TORCH-- THE INVASION OF FRENCH NORTH AFRICA and SICILY

 

Before a major invasion, there was usually much to prepare.  Troops must be trained, then more training in amphibious landings, and the many thousands of details that must be rehearsed and trained, until everything was second nature to the participants.  Cans, the work horse of the fleet, had to train for the role they were going to play in the upcoming operations.  Our role in TORCH  was:  First, ASW and TF screening of the troop and supply ships, plus the major capital ships, from continental US, almost 3000 miles to our destination.  Second, guardians of the troops from the transports to the beaches. Third, ASW and AA screen for the troop and supply ships at the beach head.  Fourth, a shore fire support ship for the actual landings.  The Fifth role, a rather unexpected one, ship against ship.  The 2nd through 5th role, would unfold as the operation progressed. 

 

The reader should keep in mind, that  TORCH was the first major amphibious assault against the Axis, although, in the Pacific, the marines landed on Guadalcanal on Aug 7th. It had to be staged from Continental US, go almost 3000 miles, through U boat infested waters, land troops on hostile beaches, and then keep the sea lanes open for reinforcements.  This is all done with green troops and ships, and the "cans", whose main duties up to this point, have been ASW warfare/escort.  A rather daunting challenge.

 

OCT 1942

 

After we arrived in the Norfolk area on the 2nd, we and the other cans practiced amphibious landings with the LEONARD WOOD (APA 12), under the direction of ComPhibForLant.  During the succeeding days, we all did extensive practice in shore bombardment, until that part became second nature. ComDesRon 13, in the BRISTOL, was the senior destroyer commander during these exercises.  We were working with other "cans" of our squadron, EDISON, WOOLSEY, LUDLOW, MURPHY, SWANSON, NICHOLSON. We operated with 2 other APA's (JOSEPH HEWES (APA-50), and EDWARD RUTLEDGE  (APA-24) in practicing amphibious landings.  We were the "control ship" (the organizer), that controlled the landing craft after they left the APA, lining them in waves, before they started towards the beach.   We practiced landings both in daylight and after dark.  On the 13th, the MURPHY and we practiced refueling from the SAVANNAH  (CL-42).  The 14th, we had a minor problem and had to go into the Portsmouth Navy Yard's dry dock. Out by the 16th, when we, with the BRISTOL, WOOLSEY, LUDLOW, BOYLE, SWANSON, did more shore bombardment.  CDD 26 (Commander E. R. DURGIN) temporarily shifted his flag to SWANSON, returning on the 21st.  After competing our training, we visited Annapolis (moored "Songkong Buoy"), on the 18-19th and the crew got liberty,  which turned out to be their last for sometime. The crew didn't not consider Norfolk a very good liberty port.  Then back to Norfolk, on the 19th, where we were assigned duty to patrol the "Tail of the Horseshoe", relieving the KNIGHT (DD 633).  Back to NOB on the 21st and the next day we loaded men and equipment for the HARRIS (APA 2) and DOROTHEA L. DIX (AP-2), both anchored off Cove Pt.  The Commodore and CO left the ship for a conference and the XO, LCDR Wolsieffer, was in charge.  2140, we anchored off Cove Pt and started to discharge passengers and equipment to the AP and APA.  Then back to Norfolk.  We knew a large invasion was in the making, but we had few clues as to our destination.

 

On Oct 24 off Cape Henry, we formed up with a convoy destined for the invasion of  French North Africa.  We were still assigned to TF 21, but operated with TF 34.  This TF was commanded by Rear Admiral H. Kent Hewitt, USN.  The Army troops were under the overall command of Major General George S. Patton, Jr., USA (Ole Blood and Guts).  The air group was:  RANGER (CV-4), CVE's - SUWANEE (27), SANGAMON (26), SANTEE (29), CHENANGO (28).  The battleships-- MASSACHUSETTS (59), NEW YORK(34), TEXAS (35). 7 cruisers, including our old friend, the AUGUSTA. On the 28th, all units for the invasion, were combined into one huge unit, about 20 by 40 miles in size, 102 ships.  30th- we refueled from the KENNEBEC .  The MURPHY had a sonar contact-dropped charges- no luck. The WILKES was part of the ASW screen, along with all the other cans.  This, was by far, the largest and most ambitious amphibious force in history.  It was further complicated by the need for coordinating with the British Navy ships coming from England.  They were going to support the landings in Oran and Algiers.

 

NOV 1942

 

Our TF was en route to Casablanca, and the trip was mostly uneventful.  However, on the 3rd, at 1020, a patrol plane from the RANGER made a forced landing, close aboard our starboard side, and sank.  We quickly launched our whale boat, with rescue party and picked up the pilot, Lt. G. P. Chase and Chief Photographer's mate, B. C. Abel.  Both were slightly injured and got treatment from the ship's Doctor.   They stayed with us until Nov 11, when we transferred them to the HOGAN (DMS 6), who returned them to the RANGER.   

 

 5th- We were on picket duty ahead of the convoy.  2140, we sighted a Portuguese merchant ship, after identifying it, we instructed her to change course to keep well clear of the convoy.  The TF also maneuvered to avoid her.  Nov 6- 0245 we passed a friendly convoy PTF 103.  All the cans refueled.  We refueled from the KENNEBEC.   1128, after finishing, we went alongside the AUGUSTA to get mail for the ALLEN (DD 66) and PALMER (DD 161), which we delivered--all done by hi-line.   About 1935 on Nov 6, we sighted a Spanish merchant ship, close to our TF.  Since she had spotted us, we were ordered to board and detain her, to keep her from alerting the enemy.  Our boarding party, which had been training for such a job, took her to a United Nations port until the invasion was completed (good training paid off). 

 

On the 7th- "D" Day-minus 1 --0644, the whole convoy changed disposition to formation #1,  CDD 26- Cdr. E. R. Durgin was the commander of the outer screen.  Our station was now 8 miles ahead of the convoy.  The Task Force separated into 3 attack groups-Northern, Center and Southern. 0925, ESSO GETTYSBURG (a civilian tanker), escorted by HMS SNOWFLAKE passed our group. 

 

We were in the Central Attack Group (TG 34.9). Our group contained about 19,000 officers and men, 15,000 long tons of supplies, about 1700 vehicles, including 79 light tanks.  This group was commanded by Major General J. W. Anderson, USA.  All loaded on APA's and AKA's. 

 

The destroyers in the attacking forces were assigned as follows:  SOUTHERN ATTACK GROUP ( TG 34.10)--Attack on SAFI-- Control and Fire-support --  MERVINE (CDS 15) (DD 489), KNIGHT, BEATTY(DD 640).  Transport Screen--COWIE (CDD 30), (DD632), QUICK (DD 490), DORAN (DD 634).  Assault DD's--COLE (DD 155), BERNADOU (DD 153).  Air Group Screen-- RODMAN (DD 456), EMMONS (DD 457). 

 

 

CENTER ATTACK GROUP (TG 34.9)--Attack on Fedhala-Casablanca--Control and Fire Support DD's--WILKES (CDD 26-CDR E. R. Durgin), SWANSON, LUDLOW, MURPHY.  Air Group Screen--ELLYSON (CDS 10) (DD 454), FORREST (DD 461), FITCH (DD 462), CORRY (DD 463), HOBSON (DD 464).  Transport Screen -- BRISTOL (CDS 13- Capt J.B. Heffernan) (DD 453), WOOLSEY (DD 437), EDISON (DD 439), TILLMAN (DD 641), BOYLE (DD 600), ROWAN (DD 405).  Covering Group Screen -for the MASSACHUSETTS, TUSCALOOSA (CA 37), WICHITA (CA 45), was the:  WAINRIGHT (CDS 8) (DD 419), MAYRANT (DD 402),  RHIND (DD 404), JENKINS (DD 447). Also at the beach head--Cruisers--AUGUSTA, BROOKLYN (CL 40), CLEVELAND (CL 55).  Carriers--RANGER, SUWANEE.  Our main effort was in the Center Group. 

 

NORTHERN ATTACK GROUP (TG 34.8)-- Attack on MEHDIA-- Transport Screen--ROE (CDS 11) (DD 418), LIVERMORE (DD  429), KEARNY, ERICSSON (DD440), PARKER (DD 604).  Air Group Screen-- HAMBLETON (CDS 19)(DD 455), MACOMB (DD 458), EBERLE (DD 430). Assault Destroyer-- DALLAS (DD 199).  

