From the Oct. 17, 2011, Redhill Life "Builders unearth World War II explosive at Gatwick Airport."
And, I have been in that place a couple times. That would not have been cool to have been blown up by nearly 70 year-old ordnance..
Train and air service were temporarily and bomb disposal units called in after a cluster of unexploded explosives was found. Five objects had been dug up in airport expansion work and id'd as objects from the Second World War.
A controlled explosion was carried out. These were found next to the Brighton to London rail lines. These were probably Allied as it was a smoke grenade, 4-inch mortar and three hand grenades.
Watch Where You Walk in Britain. --GreGen
The USS North Carolina (BB-55) My all-time favorite warship. As an elementary school student in North Carolina, I donated nickels and dimes to save this ship back in the early sixties.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Monday, February 11, 2013
Divers Explore World War II Sunken Shipwrecks
From the August 9, 2011, MSNBC.
Scuba-diving scientists off the southern coast of Maui, Hawaii, have discovered six wreck sites. One is a carrier-based SB2C-1C Helldiver and another F6F Hellcat fighter.
There are also three amphibious assault vehicles: LVT-4, LVTA-4AS and two with mounted 75 mm howitzers.
The two-week survey was sponsored by the NOAA and University of Hawaii.
The USMC and Army trained before their major Pacific invasions along Maui's southern shore. Accidents happened which claimed these items.
Not in Battle. --GreGen
Scuba-diving scientists off the southern coast of Maui, Hawaii, have discovered six wreck sites. One is a carrier-based SB2C-1C Helldiver and another F6F Hellcat fighter.
There are also three amphibious assault vehicles: LVT-4, LVTA-4AS and two with mounted 75 mm howitzers.
The two-week survey was sponsored by the NOAA and University of Hawaii.
The USMC and Army trained before their major Pacific invasions along Maui's southern shore. Accidents happened which claimed these items.
Not in Battle. --GreGen
No World War II Apologies At Japan Shrine-- Part 1
From the Dec. 14, 2012, Chicago Tribune by Chico Harlan.
A Shinto shrine in Tokyo, lined with cherry trees "asserts a jarring and unrepentant storyline about Japan's wartime past, brushing aside well-documented atrocities and describing its rampage through Asia as tragic but justified."
The museum has videos and wall displays and says that Japan "advanced through Asia between 1931 and 1945 to protect neighboring countries from Western colonization. No mention is made about forcing women into brothels to service Japanese soldiers, or ransacking cities or using civilians for bayonet practice.
The Yasukuni Shrine is a religious site, not a national one. The writer says the shrine and "adjacent museum remain the symbolic heart of World War II militarism." It also symbolizing the hardening, did-no wrong approach to Japan during that time.
More to Come. --GreGen
A Shinto shrine in Tokyo, lined with cherry trees "asserts a jarring and unrepentant storyline about Japan's wartime past, brushing aside well-documented atrocities and describing its rampage through Asia as tragic but justified."
The museum has videos and wall displays and says that Japan "advanced through Asia between 1931 and 1945 to protect neighboring countries from Western colonization. No mention is made about forcing women into brothels to service Japanese soldiers, or ransacking cities or using civilians for bayonet practice.
The Yasukuni Shrine is a religious site, not a national one. The writer says the shrine and "adjacent museum remain the symbolic heart of World War II militarism." It also symbolizing the hardening, did-no wrong approach to Japan during that time.
More to Come. --GreGen
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Final Doolittle Raiders Reunion
From the Feb. 1, 2013, Stars and Stripes "Doolittle Raiders to meet for final reunion to close mission" by Angel McCurdy, NW Florida Daily News, Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
They are holding the last reunion at the place where they first started back in 1942, when they trained at Eglin Field by Fort Walton Beach. The raid heard round the world comprised 70 men in 16 Army B-25 bombers.
Now, there are only five remaining, one of whom is invalid. The four others, ages 92 to 97, decided last April in Ohio that this would be the final reunion. The get-together is being run by the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of commerce and will be from April 16-21, and is called "A Farewell Tribute."
Originally they had planned to open a bottle of cognac made the year their leader, Jimmy Doolittle was born when there were just two members left. The four will do one last toast to the mission.
Sad to Hear This. --GreGen
They are holding the last reunion at the place where they first started back in 1942, when they trained at Eglin Field by Fort Walton Beach. The raid heard round the world comprised 70 men in 16 Army B-25 bombers.
