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| Back to The Beginning |
| Back to October 1941 |
JOURNAL of DONALD ANDERSON, USN
NOVEMBER, 1941
| Below is the journal my father kept during the pre-war years of 1941/42. I found it in his effects after his death in April of 1998, along with a series of photos that he took during that time period. I am publishing this account on the Web because it is a wonderful way to get to know the man who was my father, and the hundreds of men like him who manned the ships known as Four Stackers. Words in black type are transcribed directly from the journal. Where I deem it useful and appropriate I will include background data in other colors, and photos from his collection. |  |
November 1, 1941 Saturday
20 years old today. In Balboa alongside of ERIE .
November 2, 1941 Sunday
Alongside of ERIE. Took on stores today - had duty.
November 3, 1941 Monday
Got underway at 0900 to go on patrol duty. Heading south.
November 4, 1941 Tuesday
On patrol off Panama coast. Having good weather.
November 5, 1941 Wednesday
On patrol. Sighted Cocos Island about 2 o'clock this afternoon, still heading south.
November 6, 1941 Thursday
On patrol. Turned around and are heading back to Panama.
WAR NEWS BULLETIN: Today the German blockade runner ODENWALD disguised as United States ship WILLMOTO was captured by the cruiser OMAHA (CL-4) and the destroyer SOMERS (DD-381) in Atlantic equatorial waters.Note: Although the US was not actively involved in declared hostilities at this time, by flying the U.S. flag as a strategem of war ODENWALD's master had made it legal for OMAHA's boarding party to come aboard.
November 7, 1941 Friday
Below deck inspection today. Still on Patrol. Haven't seen a ship all week.
November 8, 1941 Saturday
On patrol. Captain's inspection today between rain squalls.
November 9, 1941 Sunday
Arrived in Balboa today and tied up at pier 15 alongside of BORIE . Went ashore this evening.
November 10, 1941 Monday
Alongside of BORIE. We'll be here for about 2 weeks for repairs. Had 12-4 tonight.
WAR NEWS BULLETIN: Today the first United States-escorted troop convoy, under Rear Admiral A. B. Cook, transporting more than 20,000 British troops, sailed from Halifax for the Far East.
November 11, 1941 Tuesday
Armistice Day - Holiday routine. Alongside of BORIE
November 12, 1941 Wednesday
Alongside of BORIE for upkeep.
November 13, 1941 Thursday
Alongside of BORIE. Took on stores today. Stayed aboard tonight.
November 14, 1941 Friday
Alongside of BORIE for upkeep. Stayed aboard tonight.
November 15, 1941 Saturday
Stood by for Guelbert today and stayed aboard. Inspection today.
November 16, 1941 Sunday
Had duty today. Had 2-4 watch this AM.
November 17, 1941 Monday
Worked all day and went ashore tonight.
WAR NEWS BULLETIN: Today the Neutrality Act of 1939 was amended by Joint Resolution allowing for merchant to be armed and enter war zones.
Saburo Kurusu, special Japanese envoy, arrived in Washington and conferred with the Secretary of State.
November 18, 1941 Tuesday
Alongside of BORIE for 2 weeks upkeep. Stayed aboard tonight.
November 19, 1941 Wednesday
Alongside of BORIE. Went ashore tonight to show at Balboa Club.
November 20, 1941 Thursday
Thanksgiving Day. Had duty today. Holiday routine.
WAR NEWS BULLETIN: Ambassador Nomura today presented Japan's "final proposal" to keep peace in the Pacific
November 21, 1941 Friday
Alongside of BORIE at repair dock. Went ashore tonight.
November 22, 1941 Saturday
Alongside of BORIE at repair dock. Had shore patrol tonight.
November 23, 1941 Sunday
At repair dock, Balboa. Holiday routine today. Had duty today.
WAR NEWS BULLETIN: Today the United States occupied Surinam, Dutch Guiana, pursuant to an agreement with the Netherlands government, to protect bauxite mines and thus ensure a supply of Aluminum for the Allied Powers.
November 24, 1941 Monday
Got underway to fuel dock, took on fuel and went to sea for patrol duty at Galapagos.
November 25, 1941 Tuesday
Enroute to Galapagoss, left shipping lanes today so we're all by ourselves for a while now.
November 26, 1941 Wednesday
On patrol enroute to Galapagos. Darken ship every night and general quarters night and morning.
November 27, 1941 Thursday
Enroute to Galapogos on patrol duty. Regular routine.
WAR NEWS BULLETIN: Admiral H. R. Stark, Chief of Naval Operations, today sent a "war warning" message to commanders of the Pacific and Asiatic Fleets.
November 28, 1941 Friday
Heading for Galapagos Islands. Sighted them in late afternoon. Have seen one ship so far on this cruise.
November 29, 1941 Saturday
On patrol off of Galapagos. Crossed equator about 10 o'clock. Had C.O.'s inspection and then initiated 8 polywogs.
November 30, 1941 Sunday
On patrol off of Galapagos. Headed for Ecuador this afternoon to investigate Japanese tanker said to be fueling Submarines. Doing 18 knots. Heard Army/Navy football game.
WAR NEWS BULLETIN: Japanese Foreign Minister Tojo rejects United States proposals for settling Far Eastern crisis.
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This page, and all contents, are Copyright (C) 1999 by Kenn Anderson,Sr., Scranton, PA. (USA)