 

In the early morning hours of Nov 8th ("D" DAY), we, along with SWANSON, LUDLOW and MURPHY, took  position 1000 yards South of the leading transports.  We were the westmost of the control cans.  CDD 26 was in charge. "H" hour was adjusted to 0500 and overall the troop landings went smoothly, despite problems.  These night time landings were the largest ever attempted against a defended coastline.  Each can was scheduled to have between 8 and 10 waves of boats from the transports, under their protection.  However due to  problems with the APA's, about half of the first wave was missing.  We were to have 8 waves, but only 4 waves plus support boats showed up.  Missing were 4 waves from the LEONARD WOOD and special waves from the HEWES (Beach Red-2) and BLISS for (Beach Yellow 2). With all the confusion, the landing went well.  In short order, the Central Force landed 3500 troops on the beaches.  The Combat Teams secured most of their objectives by sunrise. 

 

When the French realized what was happening, they started a spirited resistance.  0520, the main coastal batteries on Cape Fedhala (our landing area) took us and the SWANSON under heavy shore fire. There were several very near misses. We both responded with very heavy, accurate fire.  We silenced the "Batterie du Port".  We and the SWANSON fired on Fedhala and the MURPHY and LUDLOW fired on Cherigui.  0830, the LUDLOW was hit by the shore batteries and was ordered to join the ASW screen. Captain John B. Hefferman, ComDesRon 13, in the BRISTOL,  ordered us and the SWANSON to fire again on the shore batteries.  We knocked them out for the second time.  However, a short time later they opened up again and hit the MURPHY in the engine room.  The Commodore requested CTG 34.9 to send the BROOKLYN to help with the shore fire. In the meantime, we and the BRISTOL silenced them for good.  Three times was a lucky number for us.  The destruction of these heavy guns, led to the end of enemy ground resistance and the surrender of the French troops in our area.  However, several times in the afternoon nine enemy fighters strafed the beaches.

 

Prior to the invasion the Vichy French had a considerable number of Navy ships in the Casablanca area, including the battleships-JEAN BART and RICHELIEU (unfinished).  Later in the morning, 2 heavy (Contretorpilleurs) (destroyer leaders)- MILAN and ALBATROS and 5 light French destroyers (BOUIANNOIS, BRESTOIS, FORGEUX, FRONDEUR) sortied from the Casablanca harbor, which was only 12 miles from Fedhala.  At 0820, the French ships started to fire on the troop on the beaches, and also on the WILKES and LUDLOW.  Being heavily outnumbered and out gunned, we engaged the French ships.  Shortly we joined up with the AUGUSTA (8" guns) and the BROOKLYN (6" guns).  Admiral Hewitt ordered our 4 ships to intercept the French.  The enemy got within 4 miles of the anchored transports, when we all opened fire.  Within a few minutes, the French cruiser, PRIMAUGUET, came out to help their DD's.  The RANGER was notified and she launched her planes to assist us.

 

There is a true "Sea Story", about this action, that was told around the WILKES.  This story was also reported in several articles and books, including Morison.  As the WILKES was engaging the enemy force, the CO kept calling the engine room for "more speed", "more speed." We were going flat out, but the CO needed that extra knot or two.  The engineering officers and the engineering gang could hear the loud explosions close aboard and feel the ship lurching, as the CO took hard evasive action, to cause the French ships' shells to miss us. The engineering officer had his talker ask the bridge "What in the H--- is doing on up there?"  The reply came down: " Enemy cruiser is chasing us!!" After much more lurching and more calls for "more speed", he again inquired of the bridge.  They replied, "We are chasing the enemy cruiser!!!" **

 

Before our own cruisers came up to help, on the bridge the CO and Commodore were figuring out what to do.  The Old Man intended to run through the enemy formation and fire our torpedoes.  The Commodore, who had to take in the bigger picture, had other ideas, and said "like hell you are!!", turn this can around!!.  The Skipper reminded the Commodore that he was in command of the "W".  However the Commodore roared that he was in command of the Division and called for the helmsman to reverse course.  The helmsman wisely figured that the Commodore's 3 stripes beat the CO's 2 1/2's, so he promptly reversed our course.  

 

Any rate the French force took a bad beating.  The PRIMAUGET was hit hard.  Before the fighting was over, she was holed 3 times below the waterline, and an 8" shell destroyed one of her turrets.  She and the rest of the formation were forced to retire to Casablanca harbor.  The French lost 4 DD's and 8 subs, plus 4 other DD's (including the MILAN) knocked out of action, during the whole invasion. The WILKES got credit for knocking out the MILAN. 

 

During the night of the 8th-we had several good surface and sound contacts on "U"  boats.  We dropped depth charges-no result. 9th-We were in the ASW screen around the transports, off Fedhala.  0520, we got  sonar contact-no luck. 1250, a French DD came out of Casablanca.  We went to GQ-and at 20 kts we intercepted her and she retired back into the harbor.  At the same time, the shore battery on Pointe d'Oukach opened fire on us- no damage. 1335, resumed ASW patrolling. 10th-Still on ASW patrol.  1120, another French DD came out of Casablanca.  It was engaged by the AUGUSTA, ROWAN,  EDISON,  TILLMAN,  BOYLE  and us.  We were fired on by shore batteries on El Hank, no hits.  1150, all ships ceased fire.  We resumed patrolling and the MURPHY came alongside to pass mail to us.  1426, our planes attacked a French DD, which was smoking heavily.  1515, in a lull in the action, we refueled from the WINOOSKI. (AO 38).

 

The Eleventh, found us still patrolling off Fedhala. 0650, we started out with the NEW  YORK, AUGUSTA and MURPHY to do shore bombardment. 0800, before we could open fire, we got word that Casablanca had quit. 1050, we lowered the whale boat to transfer the 2 fliers back to the RANGER via the HOGAN. At 1310, we got a sound contact-no results.  In the evening, the Army turned on 2 powerful searchlights, that silhouetted the transports and screen.  It took them until almost midnight to get them turned off. 1958, rockets were seen near the convoy area.  A minute later, the USS WINOOSKI reported, over the TBS, she had been torpedoed.  She burned for awhile, but she put the fires out.  She  refueled us yesterday and again, few days later. She refueled us many times in the Med and SW Pacific, later in the War- tough ship.  2000, USS JOSEPH HEWES reported on TBS, she was torpedoed.  She sank by 2050.  The BRISTOL, who was patrolling with us, illuminated to open fire on a sub on the surface.  2035, she made a depth charge attack-no results. 2050, USS HAMILTON (DMS 20) (an old 4 piper converted into a fast minesweeper), reported she was torpedoed.  She survived.  2053, the BRISTOL made another depth charge attack.  There were no apparent results from these attacks

 

12th-We were still off Fedhala Point.  0540, the TILLMAN  reported a sound contact and made a depth charge attack. 0600, the MACOMB had a sound contact and made a depth charge attack. 0625, TILLMAN made another attack. All with no results. 0923, we came across the body of a dead French sailor, floating in the sea.  We stopped, lowered the whale boat and picked up the body, which had no identification.  0950, some unidentified planes came in the area, we went to GQ-no raid.  1200, we proceeded close to shore, lowered our whale boat  and delivered the sailor's body to the local French authorities.  1225, ComDesRon13 ordered us to escort the AUGUSTA to Casablanca.  When we approached the Harbor, we could easily see the large amount of damage done to the French ships and shore installations.  2 French DD's were beached outside the harbor-one was the "Cassard Class" and the other the "Tigre Class."  The cruiser, PRIMAUGET, who we fought earlier, was badly hit and anchored inside the outer breakwater.  There were several other "Tigre Class" DD's anchored, apparently undamaged.  However one DD of the "Magador Class" was badly hit.  Many merchant ships were either sunk or badly damaged.  The JEAN BART was painted to resemble nearby buildings and was moored at an inside pier.  In general, the harbor was a mess. 1505, while patrolling we picked up a sound contact and made a depth charge attack-no results.  We then resumed patrolling. 1730, 2 ships in the convoy anchorage were torpedoed.  The tanker burned fiercely.  A few minutes later, a third ship was hit.  All ships were ordered to get underway immediately. The CO called GQ and we provided the ASW screen and our position was on the starboard bow of the convoy.

 

13th- 0829, the NEW YORK, ROWAN and MURPHY departed for Base Hypo.  LEONARD WOOD plus 4 transports escorted by PALMER (DD 161), COLE (DD 155), HAMILTON and FORREST went to Casablanca.  We sighted  more incoming convoys with reinforcements.  14th-We were still screening.  The BOYLE, EDISON, FORREST rejoined our screen.  0910, the OBERON (AKA 14) and TITANIA (AKA 13) left our formation for Casablanca. 

 

15th-0715, ELECTRA (AKA 4), which was proceeding alone, was torpedoed.  We and the BOYLE were sent to assist her.  1115, the BRISTOL and EDISON also ordered to help.  The COLE, STANSBURY (DD 180), AUK (AM 55), CHEROKEE (ATF 66), also stood by.  We screened the ELECTRA all day, per orders from CDS 11.