Now, there are only five remaining, one of whom is invalid. The four others, ages 92 to 97, decided last April in Ohio that this would be the final reunion. The get-together is being run by the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of commerce and will be from April 16-21, and is called "A Farewell Tribute."
Originally they had planned to open a bottle of cognac made the year their leader, Jimmy Doolittle was born when there were just two members left. The four will do one last toast to the mission.
Sad to Hear This. --GreGen
Bits of War: RAF Station for Sale-- USS Arizona Burials
1. RAF STATION FOR SALE-- The Neatishead Radar Base, formerly an RAF base during World War II, covering 25 acres and decommissioned since 2006, is for sale on E Bay for a cool 2.5 million pounds.
2. USS ARIZONA BURIALS-- Former crew members of the USS Arizona can have their ashes buried in the battleship. So far, 33 internments have taken place. For a look at what they do, go to You Tube: Eternal Peace.
GreGen
2. USS ARIZONA BURIALS-- Former crew members of the USS Arizona can have their ashes buried in the battleship. So far, 33 internments have taken place. For a look at what they do, go to You Tube: Eternal Peace.
GreGen
Friday, February 8, 2013
New Zealand Ship Sunk By Japanese Found: MV Limerick
From the Feb. 6, 2013, New Zealand 3 News.
The wreckage of the New Zealand-owned MV Limerick was found off Australia, some 70 years after it sank. It was sunk by a Japanese torpedo off the coast of northern New South Wales. When it was sunk, on Anzac Day 1943, it was in a wartime convoy traveling from Sydney to Brisbane.
It didn't sink until the next day and all but 70 of its crew were saved. It was one of the largest vessels sunk by the Japanese off Australia's east coast during their 1942-1943 offensive and was located by local fishermen.
The 140-metre ship was built in the UK in 1925 and at the time of its sinking belonged to the Union Steam Ship Co. in New Zealand. It is protected under the provisions of the Historic Shipwreck Act.
Always Good to Find a Lost Shipwreck. That's History. --GreGen
The wreckage of the New Zealand-owned MV Limerick was found off Australia, some 70 years after it sank. It was sunk by a Japanese torpedo off the coast of northern New South Wales. When it was sunk, on Anzac Day 1943, it was in a wartime convoy traveling from Sydney to Brisbane.
It didn't sink until the next day and all but 70 of its crew were saved. It was one of the largest vessels sunk by the Japanese off Australia's east coast during their 1942-1943 offensive and was located by local fishermen.
The 140-metre ship was built in the UK in 1925 and at the time of its sinking belonged to the Union Steam Ship Co. in New Zealand. It is protected under the provisions of the Historic Shipwreck Act.
Always Good to Find a Lost Shipwreck. That's History. --GreGen
The Dutch Navy in World War II: The Submarine 0 16
From the Dutch Submarine Site.
The Dutch submarine 0 16 had a good cruise during December 1941.
On 8 December it attacked the Japanese Malay invasion.
Dec. 10-- damaged the Japanese troopship Ayatosan Maru.
Dec. 12-- attacked several Japanese ships in the Bay of Soengei Potani (east coast of Malaya and only nine meters deep). The 0 16 torpedoes while surfaced.
Sank: troopships Tosan Maru, Asosan Maru and Kinka Maru.
Damaged troopship Ayatosan Maru (second attack on that ship in two days)
All of the sunken ships were later raised and recommissioned.
Dec. 15-- about 2:30 AM, the 0-16 struck a mine after sailing right into a line of Japanese mines while exiting the Gulf of Siam and nearly broke in half. Forty-one died and just one survivor.
The K XVII was also sunk by these mines.
The 0 16 is regarded as a war grave.
Quite a Cruise. --GreGen
The Dutch submarine 0 16 had a good cruise during December 1941.
On 8 December it attacked the Japanese Malay invasion.
Dec. 10-- damaged the Japanese troopship Ayatosan Maru.
Dec. 12-- attacked several Japanese ships in the Bay of Soengei Potani (east coast of Malaya and only nine meters deep). The 0 16 torpedoes while surfaced.
Sank: troopships Tosan Maru, Asosan Maru and Kinka Maru.
