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| Back to The Beginning |
| Back to August 1941 |
JOURNAL of DONALD ANDERSON, USN
SEPTEMBER, 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. |  |
September 1, 1941 Monday - LABOR DAY
Assembled Pump today. Moved back aboard ship from barracks.
WAR NEWS BULLETIN:The Navy today assumed responsibility for trans-Atlantic convoys from a point off Argentia to the meridian of Iceland. Commander in Chief Atlantic Fleet (Adm. E. J. King) designated a task group as a Denmark Strait Patrol to operate in waters between Iceland and Greenland.
September 2, 1941 Tuesday
Had trial run today. 32 knots top speed full power run. Tied up to pier 8 about 1930.
September 3, 1941 Wednesday
Alongside of Pier 8. Took ammunition aboard today from N.A.D.
September 4, 1941 Thursday
Brought ammunition and torpedoes and warheads aboard tonight.
WAR NEWS BULLETIN:The US Destroyer GREER (DD-145), was attacked today while tracking German submarine 175 miles southwest of Iceland. GREER was not damaged.
September 5, 1941 Friday
Took on fuel and moored to buoy in channel today.
September 6, 1941 Saturday
Moored to buoy in Balboa. Worked all day today. Took on stores.
September 7, 1941 Sunday
In Balboa moored to buoy in channel. Worked all day today.
WAR NEWS BULLETIN: Today the United States merchant ship STEEL SEAFARER was sunk by German air attack in the Gulf of Suez.
September 8, 1941 Monday
Left Balboa to operate off of Perlas Islands; on ready duty.
September 9, 1941 Tuesday
Made modified speed run today under full power. Made 31 knots. Anchored at night. Swimming party.
September 10, 1941 Wednesday
Operating singly off of Perlas Islands. Fired anti-aircraft guns today.
September 11, 1941 Thursday
Anchored off Perlas Islands. Heard President's speech tonight.
WAR NEWS BULLETIN: President Roosevelt today announced his order to the Navy to attack any vessel threatening United States shipping or ships under United States escort.
September 12, 1941 Friday
Came into Balboa today for fuel. Tied up to fuel docks and later moved to Pier 14. Went on liberty tonight - Payday.
September 13, 1941 Saturday
Tied up alongside of GOFF at Pier 14, Balboa. Took on stores today. Had duty today.
September 14, 1941 Sunday
Underway this AM. Unshackled anchor and put chains in pipes. Unshipped the catting davit.
September 15, 1941 Monday
On patrol off Columbian coast. Boarding party boarded 2 ships today. Steering casualty this morning.
September 16, 1941 Tuesday
Still at sea heading SSW for Galapagos. Steering engine still broke down and steering by hand now.
September 17, 1941 Wednesday
Enroute to Galapagos. Rec'd radio message to return to Cocas Island within 24 hrs so we had to turn back.
WAR NEWS BULLETIN: Today the United States Navy escorted an eastbound British trans-Atlantic convoy for the first time.
September 18, 1941 Thursday
Arrived at Cocas Island and investigated as we were directed, then headed back for Galapagos again. It was down to 65 degrees last night and today.
September 19, 1941 Friday
Enroute to Galapagos. Are in Antarctic currents and it's still very cold. Have to stand watches in Pea coats and sweaters at night.
September 20, 1941 Saturday
Sighted Galapagos Islands this morning. Crossed the equator about 5:40 AM.
September 21, 1941 Sunday
Were initiated into the Royal Order of Neptune Rex this morning. Boy! What a beating! ! Headed back to Balboa now.
September 22, 1941 Monday
On patrol in vicinity of Galapagos Islands. Boarded 2 fishing boats and inspected them. Brought back tuna for the whole crew.
September 23, 1941 Tuesday
On patrol off the Galapagos. One boarding party today. Headed back to Balboa at 5 knots.
September 24, 1941 Wednesday
Enroute to Balboa but still on patrol. Cruising at 5 knots and expect to be in Saturday night. No excitement today.
September 25, 1941 Thursday
Enroute to Balboa. On patrol. Steering casualty last night, using hand steering again.
September 26, 1941 Friday
Making 25 knots - enroute to Balboa. Still steering by hand.
WAR NEWS BULLETIN: The Navy today ordered protection of all ships engaged in commerce in United States defensive waters - by patrolling, covering, escorting, and by reporting or destroying any German and Italian naval forces that may be encountered.
September 27, 1941 Saturday
Tied up to Oil dock and fueled and then shifted alongside TALBOT and TATTNALL. Liberty tonight.
WAR NEWS BULLETIN: Today the first Liberty Ship, SS PATRICK HENRY, was launched at Baltimore, Md.
September 28, 1941 Sunday
Alongside J. FRED TALBOT. Rigged after awnings today. Had duty today.
September 29, 1941 Monday
Underway for S.R.B.P. (Short Range Battle Practice) with TRENTON and WOODCOCK. Anchored at Pedro Gonzales in afternoon.
September 30, 1941 Tuesday
Underway for practice runs with TRENTON and MALLARD. Anchored at Pedro Gonzales at 1600.
| Ahead to October 1941 |
| Ahead to the Latest Entry |
This page, and all contents, are Copyright (C) 1999 by Kenn Anderson,Sr., Scranton, PA. (USA)