 

16th-0030, we all got the ELECTRA safely into Casablanca.  We,  BOYLE and EDISON then patrolled 15 miles North of the entrance to Casablanca.  1019, we anchored in the harbor.  The DD's refueled from the WINOOSKI, CHENANGO (we get ours from her), and AUGUSTA.  1900, the HMS NEWFOUNDLAND (Hospital Ship) struck a mine, in a recently laid mine field.  She failed to heed the warnings from the guardship.  Fortunately she was not badly damaged. 

 

17th-0630, DD's got underway to await a convoy headed to the USA. The convoy was formed up by 1300.  It consisted of the BROOKLYN, CHENANGO, 3 mine layers, 11 transports.  The senior ship was the LEONARD WOOD.  The screen, headed by CDS 13 in the BRISTOL, consisted of WILKES, EDISON, LUDLOW, BOYLE, WOOLSEY, SWANSON.  Our station was 16,000 yards dead ahead of the convoy.  STANBURY and HOGAN  were detached. 18th-1130, the CHEMUNG, HOUSATANIC (AO 35), escorted by FORREST and TILLMAN, joined up.  21st-The destroyers refueled. We got ours from the CHEMUNG.   22nd-More ships joined up: ALGORAB (AKA 8), SUSAN B. ANTHONY (AP 72), and escorts-MACOMB, PARKER, and KEARNY.  On the 23rd, the weather got very bad, high wind, heavy seas. The convoy had to cut its speed to 7 kts.  Weather was bad until the 27th, when it improved and the convoy resumed its 14kts.  

 

26th-The FORREST and QUICK  left the convoy to escort the AUGUSTA from Bermuda to Norfolk.  30th-We all arrived in Norfolk, after a safe and uneventful trip. 1525, we passed  Cape Henry Light House abeam to port.  Later, we moored NOB, Norfolk. Task Force 34 was dissolved.  We all had a very successful adventure.  HOME AT LAST

 

The following are excerpts from memos: 

 Nov 8--from the CO-- J. B. McLean

This is somewhat late, but I want to congratulate all hands on an excellent job done in yesterday's battle.  Everything indicates everyone was on the JOB.  You keep them rolling and kept them shooting and that's all that can be asked. All are veterans and no casualties! That's something! This business is not over yet.  So keep pitching!!!

 

Nov 11  from the CO-- J. B. McLean

 

The fresh water situation is acute.  The engineering dept. is using all that can be made.  This is due to leaks caused by shock of gunfire and depth charge explosions. 

The water in the washrooms must be shut off completely to conserve water for cooking, drinking, and steaming.

I regret the necessity for this measure, but it has only been a few years since all clothes were washed by hand in salt water, and that one bucket of  water, per day, was normal. 

Until the situation clears up, only salt water will be available for bathing.  Buckets with lanyards are available in the washrooms.

 

A DISPATCH FROM CDD 26 (CDR E. R. DURGIN) Nov 19--Addressed to all hands--WILKES, SWANSON, MURPHY, LUDLOW.

 

"Would like to pass out a bouquet to the control vessels and fire support group X All hands did a fine job and consider they fully merit a "WELL DONE", earned under enemy fire."

 

**Editor's Note:  The same story is told-although a bit differently by the noted WW II author- Admiral Samuel Morison in his book "History Of World War II, Page 113.  "Perhaps the best story of the battle (Fedhala) comes from the destroyer WILKES, when screening BROOKLYN and AUGUSTA in their fight with PRIMAUQUET and the French destroyers.  The officer at the engine room telephone heard loud reports, and more speed was called for.  "What's going on up there?", he inquired.  "Enemy cruiser chasing us!", was the reply.  Before long he was almost thrown off his feet by a sudden change of course and even more speed was called for.  "What's going on now"? he asked.  "We're chasing the enemy cruiser," was the reply."

 

The invasion of French North Africa was a masterpiece of organization and execution.  The landings went well, despite some ships torpedoed and sunk.  Army losses were minimal, due to the Navy's shore fire and good amphibious work by the landing boat crews.  After the invasion, there was a lull in our operations.  There was a need for re-supply, repair, relaxation (the 3 R's).  So from the time we arrived back in Norfolk, until Jan 1, we did the 3 R's, as far as our operation schedule permitted.  The powers that be-kept us on the move.

 

EDITOR'S NOTE: A copy of the official message of thanks from the President and General Eisenhower for the effort of all hands in the invasion of North Africa. 

 

NOV 15, 1942-- MSG-- NR G553--GIBRALTAR

 

THE FOLLOWING TELEGRAM HAS JUST BEEN RECIEVED BY THE ALLIED COMMANDER IN CHIEF FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED  STATES "TO LT GENERAL EISENHOWER.  BOTH PERSONALLY AND ON BEHALF OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE I SEND SINCERE CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU AND EVERY MEMBER OF YOUR COMMAND ON THE HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL ACCOMPLISHMENT OF A MOST DIFFICULT TASK.  OUR OCCUPATION OF NORTH AFRICA HAS CAUSED A WAVE OF REASSURANCE THROUGHOUT THE NATION, NOT ONLY BECAUSE OF THE SKILL AND DASH WITH WHICH THE FIRST PHASE OF AN EXTREMELY DIFFICULT OPERATION HAS BEEN EXECUTED BUT EVEN MORE BECAUSE OF THE EVIDENT PERFECTION OF THE COOPERATION BETWEEN THE BRITISH AND AMERICAN  FORCES.  GIVE MY PERSONAL THANKS TO ADMIRAL CUNNINGHAM AND THE OTHER BRITISH LEADERS FOR THEIR VITAL AND SKILLFUL ASSISTANCE WITHOUT WHICH THE OPERATION COULD NOT HAVE BEEN UNDERTAKEN.  SIGNED--FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES"

 

IN TRANSMITTING THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE TO YOU, I SHOULD LIKE TO ADD EXPRESSIONS OF MY OWN VERY DEEP APPRECIATION FOR THE DEVOTION TO DUTY, TIRELESS ENERGY AND PROFESSIONAL SKILL THAT HAVE CHARACTERIZED YOUR SERVICES IN THIS OPERATION FROM ITS DAY OF INCEPTION.  ALL RANKS IN THE MILITARY NAVAL AND AIR FORCES HAVE RECEIVED THE PRESIDENT'S WORD OF PRAISE AND PERSONALLY FEEL A SPECIAL DEBT OF GRATITUDE TO YOU AND YOUR SUBORDINATES FOR THE MAGNIFICENT SPIRIT OF COOPERATION AND LOYALTY THAT HAVE CONSTANTLY BEEN MANIFESTED."--SIGNED-- DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER, LT GENERAL, COMMANDING. 

 

The following are excerpts from Capt McLean's battle report: Nov 8 (D DAY)- 0355, the W-made her way at the speed of the boat waves, navigating by the FD radar ranges and bearings on the oil tanks of Cape Fedhala. Only 4 of the 10 assigned boat waves were on station. Arrived and anchored at line of departure at 0445, which was "zero hour".  The first waves were dispatched simultaneously at 0500.  0600, it was light enough to distinguish prominent objects off Cape Fedhala.  No more boat waves reported to the W- and none were in sight.  Pursuant to orders of Commander, Control Vessels, started to get underway for Fire Support Area, this ship being F.S.G. 61.

 

Phase II- (Fire Support Group 61).  0640, battery on Cape Fedhala opened fire on this vessel.  Chergui also opened fire.  Opened fire on Cape Fedhala.  0608, underway.  0610, splashes from battery on Cape Fedhala observed about this vessel.  Range about 3500 yards.  Chergui opened fire on some other ship.  Splashes all-round and quite close.  One oil tank on Cape Fedhala set on fire.  0632, ceased firing.  0636, Cape Fedhala resumed fire on W-.  Returned fire.  0710, Ceased firing.  0719, Cape Fedhala resumed fire.  0722, W- resumed fire on Cape Fedhala.  0735, Cape Fedhala ceased firing. W- ceased firing.  patrolling.  0805, batteries at Fedhala opened fire on beaches.  W, SWANSON, LUDLOW returned the fire.  0814, shore batteries ceased firing.  W-ceased firing, patrolling.  0820, sighted 5 enemy ships standing out of Casablanca. It appeared to be 3 cruisers and 2 destroyers.  0825, enemy opened fire on W, SWANSON, LUDLOW.  3 different colors of splashes commenced falling about the 3 ships.  Appeared to be 6" splashes.  Retired to support and screen advance of BROOKLYN and AUGUSTA, and for torpedo attack.  0840, AUGUSTA and BROOKLYN  opened fire on enemy.  0903, action broken off.  0910, shore battery west of Cape Fedhala opened fire on beaches and troops. Formed astern of BRISTOL, opened fire to silence battery.  0919, battery ceased firing.  We ceased firing.  Fired a enemy medium bomber which maneuvered radically and disappeared.  0943, sighted enemy cruiser and 2 destroyers standing out of Casablanca.  Proceeded to attack.  0945, W and SWANSON opened fire on enemy.  0953, ceased firing, enemy having disappeared in direction of Casablanca.  Visibility poor on account of smoke.  1005, shore battery west of Cape Fedhala opened fire on beaches.  1020, opened fire on shore battery.  1023, battery silenced. Ceased firing.  1025, to screening patrol of transport area.  1318, to fire support area-no action, back to screening at 1400.  1430, lowered motor whale boat to tow a BROOKLYN  plane, which ran out of gas to transport area.  2030, sonar contact-dropped 1 pattern-no results. 