Damaged troopship Ayatosan Maru (second attack on that ship in two days)
All of the sunken ships were later raised and recommissioned.
Dec. 15-- about 2:30 AM, the 0-16 struck a mine after sailing right into a line of Japanese mines while exiting the Gulf of Siam and nearly broke in half. Forty-one died and just one survivor.
The K XVII was also sunk by these mines.
The 0 16 is regarded as a war grave.
Quite a Cruise. --GreGen
Thursday, February 7, 2013
The Dutch Navy in World War II-- Part 2
From te Dutch Submarine site.
Originally Dutch submarines were intended for home service and had the prefix "O" for onderzeebot= subsea boat. This would be followed by an Arabic number. Those intended for East Indies service had the prefix "K" for Kolonien, which meant colonies. So, the HR. MS KXVI ship that was found in 2011 stood for His/Her Royal Majesty's Ship K (colonies) 16.
The "O" ships were generally smaller, intended for use in the North Sea. This practice was stopped in 1937 when the KIX and KXX were renamed with the "O" prefix. Subs were afterwards intended for use in both home and colonial waters.
The K XVII hit a mine and sank 21 December 1941.
The O 13 was mined June 1940?
The O 8 originally was a British submarine and sold to the Dutch Navy. It was scuttled by the Dutch, raised by the Germans and became a part of their navy until scuttled 3 May 1945.
Up Next, the War Exploits of the O 16. --GreGen
Originally Dutch submarines were intended for home service and had the prefix "O" for onderzeebot= subsea boat. This would be followed by an Arabic number. Those intended for East Indies service had the prefix "K" for Kolonien, which meant colonies. So, the HR. MS KXVI ship that was found in 2011 stood for His/Her Royal Majesty's Ship K (colonies) 16.
The "O" ships were generally smaller, intended for use in the North Sea. This practice was stopped in 1937 when the KIX and KXX were renamed with the "O" prefix. Subs were afterwards intended for use in both home and colonial waters.
The K XVII hit a mine and sank 21 December 1941.
The O 13 was mined June 1940?
The O 8 originally was a British submarine and sold to the Dutch Navy. It was scuttled by the Dutch, raised by the Germans and became a part of their navy until scuttled 3 May 1945.
Up Next, the War Exploits of the O 16. --GreGen
The Dutch Navy in World War II-- Part 1
From good old Wikipedia.
And, as I said in the last post, I'd never heard of the Dutch as having a Navy during World War II.
The Dutch Navy was based in Allied countries after the fall of the Netherlands and headquartered in London.
Dutch ships escorted transports at Dunkirk and D-Day and escorted convoys. They suffered especially heavy loses in the Dutch East Indies and the Battle of Java Sea at the hands of the Japanese.
The dutch Navy in Asia was virtually annihilated during the Japanese campaign to take the Dutch East Indies in February and March 1942. Twenty ships were sunk, including the only two light cruisers. Some 2500 men were killed or wounded.
The HN. MS. that went with the submarine mentioned in the previous post stands for His/Her Netherlands Majesty's Ship.
A small force of Dutch submarines sank more Japanese ships during the first weeks of the war than the entire British and U.S. navies together. They sank so many, their commander Admiral Conrad Helfrich gained the nickname "Ship-a-Day Helfrich."
And, I Didn't Know. --GreGen
And, as I said in the last post, I'd never heard of the Dutch as having a Navy during World War II.
The Dutch Navy was based in Allied countries after the fall of the Netherlands and headquartered in London.
Dutch ships escorted transports at Dunkirk and D-Day and escorted convoys. They suffered especially heavy loses in the Dutch East Indies and the Battle of Java Sea at the hands of the Japanese.
The dutch Navy in Asia was virtually annihilated during the Japanese campaign to take the Dutch East Indies in February and March 1942. Twenty ships were sunk, including the only two light cruisers. Some 2500 men were killed or wounded.
The HN. MS. that went with the submarine mentioned in the previous post stands for His/Her Netherlands Majesty's Ship.
A small force of Dutch submarines sank more Japanese ships during the first weeks of the war than the entire British and U.S. navies together. They sank so many, their commander Admiral Conrad Helfrich gained the nickname "Ship-a-Day Helfrich."
And, I Didn't Know. --GreGen
Dutch World War II Submarine Found Off Borneo
From the October 26, 2011, Borneo Post. This was originally posted in the Cooter's History Thing blog on October 26, 2011, but I will reprint it here as next I intend to write about the Dutch Navy in World War II, something I had never heard of before.
