fifth word.

How is the shoe shop coming now—fine I hope.

Here is my address.

Charles D. Paul, MoMM 3/c U.S.N.R.
2nd div. U.S.S. Signet (AM-302)
c/o Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, Calif.

p.s. Don’t mention anything in your letter that won’t pass the censor. Say nothing of our code.

Remember when I say “Dear Folks” everything is okay. “Mother & Dad”, there is excitement. “Mother & Dad and Don”, things couldn’t be worse.

Just received this letter. Glad to get it as I know you will be lonesome for you and the captain.

Love, FO.

USO flag illustration detail from stationery

He also talks about a Kay Kyser broadcast he was excited to hear. Kay Kyser (James Kern “Kay” Kyser) was a popular radio personality during WWII. As part of his segment, he was a big band and swing vocalist and bandleader. His bands were in several era films. Chuck’s favorite music was big band and swing, for which he played percussion up until his passing. It isn’t surprising that this surfaces in his letters.

An interesting note is that the recipient address on this envelope is merely a city and state. At the time, Milford must have been a pretty small town. Or, Frank was a well-known city figure. Or, both. I’m not sure if letters would have been delivered to mailboxes, or picked up from a postal office. I grew up in Valdez, Alaska and the postal office was somewhat of a cultural epicenter just like the grocery store. Every day, everyone would stop at the post office to get their mail. I can see how it would be easy enough for a postal office to not need mailbox numbers in a small enough town.

Chuck also talks about a bowling alley. It sounds as though he purchased or acquired it himself somehow, then invested money into it. I don’t remember him ever talking about a bowling alley with me, so I’ll have to ask my father about it. Perhaps there is more to that story.

Letter home, envelope; May 16, 1944

Charles D. Paul MoMM 3/c
SCTC Terminal Island
San Pedro, California

Mr. and Mrs. Frank O. Paul
Milford, Utah

U.S. Navy
May 16
6 PM
1944

Letter home, page 1; May 16, 1944

Letter home, page 2; May 16, 1944

Tuesday

Dear Folks,
Well here I am still waiting to see what’s going to happen. All the fellows leaving now are going to Washington or oregon to get their ships. I have an idea I will be doing the same soon.

The weather has finally cleared up, and the sun is really pouring down. If it wasn’t for the flies and gnats, it would really be nice.

I finally got around to getting some liberty. You just have to know the right people. If I had a car to loan the boatswainA boatswain is an unlicensed member of the deck department of a merchant ship. The boatswain supervises the other unlicensed members of the ship's deck department, and typically is not a watchstander, except on vessels with small crews. Other duties vary depending on the type of ship, her crewing, and other factors., I could get a leave. one of my buds got a leave for just the reason. The boatswainA boatswain is an unlicensed member of the deck department of a merchant ship. The boatswain supervises the other unlicensed members of the ship's deck department, and typically is not a watchstander, except on vessels with small crews. Other duties vary depending on the type of ship, her crewing, and other factors. uses it while he is gone. Some guys are just lucky.

When do you think you will be leaving Milford, or don’t you know? It would be nice if you could stay awhile.

If you can get anything out of the bowling alley, sell it. I don’t need it. You can have whatever it is worth. I wish I had never seen it. It cost me more than anything I have ever had or done.

Today is pay day and did I know it. I had to buy a few clothes and it left me flat.

Did you hear the Kay Kyser broadcast last week? I was fortunate enough to get on the front row. It was a pretty good program. he had a couple of star singers and a good band. I had a chance to get liberty that night, but am glad I stayed for the broadcast.

How is Don getting along? I hope he is well? How much does he say now?

It is chow time, and I can feel it.

With love,
Charles