 

Nov 9-- 1250, sighted enemy destroyer off Casablanca.  Proceeded to investigate.  Destroyer disappeared in smoke and haze.  1323, abandoned investigation when shore battery opened fire on W.  Due to poor visibility, unable to fire.  Retired and resumed screening patrol.

 

We fired 1087 rounds of 5".   The rammers on Guns #1 and #4 jammed due to overheating.  The guns were loaded by hand, until they cooled off, with very little loss of efficiency.  The Captain mentioned the usual problems with the SFC circuits (shore fire control), being useless due to interference with French and British stations (both voice and code) and the need for more TBS circuits and more control over the use of TBS.  These were chronic problems that were never really solved, during the entire war. 

 

DECEMBER 1942

 

We didn't rest long, for on Dec 1st, we got underway at 0900 to go alongside the NITRO (AE-2), to get ammo.  The next day, we got underway at 1100 to take a convoy to NY, consisting of the SS ARGENTIA, SS BRAZIL, SS URUGUAY, at 16 kts, arriving the next morning.  On the 3rd, we anchored off Tompkinsville, Staten Is, to off  load ammo.  1930, we  moored alongside the SWANSON, pier 3, Brooklyn Navy Yard.  We had 14 days availability for repairs, until the 17th.  During our stay, we moored with EARLE (DD 635), BEATTY, LUDLOW. 

 

On the 17th, we got underway and at 1230, we anchored Gravesend Bay to get ammo.  2030, again underway with the LUDLOW, SWANSON, WOOLSEY to Casco Bay for training.  On the 18th, we arrived Casco at 1800 and then patrolled off the harbor until daylight.  19th-we entered at 0930 and then 1015 underway for ASW training.  However the weather was too bad.  We had the same problem on the next 2 days as well. Finally on the 22nd, the weather improved, so with the BUCK, SWANSON, LUDLOW, NELSON (DD-623), PRINGLE (DD-477), we escorted the MASSACHUSETTS (BB-59) and TUSCALOOSA (CA-37), for AA practice by the battleship and cruiser.  Back to anchor at 1630.  The next day, we, with the BUCK and SWANSON escorted the MASSACHUSETTS for more AA practice.  Back at anchor at 1630.  Christmas Eve- again under way 0700, with the SWANSON for AA practice.  However the weather was too bad, so most of the exercises were canceled.  Back to port at 1445.  CHRISTMAS-AT ANCHOR-HOLIDAY ROUTINE.  26th-again underway 0800, with SWANSON, for long range surface firing.  The tug- IUKA (ATO-37) towed the battle raft.  27th-drills at anchor and the next day, bad weather canceled underway activities.  On the 29th, we were underway at 0800, with the WOOLSEY and LUDLOW to escort the MASSACHUSETTS to Boston via the Cape Cod Canal.  Our station 3500 yards was dead ahead, at 16 kts.  Arrived at 1445, dropped the BB and then the cans returned to Casco Bay.  En route we calibrated our RDF and magnetic compass and made night torpedo runs on the LUDLOW.  We then patrolled off the entrance, until daylight.  Then at 0900 calibrated our magnetic sub detector.  Later we anchored and conducted drills.  NEW YEAR'S EVE--along with the SWANSON, we were underway 0800, escorting the ALABAMA (BB-60).  While escorting, we did further calibration on our magnetic sub detector.  The battleship conducted long range battle firing, with their main batteries, during the afternoon and during the night.  When they were done, we patrolled and escorted until daylight. 

 

           
PRELUDE AND OPERATIONS FOR THE LANDING IN SICILY--1943

 

                                    

JANUARY 1943

 

Early in the year it was still very necessary to get supplies and re-reinforcements to our troops in North Africa.  General Rommel and his Africa Korps were still a very effective fighting force and had to be defeated before the Allies could continue with their offensive into Europe itself.  Much still had to be done and learned.  However, great strides had been taken.  The Allies were on the ascendancy and the Axis on the decline. On Jan 1st-the SWANSON  and we  were still underway off Casco Bay with the ALABAMA . 0940 we  were released by the BB and were shortly joined by the BUCK (CDS 13) and the 3 ships headed to NYC via the Cape Cod Canal.  En route we conducted AA practice-firing 16 rounds of 5". Very early on the 2nd we arrived and anchored Hempstead Bay, Long Island Sound. l035, we were put in dry-dock at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, along with the MAYO.  We remained in the yard until 0800 on the 7th, when we moved to the 33rd St. pier, Brooklyn, and moored alongside the MURPHY.  We remained there doing routine repairs and LIBERTY until early on the 14th.  So on Jan 14, at 0230-we left New York with a large (21ships) convoy (UGF 34), headed by the TEXAS (ComBatLant) (CTF 34) and the BROOKLYN, plus the BUCK(CDS13)(ComScreen),WILKES(CDD26),WOOLSEY, LUDLOW, EDISON, BRISTOL, SWANSON, ROE, BUTLER (DMS-29), MURPHY, plus the KENNEBEC (tanker), escorting transports full of soldiers and tankers with planes on their decks.  The "cans" were screening the other ships and we and the BUCK were leading the pack. The convoy was  headed to Casablanca.  Shortly before we left port, we had many of our "veterans" transferred and they were replaced by "boots."  It is always sad to lose old shipmates, but it was inevitable.  New ships needed "old hands."

 

On the 18th-we refueled from the KENNEBEC, as did the other "cans".  However, the LUDLOW had trouble and had to try again, after the others finished.  They did it OK the second time.  The WOOLSEY lost a man overboard in very heavy weather.  With luck and skill they recovered him safely (Well Done).  Up until the 22nd the weather was bad and sea very rough.  24th-the sea moderated and we picked radio signals from 3 "U" boats trailing us, within 5 miles (our estimate).  However, they did not attack.  We were drilling again and exercised our Landing Party.

 

25th-The British escorts picked up about 1/2 of our convoy to go through Gibraltar, the rest continued on with us to Casablanca.  The BUCK and BRISTOL were detached to go to Dakar to pick up a Free French cruiser and bring her to Casablanca.  We came across a strange merchant ship and went out to challenge it.  We got our Boarding Party ready, but they weren't needed.  The ship claimed to be Spanish and headed to the Canary Islands with cargo.  We let her proceed. 1530, we all arrived safely in Casablanca, a relatively uneventful trip.  That's the name of the "game"-"all ships arrived safely."

 

30th-1600, we left with a small convoy, westbound, and picked up more ships later.  The TEXAS was with us.  The sea was very rough and the BB took a lot of heavy seas over her bow.  When weather permitted the BROOKLYN launched and recovered its planes. They were out looking for U Boats. 

 

FEB 1943

 

We started at 14.5-15 kts, but for most of the trip, the weather was very bad and we had to slow the convoy down to 9 kts.  On the 7th, 0410, the ROE reported a sonar contact, that turned out to be porpoises.  1200, we started to refuel from the KENNEBEC, and got 52,000 gals of NSFO.  8th-very foggy weather and at 1810 the SS COLORADO had engine trouble and dropped back.  We had to screen her, until she got the problem fixed and was back on station.  On the 10th- it snowed, sleeted and all around miserable weather.  2 merchant ships straggled from our convoy.  We went out and got them back (our wandering sheep). 1145, the NIBLACK got engine problems and we had to cover her station. During the trip, the EDISON was pretty badly damaged by the heavy seas, nothing life threatening. 11th-weather still was very bad, but the next day, it improved and the convoy speed was increased to 13 kts.  13th-We, LUDLOW, and ROE took the TEXAS and KENNEBEC to Norfolk, arriving at 0340 on the 14th. Then the 3 cans headed to NY at 20 kts.  We arrived by 1700-for R& R and repairs in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, until the 25th. The BUCK, SWANSON, WILKES, LUDLOW  were all at Pier "K".  18th- We got a new CO.  CDR. John B. McLean was transferred and LCDR. Frederick Wolsieffer, our XO was made CO.  25th-we got underway for Gravesend Bay to pick up ammo and 1630, we, LUDLOW, ROE left NY for Casco Bay and more training, our first trip under our new CO.  26th- we anchored in Casco Bay.  The next morning, 0800, we got underway for daylight firing exercises, with tug-IUKA-towing the sled.  In the afternoon we did AA firing at a sleeve and later ASW practice with the sub 0-6.    We fired 41 rounds of 5", 150 rounds-40MM, 400 rounds 20MM.  28th-more ASW training with the 0-6.