Sport divers found the wreck of the Dutch World War II submarine HR.MS. KXVI off the northern coast of Borneo. It had been missing since 1941 with its 36 crew members. The divers had received a tip from local fishermen.
The 1,000 ton sub was part of an Allied fleet fighting the Japanese invasion of the Dutch East Indies.
It had torpedoed the Japanese submarine hunter Sagiri on Christmas Eve 1941 and was sunk itself the next day by a Japanese submarine.
This brings to six the number of Dutch submarines sunk during World War II that have been found. This leaves just one submarine, the wreck of the HR.MS. O 13, still not accounted for somewhere in the North Sea.
And, i Never Knew They Had a Navy. --GreGen
Sport divers found the wreck of the Dutch World War II submarine HR.MS. KXVI off the northern coast of Borneo. It had been missing since 1941 with its 36 crew members. The divers had received a tip from local fishermen.
The 1,000 ton sub was part of an Allied fleet fighting the Japanese invasion of the Dutch East Indies.
It had torpedoed the Japanese submarine hunter Sagiri on Christmas Eve 1941 and was sunk itself the next day by a Japanese submarine.
This brings to six the number of Dutch submarines sunk during World War II that have been found. This leaves just one submarine, the wreck of the HR.MS. O 13, still not accounted for somewhere in the North Sea.
And, i Never Knew They Had a Navy. --GreGen
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Chislehurst Caves
From Wikipedia.
The last post mentioned the baby being born in these caves during a bombing raid in 1941. I'd never heard of them, so...
The Chislehurst Caves is a 22-mile series of manmade caves dug searching for chalk and flint in the southeast London suburbs. The first recorded mention of them was 1250.
During World War I they were used as an ammunition depot.
During the Second World War, during the Battle of Britain's aerial attacks on London, they were used as an air raid shelter. They became an underground city of up to 15,000 inhabitants with their own electricity and even a chapel and hospital.
Rose Cavena Wakeman is the only recorded baby born there.
So, Now We Both Know. --GreGen
The last post mentioned the baby being born in these caves during a bombing raid in 1941. I'd never heard of them, so...
The Chislehurst Caves is a 22-mile series of manmade caves dug searching for chalk and flint in the southeast London suburbs. The first recorded mention of them was 1250.
During World War I they were used as an ammunition depot.
During the Second World War, during the Battle of Britain's aerial attacks on London, they were used as an air raid shelter. They became an underground city of up to 15,000 inhabitants with their own electricity and even a chapel and hospital.
Rose Cavena Wakeman is the only recorded baby born there.
So, Now We Both Know. --GreGen
Bits of War: Code-Breaking-- Born in a Shelter
Bits of War.
1. CODE-BREAKING-- Oct. 5, 2011. The major British code-breaking site at Blethchley Park received a 4.6 million pound grant for restoration. The country estate housed once housed around 10,000 people at its peak. This is where the German cypher systems Enigma and Lorenz were broken, shortening the war by an estimated two years
2. BORN IN A SHELTER-- Oct. 6, 2011. A woman born in Chislehurst Caves during World War II bombing returned for a visit. Rose Razzell, 70, was born during and April 1941 air raid to her mother, Polly Wakeman. Polly couldn't think of a middle name for her baby girl and nurses suggested Cavena for where she was born.
A Bit of History. --GreGen
1. CODE-BREAKING-- Oct. 5, 2011. The major British code-breaking site at Blethchley Park received a 4.6 million pound grant for restoration. The country estate housed once housed around 10,000 people at its peak. This is where the German cypher systems Enigma and Lorenz were broken, shortening the war by an estimated two years
2. BORN IN A SHELTER-- Oct. 6, 2011. A woman born in Chislehurst Caves during World War II bombing returned for a visit. Rose Razzell, 70, was born during and April 1941 air raid to her mother, Polly Wakeman. Polly couldn't think of a middle name for her baby girl and nurses suggested Cavena for where she was born.
A Bit of History. --GreGen
The Battleship North Carolina Comes Home-- Part 6
One of the main people behind the ship coming to Wilmington was Thomas S. Craig, Jr., advertising executive for the city's WECT-TV, member of Wilmington American Legion Post 10 and World War II veteran. On January 9, 1959, he set up a battleship committee which was the reason the state got the ship.