 

MARCH 1943

 

We went back to NY and picked up another convoy, UGF-6 (US to Gibraltar fast #6), escorted by Task Force 34, on the 4th.  However, we broke down and had to return to the Brooklyn Navy Yard for quick repairs.  We got fixed and by 0400 on the 5th we left again. The escorts were: NEW YORK, BROOKLYN, BUCK, LUDLOW, EDISON, BRISTOL, WOOLSEY, SWANSON, NICK, ROE.  MATTAPONI (A0-41) was the tanker for refueling.   We had to run hard to catch our convoy and the seas were very rough.  We had a large convoy-2 carriers, tankers and troop transports, full of soldiers.  On the 10th, a troop ship, USAT-G. W. GOETHALS,  broke down and the convoy had to cut its speed to 13 kts.  We also screened the BROOLYN, while she recovered her planes. 14-15th-we picked up RDF signals from a wolf pack and the convoy made a large detour to by-pass them.  We were successful in avoiding them.  With all the troops on board, we couldn't take any chances. 16th- 0500, the SWANSON was sent to investigate an unidentified ship, which turned out to the SS CAMECHANO (Spanish). We saw the same Spanish ship on our last trip.18th-0700, the British escorts met us and took their section through Gibraltar. We heard, that the convoy behind us, lost 2 ships to "U" boats.  We all got into Casablanca before dark, and moored out board of the NEW YORK.  Liberty.  20th-Some local dignitaries came aboard the NY and there was a lot of ceremony. 22nd- 0800, an inspection party from the WOOLSEY came on board and we got underway. We transferred mail with the BROOME (DD-210).  22-23rd- We were assigned ASW patrol outside the harbor, from Jerry de Lure to Cape Fedhala, 3 miles from land-didn't have any contacts. 24th- we came back into Casablanca inner harbor and moored alongside the MAYRANT  (DD-402) and took fuel from the CHIWAWA (AO-68) 25th-We left port ,with the Casablanca section, for New York, with a 14 kt convoy, GUF-6 (Gibraltar to US fast #6), with the same escorts. 1800- We met up with the Mediterranean section, and relieved the British escorts.   There were "U" boats around, so we had to make a big detour. No trouble from the subs. 31st- all the escorts refueled from the tankers.  

 

APRIL 1943

 

1st-The sea had been very rough, with high wind-nothing really new with that.  We had an uneventful trip and all arrived safely in NYC, on the 5th. The crew got  liberty and some got  leave.  We also had  repair work done in the Brooklyn Navy Yard.  The yard made an inspection of our hull and found big problems, that required us to go into dry-dock on the 7th. 90% of the hull required anti-corrosive, anti-fouling paint.  40% of the hull was covered by green moss.  16 zinc plates were missing from the after strut bearing and top of the rudder.  The forward part of both propellers were worn, due to excessive thrust.  The brine overload discharge filling was coated with salt  The work was done quickly.  16th- We left for Norfolk, with the BUCK, NICK, ROE, arriving in the morning of the 17th-the usual milk run.  It looked like the whole Atlantic Fleet was in port-lots of CV, BB, CL and many "cans". ComServLant in the ALCOR (AD-34) was SOPA.  18th-We started extensive training.  We fired practice shore fire on Bloodworth Island, a deserted island in the Chesapeake Bay.  There were many other "cans" with us.  Our night firing was spectacular.  No matter how many times we fired at night, we were always amazed and impressed with the beauty of the display.  In the morning of the 20th, the NICK lost a man overboard.  We picked him up, Dodson, S 2/c and transferred back to the NICK.. In the afternoon, we returned to Norfolk and moored alongside the PLUNKETT.  Late in the afternoon, we left for NY, along with the PLUNKETT, MAYO, NIBLACK, GLEAVES.  Later the BENSON joined us.   22nd-OUR SECOND ANNIVERSARY- arriving in NYC at 1030.  Then right back to Norfolk on the 24th, with the same DD's.  On these runs we went at 25 kts.  25th-Easter Sunday, we escorted, with WOOLSEY, LUDLOW, EDISON, a group of LST's (TG 20.19) to NY, arriving on the 27th.  We dropped them off and made a quick turn -around, back to Norfolk. On the way, we and another "can" picked up a series of good sound contacts.  We both conducted the usual attacks and dropped depth charges.  Our XO, Dick Weiss, had been XO on the Noa, one of the training DD's at the Sound School at Key West.  He was impressed by the quality of the contacts, so we stayed with the contacts through the night.  The other can went into Norfolk. Dropping charges was always a very impressive experience.  The depth charges made a  "huge holes" in the sea, and shook the ship from stem to stern.  Unfortunately all our efforts were in vain-no results.  When we got into Norfolk, we had to reload our stock of 300 and 600 pound depth charges-a hard and dangerous job. 28th- In the morning we met with the BIRMINGHAM  (CL-62).  Then we both went into Norfolk.  29th- We had more training -"a Battle Problem."  30th- In the morning we had AA practice firing at sleeves.  The afternoon, we were back in Norfolk.  The "C" Div beat the Engineers in soft ball, to avenge their earlier loss--all in good fun. Everyone enjoyed the exercise. Whenever possible the Divisions would play each other. 

 

MAY 1943

 

2nd- We took the new cruiser the MOBILE (CL 63) out on a "speed run" (See Sea Stories).  3-4th--More practice of all kinds.  We fired AA gunnery practice-firing at sleeves pulled by planes.  We usually hit the target with our first or second salvo.  We also did some night firing on towed surface targets (sleds).  We decided we were the "BEST" of our Squadron --the "LUCKY 13th."  We were sure the other crews felt the same about their ship.  4th- Another "milk run" to NY and we were set to leave on the 14th. But we broke down again, after we got back to Norfolk on the 8th.11th-back to Brooklyn Navy Yard.  We got a quick fix from the Yard.  Late on the 15th, we finally left, escorting , convoy BT-203, with TF 69,  along with CDS 7 and CDS 13, about 15 transports, full of soldiers from Norfolk to the Canal Zone.  This group made a very impressive sight.  Some of the escorts were: BUCK, SWANSON, DYSON (DD-572), CLAXTON (DD-571).  We took station on USAT THOMAS H. BARRY, the convoy guide. At that time, German subs were very active along the East coast to the CZ, so we had all the cans available for the job.  We passed thorough the Windward Passage during the midwatch. Gene Somers, OOD, and I had the watch.  It was a clear, bright moonlit night (full moon).  We used to call it the "submariner's moon."  The whole formation was spread out in front of us-we were the "rear guard".  It was an unforgettable sight.  On the way, the sea was very rough and lots of the new crew members got seasick-some old timers too.  We all arrived safely, with no problems, early on the 21st.  We moored to a pier and the CO gave liberty.  Unfortunately, some of the crew didn't realize the effect of the combination of tropical heat, potent/cheap rum, and being tired.  One of the new engineers took a dive off the pier (low tide) on to the rocks and garbage below.  Doc Stollman had to patch him up.  He looked pretty bad, but it wasn't anything serious.  Our chief cook started to swim back to the ship.  The boat's bow hook had to collar him with the bow hook and pull him into the boat.  One very good cook saved.  There were other incidents, but these come to mind.  All 16 cans pulled out of the CZ early on the 22nd (see Sea Stories) and the seas were very rough. We all were at 25 kts, in a line of bearing. We had white water over the director and green water on the bridge.

 

On this trip we saw hundreds of flying fish (a very common sight in the tropics).  The ship disturbed them and they would take off "flying".  They sometimes went 100+ feet, skimming the surface of the water and waves.  It is truly a beautiful sight- an natural marvel. Both squadrons arrived in Norfolk the afternoon of the 25th.  By the 28th, we had gotten our storm damage fixed and were underway again, with the BUCK, SWANSON, this time to New London, Conn.  We were going to train with US subs-and they with us.  We went up through the Long Island Sound, an absolutely beautiful area, on a wonderful, sunny spring day. (Ed Note: On the 8-12 watch we passed my home town (Rye).  I borrowed a pair of glasses to watch the shoreline slide by). 30th- we were anchored in New London, then to Newport on the 31st.   

 

In one of our short stays in the Yard, we got a "ram bow".  They stiffened the bow and welded a hardened-sharp steel piece from the keel to about 6 feet above the waterline.  The Navy figured it would be of use, if we had to ram a "U" boat.  In our drills we practiced ramming.

 

JUNE 1943

 

1st- We were underway, early, with the BUCK, SWANSON, and the sub- R-1. During the day, we practiced with the subs and at night, we came into port for liberty in New London.  Then, the SWANSON and we went into Newport, RI (see Seas Stories), where we tangled with the SWANSON'S crew on the ferry. The weather was cold and dreary and sound conditions were not good for ASW work. When we left Newport harbor, the CO was very careful to keep our speed low, we just glided along, as there were many civilian boats and yachts moored nearby. (Editor's Note:  I was JOOD on the Special Sea Detail and he instructed me to keep careful note of our course and speed.  Sure enough, a couple of weeks later, we got an inquiry from the Legal Office of the First Naval District, concerning damage to civilian boats by the "W".  The OOD and I gave sworn statements and the CO sent in a copy of our log entries.  We never heard anything more from that claim--SOME NERVE!. 2nd-We went back to Long Island Sound again, off Port Jefferson, where we had an all night practice with PT boats (at GQ all night).  We fired a lot of star shells.  It must have been a spectacular display for the people living nearby.  The seas was very rough. The PT boats just wallowed around and got in little meaningful training.  We could and did run circles around them.  The PT boats practiced torpedo firings.  We were the target-they missed.  Practice torpedoes float after their "run" and are recovered for further use.  The rough weather made it tough to pick them up.  We got more practice than the PT's. 

 

Late on the 3rd-2300, or so, we arrived NY and went into the Navy Yard, until the 8th.  After we left the yard, we in Gravesend Bay to pick up ammo.  We got a new type of 5" AA shell, with a "proximity fuse".  It had a miniature radar-like device in the nose, that caused it to explode when the shell passed near a target (a plane).  We were one of the first ships to get this new shell.  It was highly secret.  We dubbed it "The Super Duper".  It was highly effective against enemy planes.  Shortly, it was a standard item in the Fleet.

9th-  1030, we left NY with a small 11 ship merchant convoy, for Oran, North Africa.  We were in TG 65.5, CTG was in the BROOKLYN.  The escorts were: BUCK (CDS-13), SWANSON, ROE, EDISON, NICK, BOYLE. On the 13th-CDS 16 in the PARKER (DD-604) joined the TG and became ComScreen. Just before we left, we got 2 official Navy photographers, who stayed with us through the invasion of Sicily.  They took some fine photos.  The CO started rationing fresh water, with very strict water hours.  This was a continuing problem for us.  Our evaporators didn't work well and the boilers had first call on any fresh water.  11th- the weather had been stormy and while on the 1200-1600 watch, we saw several waterspouts-some quite near.  On the 15th, the cans refueled from our tanker.  We had been doing a lot of training lately, working the various gun crews at GQ, fire, damage control drills, etc.  You name it, we drilled at it.  Buck O'Berry  gave recognition training twice a day to the director people, gun crews, lookouts, and officers.  Every one had to be an "expert".  "P-40", the primary US fighter plane in the MED,  became another of our "watch words."

 

As we got closer to Europe, we started to pick up "Axis Sally" and "Lord Haw-Haw" on the radio.  On the mid-watch, we always patched her up to one of the speakers on the bridge.  If the CO happened on the bridge, we had to turn the speaker off- quickly.  It was very interesting to hear her spiel and besides she had all the latest songs from the US.  How she got them, always puzzled us.  From Washington (WCX), we got our daily world news (several pages long), which the radio gang copied (dit-dot-dash) and distributed it to all hands.  There was always a huge difference between the US and Axis versions of the news.   By the 18th, we were close to North Africa, and several long range US patrol planes came out to cover us, during daylight, as we approached Gibraltar. 20th-we passed through the Straits, which was duly broadcast by Axis Sally.  However, she reported the "W" as a minesweeper, which was good for a few chuckles.  It re-enforced our opinion, that Spain was less than neutral.  Just after we got into the Med, the CO accidentally wandered into a minefield, which wasn't on our charts.  The shore station, sent us a "flash" telling us we were in the field.  We had a few anxious moments, until we were able to get clear.  On the 21st, we were all safely in Oran.  We refueled from the CHICOPEE and then moored at the mole in Mers-el-Kebir, alongside the ROE, EDISON, McLANAHAN (DD-615) and KENDRICK (DD-612).

 

Everyone thought Oran and its environs were superior to Casablanca.  There were a great number of cans and cruisers in the harbor.  It was the headquarters of the US Navy Command, for the up-coming invasion of Sicily.  The crew enjoyed some swimming parties and liberty in the city.  We moved the ship several times.  Local laborers were used as line handlers.  After a couple of bad situations-they were too weak and not able to go the job of line handling properly, the CO (quite properly) used our own deck gang as line handlers.  The "locals" made a big howl, but the CO said they would be paid anyway.  That satisfied them-they got paid, for doing nothing.  The "locals" wore 6-8 layers of clothing, so that all the holes would be covered and they would not be "embarrassed".  As we left the ship on liberty, the Arabs would line up right outside the gates, trying to sell souvenirs and other "things."  Navy mattress covers were in high demand, by the "locals".

 

On the 24th-Ike and the King of England and other dignitaries drove out on the mole, where we were moored.  All the ships sounded their whistles and sirens in salute.  Everyone cheered and waved. The bridge gang got a good view of them through their binoculars.  Their visit raised everyone's already high spirits.  By this time, all hands were speculating where we would invade.  There were rumors that Churchill was pushing for an invasion of the Balkans.  For a long time he had been calling the Balkans, the "soft underbelly of Europe."  We pulled out our charts and hoped the rumors were wrong - no soft places there.  We exercised our landing party.  There were lots of mountains to climb.  On the 29th-we took on 14 Army signalmen, from General Patton's Army.  They were going to do the spotting on our beach head, for our up-coming invasion.  We got well acquainted with the Captain in charge.  He had made the initial landings in North Africa and had gone thorough all the subsequent actions.  He didn't like Patton.  He called him "old P--s and Wind."  29th--The NICK and we went out to practice with our Army spotters.  We put them on a beach in an isolated area. Both ships fired a lot of shore fire. The Flag on the BROOKLYN was supervising us.  During the exercise, we had a great deal of trouble with our voice radio communication with the shore spotters.  The NICK and our radio frequencies interfered.  This was going to be a continuing problem, not only for the Sicily invasion, but for many invasions to come.  There just wasn't any adequate radio equipment available. The frequencies were too close together and the equipment was not able to differentiate between the frequencies.   The Flag gave us "hell", which we thought was not deserved.  Then to add insult to injury, the main bearing of the port engine burned out.  We limped back to Oran and went alongside the tanker, WINOSKI, on the 30th. The PARKER, MADDOX, MERVINE were also moored alongside.  All our engineers and the tender people worked very hard and fixed the bearing. We were as good as new. 

 

JULY 1943

 

lst- We were still alongside the tanker, working on the bearing and fueling.  2nd-In the late afternoon we got underway for Bizerte. 4th-Some FOURTH, we and the other ships in our Division, proceeded to Bizerte.  We were one of the first US ship to go into the harbor. The area had just been "liberated" from the Germans.  The harbor and its entrance was still full of sunken ships.  We picked up a French pilot and we ran aground (See various Sea Stories). After we anchored, Lt Johnson, inspected the bottom and found considerable damage to the starboard screw.  It had 2 bent and damaged tips and the tip of the 3rd, was sheared off.  6th--Our engineers were still working on the screw.  We had a heavy air raid in the afternoon.  4 bombs hit close to us.  When air raids came, we had to pull our divers out of the water.  We fired our 5" guns, using our new "super dupers". We shot down one, perhaps 2 bombers,  firing 156 - 5" shells.  We also had a very heavy raid at night. In the shore based searchlights, the planes looked like moths.  There were a large number of heavy explosions, where the LST's were loading.  We fired more 5" and shot down one bomber, which crashed near our port bow.  The shore AA guns and the British ships in that area were also firing, but they were using conventional AA-set to burst at a set altitude.  All their shells were bursting well below the planes.  Our 5" with the proximity fuses had the muscle to reach the planes.  We had several other raids, that kept us busy (see other Sea Stories). 

 

7th-After our people had done the very best they could with the screw, the CO took the ship out for a short run. We patrolled in the Tunisian War Channel, north of Cape Guardia. The whole ship shook very badly at speeds over 15 kts.  Our maximum speed was about 20 kts.  Everyone was concerned, we might not be able to GO.  Of course, that was unthinkable.  We hadn't come all that distance, put in all the time and effort and then fail.  The word "fail" wasn't in our dictionary.  Nothing could keep our CO from a good fight!!  All hands agreed on that!! If we couldn't go, the Commodore would transfer to one of the other cans.  However, we always felt he was more comfortable on the "W".  He knew us and we knew him.  We knew what he wanted done.  He rarely had to ask. 