Sadly, just after the North Carolina arrived, on September 24, 1961, there was an air show at the Wilmington airport and he caught a ride with WECT personnel aboard an Air Force C-123 carrying members of the Army's Golden Knights for a parachute drop. He also planned to take a photo of the ship's future home.
It stalled on takeoff, crashed and burst into flames, killing three immediately. Craig was severely burned and rushed to the Army burn center at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. He died there October 14th, the day the battleship opened to the public. On October 15th, the flag of the USS North Carolina was lowered to half mast.
Thanks, Mr. Craig. --GreGen
Sadly, just after the North Carolina arrived, on September 24, 1961, there was an air show at the Wilmington airport and he caught a ride with WECT personnel aboard an Air Force C-123 carrying members of the Army's Golden Knights for a parachute drop. He also planned to take a photo of the ship's future home.
It stalled on takeoff, crashed and burst into flames, killing three immediately. Craig was severely burned and rushed to the Army burn center at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. He died there October 14th, the day the battleship opened to the public. On October 15th, the flag of the USS North Carolina was lowered to half mast.
Thanks, Mr. Craig. --GreGen
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
The Battleship North Carolina Comes Home-- Part 5
Newspapers all over the country reported the story. The Long Island Press in New York had a picture of it with the headline, "Yes, Dear, a Battleship; No, Dear, I'm Stone Cold Sober."
Fergus eventually sued the battleship commission for $25,000 and settle out of court in 1965 for slightly over $3,000.
The Ark reopened within weeks and stayed in business until Feb. 1865 when work began on the Coast Guard building on Princess Street. Then, Fergus moved his restaurant ashore.
Separating the two ships took quite some time, but by 6 PM, the bow of the North Carolina was nosed into its berth. Work was halted for the night and then finished the following day.
If I recall, I think I remember seeing a picture of the Ark with a Purple Heart on it after the collision.
Wonder If It Was On Purpose? --GreGen
Fergus eventually sued the battleship commission for $25,000 and settle out of court in 1965 for slightly over $3,000.
The Ark reopened within weeks and stayed in business until Feb. 1865 when work began on the Coast Guard building on Princess Street. Then, Fergus moved his restaurant ashore.
Separating the two ships took quite some time, but by 6 PM, the bow of the North Carolina was nosed into its berth. Work was halted for the night and then finished the following day.
If I recall, I think I remember seeing a picture of the Ark with a Purple Heart on it after the collision.
Wonder If It Was On Purpose? --GreGen
The Battleship USS North Carolina Comes Home-- Part 4: The Ark Gets an Ouwie
As the North Carolina was turned to ease into her berth, the back of the ship hit the Ark, a floating restaurant moored on the riverfront at the foot of Princess Street. It was originally named the General Frederick C. Hodgkins, a concrete-hulled ship built in Wilmington in the 1920s and had led a varied career ranging from banana boat, casino, floating barracks for the Coast Guard and offices for the U.S. Maritime Commission (responsible for building ships for the war effort).
In 1952, businessman Eldridge Fergus opened the Ark as a seafood restaurant and soon became a favorite with tourists. In 1955, it was accidentally rammed by a US Navy submarine
Guns from one of the North Carolina turrets crashed into the Ark's galley, knocking stores around. Damage was estimated at between $10,000 and $15,000.
Local legend has it that Fergus had moved the Ark into a more dangerous position in hopes there would be a collision. Fergus, however, claimed that he had already cut his power and water lines and was preparing to move the ship on the Sunday. On Monday he tried to call a tugboat but got no response.
Newspapers reported the incident all over the country.
More Ark Coming. --GreGen
In 1952, businessman Eldridge Fergus opened the Ark as a seafood restaurant and soon became a favorite with tourists. In 1955, it was accidentally rammed by a US Navy submarine
Guns from one of the North Carolina turrets crashed into the Ark's galley, knocking stores around. Damage was estimated at between $10,000 and $15,000.
Local legend has it that Fergus had moved the Ark into a more dangerous position in hopes there would be a collision. Fergus, however, claimed that he had already cut his power and water lines and was preparing to move the ship on the Sunday. On Monday he tried to call a tugboat but got no response.
Newspapers reported the incident all over the country.