 

The CO recommended a medal, Legion of Merit, for Lt (jg). David. O. Johnson, our assistant engineering officer, who was in charge of the diving work.  He also commended the following men, for their fine work:  Henry S. Smith, B 1/c; Richard E. Hover, B 2/c; John Mercer, MM 1/c; John M. Mast, MM 1/c;  Lawrence E. Kelley, MM 1/c; Leslie E. Eft, MM 1/c; Michael R. Martinick, F 3/c.  All of these men made dives to work on the screw. 

 

The invasion of Sicily was called "HUSKY" and husky, it was.  It was the most ambitious military/amphibious operation of the war, to date.  It was a direct forebear of OVERLORD.  There were about 2500 ships of all types involved, from the US and British Navies, plus a couple of Polish "cans."  Here again, IKE and his staff, along with his British counterparts, put together a masterful plan.  While there were some errors made (i.e. the shooting down of our transport planes with paratroops on board), the landings and subsequent follow up, went very well. Better than expected  It was still a learning experience for everyone.   

 

Intelligence reports indicated our beach head was heavily defended and we could expect heavy resistance.  We all got detailed briefing from high ranking intelligence people (i.e. how to conduct ourselves, if a POW, etc.).  Everyone also got Plague, Typhus shots, plus our usual boosters. 

 

Our target was the port city of Licata, on the SW coast, the West most landing area.  There were high hills surrounding the city.  There was a large mole (breakwater) protecting the city and harbor.  Before the war, it was a trading and fishing center.  It was a very ancient place, dating back to Roman times. Our portion of the beachhead was called "JOSS" (Yellow and Blue Beaches), Task Force 86. with Rear Admiral R. L. Connolly in the BISCAYNE (AVP 11),  in overall command.  TASK GROUP 86.1, was ComCruDiv 13 (covering and support group). The Commodore was in command of the beach and Naval Gunfire Support Group.  All ships  had the color of the Beach (Yellow or Blue), they were assigned to, painted on the bridge.  We had a large Blue Flag, with a white background painted on the wings of the bridge.  This was a simple but excellent idea, to get the ships and boats to the proper beach.  In the few days before the invasion, everyone sharpened their knives and the officers cleaned their .45's as well.  All hands wanted to be fully prepared and nothing left to chance.  For the invasion we had "the honorable position"- close to any action. 

 

Ships on our beach head--BISCAYNE, with Rear Admiral R. L. Connolly (CTF 86) on board. Cruisers-BROOKLYN, BIRMINGHAM, over 200 landing ships of all types, 8 mine sweepers, 33 patrol craft, plus several auxiliaries.  The destroyers were:  BUCK (CDS 13--CDR. E. R. Durgin), WOOLSEY, LUDLOW, EDISON, BRISTOL, WILKES (CDD 26--CDR. Vernon Huber), NICHOLSON, SWANSON, ROE.  

 

The "CENT" Attack Force (TF 85) was commanded by Rear Admiral A. G. Kirk, on the ANCON.  It was the largest of the 3 forces and contained the Cruiser-PHILADELPHIA, and British monitor-ABERCROMBIE, along with 18 transports (APA, AKA), 28 landing ships, 16 mine vessels, 4 patrol craft, 19 "cans".  Their landing area was Scoglitti, the East most area.  The destroyers were:  MERVINE (CDS 15), DAVISON, QUICK, BEATTY, TILLMAN; COWIE (CDD 30), KNIGHT, DORAN, EARLE; PARKER (CDS 16) (DD 604), LAUB (DD 613), KENDRICK (DD 612), MACKENZIE (DD 614); CHAMPLIN (CDD 32)(DD 601), BOYLE (DD 600), NIELDS (DD 616), COLE, BERNADOU, DALLAS.  They left from Mers-el-Kebir.

 

The "DIME" force-attacked Gela, in the center.  TF 81, commanded by Rear Admiral J. L. Hall, Jr., consisted of 8 transports (APA, AKA), including Admiral Hewitt's flagship-MONROVIA (APA 31) and force flagship, SAMUEL CHASE, Cruisers - BOISE  (CL 47), SAVANNAH,  35 ocean going landing ships, 8 mine ships, 10 patrol craft, plus 11 cans.  The cans were: NELSON (CDS 17) (DD 623), MURPHY, GLENNON (DD 620), JEFFERS (DD 621), MADDOX (DD 622), BULTER (DD636); GHERARDI, (CDD 43) (DD 637), HERNDON (DD 638), SHUBRICK (DD 639), McLANAHAN (DD 615), ORDRONAUX (DD 617).

 

Our TF left Bizerte in the afternoon of the 8th.  On the way out, one of our cans spotted a crew of a downed German bomber.  They picked them up and later transferred them to a boat going back to Bizerte.  The die was cast-we were on our way!!!  It was a truly impressive sight.  It was a sunny, warm day.  Our TF headed towards Greece, as a feint, to throw any German snoppers off.  On the 9th, in the afternoon the weather changed to a full blown storm. We had white water on our bridge.  We all felt for the troops on the LST's and LCI's, who were laboring badly. After dark, we changed course for Sicily.  The Commodore was very concerned about the high wind and surf conditions on the beach head.  By the time we got close to our target, the wind and sea calmed--a miracle and the answer to our prayers.  The CO instructed all hands to take baths, and put on clean clothing.  The cooks made a huge pile of cold cut (ugh) sandwiches.  You'll eat anything, if you are hungry.  Fresh water and waste buckets were put out at all GQ stations. We were prepared for a long GQ.

 

The SWANSON and ROE were the Gaffi, FSG #2, supporting the landing of the 7th Regimental Combat Team (west of Licata), RED Beach.  "W" and the NICK were the FSG #5 for Blue Beach, supporting the 13th Regimental Combat Team, (east of Licata), in the Falconara area. The soldiers we were putting on the beach were from General George Patton's Army.  At 2000 we went to GQ. From 2300-on, we saw and heard many bomb and gunfire flashes and bursts from the beach, and many fires on the beach. 

 

10th --"D" DAY--0028, we sighted PC 562, the reference ship for the BLUE (our) Beach.  The NICK came with us to our area and the SWANSON and ROE assumed their position on their Beach (RED), which was adjacent to ours.  0150-3 searchlights from the breakwater picked up the BISCAYNE and PC 562, who were anchored in the center of Blue Beach  (3000 yards out).  The lights swept over them repeatedly.  The ships just lay to-waiting.  By 0230, the searchlights were sweeping over us and the NICK.  We held our breath-expecting a shell to follow.  It was eerie, the lights would pick up a ship-hold it for a minute or so, then sweep on, then come back to the ship, then sweep away, then back again.  This was repeated many times.  It was a miracle everyone held their fire and kept their "cool."  By 0245, the Germans discovered the TF off Gela (DIME), the next beach head east of ours.  There was heavy gunfire from then on.  We all thought, the enemy would open up on us.

 

0300-The landings in our area started.  About this time, the cans picked up small, fast moving targets to seaward of us.  One of the possible enemy forces, expected, were German and Italian "E" boats, which were much like our PT boats.  The Commodore ordered the SWANSON and ROE to go and check them out, as he didn't want "E" boats get in with our LST's and LCI's.  They went out at 25 kts-SWANSON leading.  A very short time later, we all saw a large flash to seaward. The Commodore knew something was amiss and he tried  to raise them on the TBS.  He had no luck.  0329, he got word that they had collided.  The boats turned out to be friendly PT boats, who had gotten out of position and off their timing by the bad weather. 0410, we opened fire with our 5" guns on our assigned targets.  It was a spectacular sight.  The gun flashes were blinding and deafening.  Our first salvo hit the searchlights.  They went out and never came back on.  In short order we had fired 140 rounds of 5".  0416, There was a fire on the fantail. It was put out in a couple of minutes.  0430, another fire-under the depth charges (a very bad place for a fire).  It was out in 4 minutes.  0444, the BIRMINGHAM, escorted by the LUDLOW, started to fire on shore targets.   0445, we observed on our SG radar, our troops were landing. 0458, we observed a large flash from Gela.  We later learned it was the MADDOX blowing up, after a bomb hit. They lost 210 men killed.  It had tied up alongside of us, about 10 days before. 