More Ark Coming. --GreGen
Monday, February 4, 2013
The Battleship USS North Carolina Comes Home-- Part 3
The very hardest part of its coming to Wilmington was turning a 729 foot battleship in a 500 foot wide river in order to get into its berth. In the spring of 1960, a 690 foot Panamanian-flagged freighter sailed up the Cape Fear River. Like the North Carolina, it also drew 30 feet (the CFR is 32 feet deep).
The experienced Captain B.M. Burris of Southport was put in charge of piloting the USS North Carolina.
On September 26, 1961, ocean-going tugs Diane L. Moran and Margaret Moran began towing the ship to its final destination. All fuel and water tanks had been pumped out for increased bouyancy.
By September 30th, the flotilla was off Frying Pan Shoals by the mouth of the Cape Fear River and waiting for a flood-tide to enter it. But, plans to arrive downtown on October 1st were delayed a day. Storms were threatening at sea and the Coast Guard tug Cherokee had its towline entangled on the bottom of the river which cause temporary damage to the winch.
Come Monday, the North Carolina proceeded up the river, with plenty of school kids on hand who had skipped school.
Ramming Speed! --GreGen
The experienced Captain B.M. Burris of Southport was put in charge of piloting the USS North Carolina.
On September 26, 1961, ocean-going tugs Diane L. Moran and Margaret Moran began towing the ship to its final destination. All fuel and water tanks had been pumped out for increased bouyancy.
By September 30th, the flotilla was off Frying Pan Shoals by the mouth of the Cape Fear River and waiting for a flood-tide to enter it. But, plans to arrive downtown on October 1st were delayed a day. Storms were threatening at sea and the Coast Guard tug Cherokee had its towline entangled on the bottom of the river which cause temporary damage to the winch.
Come Monday, the North Carolina proceeded up the river, with plenty of school kids on hand who had skipped school.
Ramming Speed! --GreGen
Saturday, February 2, 2013
The Battleship USS North Carolina Comes Home-- Part 2
Workers at the site scooped out thousands of old railroad spikes and boards along with cypress stumps, coquina rock and bits of fossil coral.
Mark Koenig of the Wilmington Railroad Museum says the site was formerly the terminus of the old Wilmington, Columbia and Augusta Railroad from the 1800s. It later became part of the Atlantic Coast Line.
On June 1, 1961, the USS North Carolina was formally struck from the Navy's Register of Ships. On August 28, 1961, the Navy and North Carolina signed a contract turning the warship over to the state on permanent loan, but the Navy reserved the right to take it back in case of a national emergency.
On September 6, 1961, Governor Sanford formally accepted the ship in a ceremony in Bayonne, New Jersey.
Now Comes the Hard Part. --GreGen
Mark Koenig of the Wilmington Railroad Museum says the site was formerly the terminus of the old Wilmington, Columbia and Augusta Railroad from the 1800s. It later became part of the Atlantic Coast Line.
On June 1, 1961, the USS North Carolina was formally struck from the Navy's Register of Ships. On August 28, 1961, the Navy and North Carolina signed a contract turning the warship over to the state on permanent loan, but the Navy reserved the right to take it back in case of a national emergency.
On September 6, 1961, Governor Sanford formally accepted the ship in a ceremony in Bayonne, New Jersey.
Now Comes the Hard Part. --GreGen
The Battleship USS North Carolina Comes Home-- Part 1
Well, actually, the North Carolina was built in Brooklyn, New York and I don't think it ever even visited its namesake state.
From the October 1, 2011, Wilmington Star-News "Fifty years ago entire state rallied to bring battleship home" by Ben Steelman. The first entries on this article are in my Cooter's History Thing from October 2011.
CHILDREN RALLY TO THE SHIP
In North Carolina, any child who contributed to bringing the North Carolina home, even as little as ten cents, would get a free pass to visit the ship. School children in Texas had likewise contributed coins to bring that state's battleship home.
More than 700,000 children contributed (including me)
According to Block, "I gave my dime, but never used the pass."
There was a statewide television appeal over Memorial Day weekend by WECT in Wilmington, WRAL in Raleigh and Public TV WUNC and ten other stations. Some $330,000 was raised. New Hanover County (Wilmington) raised $40,000 with one legion post donating $1,000.
In addition, Wilmington and New Hanover County raised funds to buy a 36 acre site on the west bank of the Cape Fear River to dock the ship.
Coming Home. The NC's Coming Home. --GreGen
From the October 1, 2011, Wilmington Star-News "Fifty years ago entire state rallied to bring battleship home" by Ben Steelman. The first entries on this article are in my Cooter's History Thing from October 2011.
CHILDREN RALLY TO THE SHIP
In North Carolina, any child who contributed to bringing the North Carolina home, even as little as ten cents, would get a free pass to visit the ship. School children in Texas had likewise contributed coins to bring that state's battleship home.
More than 700,000 children contributed (including me)
According to Block, "I gave my dime, but never used the pass."
There was a statewide television appeal over Memorial Day weekend by WECT in Wilmington, WRAL in Raleigh and Public TV WUNC and ten other stations. Some $330,000 was raised. New Hanover County (Wilmington) raised $40,000 with one legion post donating $1,000.
In addition, Wilmington and New Hanover County raised funds to buy a 36 acre site on the west bank of the Cape Fear River to dock the ship.
Coming Home. The NC's Coming Home. --GreGen
Friday, February 1, 2013
Bits of War: Arctic Convoys-- No Spitfires Found
Some New News About An Old War.
1. ARCTIC CONVOYS-- From the Jan.14, 2013 BBC-- World War II Arctic Convoy veterans to get medals. These brave souls took supplies of food and munitions to the Soviet Union under near constant attack and atrocious weather conditions. Who would ever want to go in that frigid Arctic water if your ship sank.
2. NO SPITFIRES FOUND-- From Jan. 18, 2013, Slash Gear-- Last month I wrote about the expedition looking for some 143 British Spitfire fighter planes supposedly buried in Burma near the end of the war. This article reports that none were found. It didn't say if they were still looking or not.
GreGen
1. ARCTIC CONVOYS-- From the Jan.14, 2013 BBC-- World War II Arctic Convoy veterans to get medals. These brave souls took supplies of food and munitions to the Soviet Union under near constant attack and atrocious weather conditions. Who would ever want to go in that frigid Arctic water if your ship sank.
2. NO SPITFIRES FOUND-- From Jan. 18, 2013, Slash Gear-- Last month I wrote about the expedition looking for some 143 British Spitfire fighter planes supposedly buried in Burma near the end of the war. This article reports that none were found. It didn't say if they were still looking or not.
GreGen
These Tanks Did Not Make It to D-day
From the July 28, 2011, BBC News "Isle of Wight's sunken WW II tanks studied.
Tanks and other equipment lost when the ships carrying them capsized heading for Normandy during the D-Day invasion have been found east of the Isle of Wight and Selsey, West Sussex.
The good folks who found the LCT 427 in the last post, The Southsea Sub Aqua Club discovered them in 2008. The Mark V Landing Craft Tank ship LCT 2428 set off for Normandy on the evening of June 5, 1944 and had developed engine trouble in the English Channel. It was being towed by the rescue tug HMS Jaunty.
On the way back, it capsized and lost its cargo. The Jaunty fired on the upturned hull until it sank and would not cause a shipping obstruction. All of the crew survived.
When the incident took place, the LCT 2428 was carrying two Centaur CS IV tanks, two armored bulldozers, a jeep and other equipment for the Royal Marines armored support group.
The cargo and ship occupy two sites 66 feet down, about 3.7 miles apart.
Didn't make Its Destination. --GreGen
Tanks and other equipment lost when the ships carrying them capsized heading for Normandy during the D-Day invasion have been found east of the Isle of Wight and Selsey, West Sussex.
The good folks who found the LCT 427 in the last post, The Southsea Sub Aqua Club discovered them in 2008. The Mark V Landing Craft Tank ship LCT 2428 set off for Normandy on the evening of June 5, 1944 and had developed engine trouble in the English Channel. It was being towed by the rescue tug HMS Jaunty.
On the way back, it capsized and lost its cargo. The Jaunty fired on the upturned hull until it sank and would not cause a shipping obstruction. All of the crew survived.
When the incident took place, the LCT 2428 was carrying two Centaur CS IV tanks, two armored bulldozers, a jeep and other equipment for the Royal Marines armored support group.
The cargo and ship occupy two sites 66 feet down, about 3.7 miles apart.
Didn't make Its Destination. --GreGen
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