 

We later learned the CO of the SWANSON (senior) was leading the "charge", at 25 kts. He gave an order "Form 180 (fall in behind).  The ROE didn't get the "word".  The SWANSON turned and the ROE didn't.  The bow of the ROE hit the SWANSON amidships, right in the #1 fireroom.  Both #1 fireroom and #1 engineroom were flooded.  Both ships were very heavily damaged and knocked out of action.  They had to jettison everything possible to stay afloat, fired their torpedoes and dumped the depth charges, ammo, anchors. Everything that was loose was thrown over board.  About that time, an LST was hit to seaward and we feared one of their fish had hit it.  Later we learned -not so.  0512, a German ME 110 tried to attack the SWANSON.  Fortunately they kept a few of the proximity fuse 5" shells and knocked the ME down-on the first salvo-some shooting!!!  The SWANSON limped into Malta for emergency repairs and the ROE made it to Oran.  On the way the ROE was attacked and it too shot down the bomber. 0505, enemy planes bombed LST's on both Blue and Yellow Beaches.  0511, ME 110 came over our Beach and we fired on him and he fled over the hills.  0547, we received several shell splashes nearby.  We tried to knock the guns out, but they were in the cliffs.  A bit later the Army Rangers took care of them.  0603, we opened fire on more assigned shore targets, in area "D" -battery #72.  There were enemy holed up in houses along the water front.  We fired our 5" into them, hoping the civilians were gone.  Our gunfire started large fires on the beach, in our assigned target area.  0750, we got our first radio contact with our SFCP.  There was an Italian radio station, playing music, on the same frequency.  It made radio contact with our SFCP impossible. It kept on the air. They didn't have a clue that an invasion was going on and their "world was ending".  Fortunately, there was no need for SFCP.  We drew more shore fire-no problem. 0800, we picked up two US Army men, adrift in a small rubber raft. They were: PFC Michael Armond and Victor Lodman.  They said, they were the only survivors of a landing craft on BLUE BEACH, which beached on a rock, ramp down and got hit by enemy machine gun fire. They said all others were either killed or drowned.  Before he was killed, the boat's coxswain threw over a small life raft. They were glad to see us.  0830, we got word from the Beach, that our forces had occupied Licata. 0835, we saw the American Flag flying over the castle, St. Angelo, in Licata. The BIRMINGHAN and BROOKLYN were firing on the beach.  0917, Orders-"Hold all NGF."- "All objectives taken."  0930, the Commodore  moved the NICK to the SWANSON's old area and it came under shore fire-no problems.  1000, we transferred the Army men to a passing Army motor boat.  By 1030, the Commodore decided things were under control and secured us all from GQ and set Condition 2 (watch and watch).  All 20/40 MM guns were to be manned and 1/2 of the 5" guns.  We now could get our regular chow and those off watch a bit of sleep.  We weren't at GQ as long as we figured.  Henry Mobley and I stood watch and watch on the 40MM AA guns, also controlling the 20MM as well. We had a busy time for the next few days.  When we secured from GQ that morning, our decks were covered by empty 5" powder cases, that had to be picked up, put in containers, and stowed below.  They were "re-cycled."  1515-1645, enemy planes attacked the beach, LST's and us.  5 Focke-Wolf planes kept popping over the hills.  We got a near miss.  We'd fire on them and they would flee over the hills.  1821, we got more air raids and another bomb hit near us.  AT this time, we were patrolling 3000 yards off BLUE and YELLOW beaches, between Falconara Castle and 2 miles east of Licata.  Later the NICK was assigned to an area off RED beach.

 

11th-Sunday, early in the morning, we came across LCT  211, which was in distress.  It had no engines, no power, no light, no anchor, no food and water in its living spaces. We got help for her.  0810, an enemy bomber came over the hills and hit the LST 158, which was unloading on the beach, west of Falconara.  The LST exploded and burned for 2 days.  0920, more raids by dive bombers.  They again popped over the hills and we couldn't see them, until the bombs dropped. We fired on them-and they fled. 0927, 2 US planes came over the beach.  A DD-not us- fired on them and shot one down.  Pilot bailed out OK.  0956, 6 P-38's came over our area, for air cover.  1037,  22 B-17's passed over head and bombed the beach. More enemy raids, we had a bomb hit near us. 1227, enemy dive bombers bombed the beach, we open fired with 5" and 40MM, and 1 bomber was shot down. 1402, 4 Stuka's bombed the beach.  We fired on them.  They went over the hills. 1535-1700, we could see many heavy air raids on Gela, with bomb splashes and the AA fire. 1702, a Liberty ship (ROBERT ROWAN) carrying ammo  exploded at Gela.  It had been hit by a bomb.  A cloud of smoke and debris towered several thousand feet into the air and tracers from 5' shells arched through the sky.  It was a fiercesome sight. 1741, more AA fire over the transport area. 1 plane shot down.  1750, another plane shot down.  2000- 2200, many more raids.  We got dive-bombed and a very near miss off our port bow. 2220, a near miss on us, and we almost collided with a British LST.  2330, a low flying Italian bomber (Savioa Marchetti -81-type) dropped bombs and missed-but very close.  It turned and started another run on us.  We opened fire with our 20MM and 40MM guns and shot it down in flames.  It crashed very close to us.  (See Sea Stories).

 

For the first 2 days, the ships and troops in the Gela area, were under fierce attack.  With glasses, we could see the trouble they were in.  At one point German tanks broke through, almost to the waterline.  The cans and cruisers, with their NGF, turned the tide of battle.  They  suffered many more air raids than we did. 

 

12th- was uneventful, except 0816, we were attacked by 3 ME 109-they missed.  We continued to patrol and watch for enemy planes. In the morning cruisers fired on the beach in Gela, and continued most of the day.  13th- 0800, enemy planes continued to hedge hop over the hills.  Bombs dropped near LST 385 and us.  We fired on them, but they went over the hills.  1530, refueled from the BIRMINGHAM. 2100, back on station patrolling.  14th-0517, the BROOKLYN hit 2 mines, but apparently was not badly damaged and was able to stay on station.  All the cans except BUCK, NICHOLSON, WILKES and LUDLOW left our area.  We remained behind to provide AA protection for the beach.  15th, we sent our boat to the beach, with Lt. D.O. Johnson in charge.  They brought back about 40 Italian rifles and ammo as souvenirs.  He also took some very fine photos of the activity on the beach, and the ship.  15th-the British hospital ship- LEINSTER came into Licata.  16th-the SS SEMINOLE, a US hospital ship came into Gela.  We were still getting air attacks.  18th-our transport planes started to land at the Licata airport.  The Army engineers did a fine job in getting it in shape. Early in the morning, there was a huge explosion on the beach.  It looked an ammo dump.  In the afternoon 18 LST's  approached Licata with reinforcements and we directed them to the proper area.  LCI-10 transferred an officer to us. 20th-we were still at Licata and transferred our Navy photographers to the BUCK. We were leaving and they are staying.  From "D" Day, the weather was sunny, hot and clear, with smooth seas.    All this time, a steady stream of LST's and other amphib ships were coming in, beaching and discharging a huge amount of tanks, trucks, and a mountain of other equipment.  They were all escorted by US and British cans.  Licata was supporting General Patton's Army rapid advance in Western Sicily.   

 

21st-0100, we were relieved at Licata and headed to Valletta, Malta, arriving about 0700.  The island was very beautiful, but you could see the terrible bombing they had been going through, since the beginning of the war.  The SWANSON was tied up to a pier, getting emergency repairs.  It looked odd, with the forward stack missing.  It was a mess and they were lucky to have survived.  We didn't get any liberty.  We were there only a very short time, as we left for Oran later that day-just limping along.  On the way, we came across a floating mine.  We fired 20/40MM at it.  All hands were top-side to watch the fun, when it exploded in a huge roar.  Shrapnel rained down on the decks, but no one got hurt, some got souvenirs.  We got a change of orders, to go to Algiers, where we arrived late in the afternoon on the 22nd.  We moored alongside the LYON (AP-71).  23rd- in the early afternoon we got underway with CTF 81, in the SAMUEL CHASE.  The escorts were: DAVIDSON, ORDRONOUX, BERNADOU, KNIGHT, LAUB, COLE, DALLAS, with the Commodore, as ComScreen.  24th- We arrived in Oran and moored in Mers-el-Kebir.  We stayed there until the 28th.

 

This was the end of our part in the invasion of Sicily.  All during this time, we were able to tune our radio in on Radio Berlin's "Lord Haw-Haw", and Axis Sally and Peggy.  They didn't have a clue what was happening.  One German song that was a "hit" with us--"Lili Marlene". After North Africa, the Med and Sicily, our crew felt we "owned" a part of that song.  For the crew members that might recall the song: 

 

The words--"Would you like to hear the story of a girl that many soldiers know?  It's a tale of love in all it's glory.  They tell when the lights are soft and low  Verse 2: "With a kiss she gave her promise to be constant as the stars above. Every soldier knows she's kept her promise and she has been faithful to her love.  Verse 3:  Summer soon gave way to autumn, then came winter with his snow white beard.  Once again she faced a lonely springtime, but night after night she still appeared.  Verse 4.  Tho' each tale must have an ending. No one knows just what the end will be.  But tonight when twilight is descending if you'll come along here's what you'll see.  Chorus:  Underneath the lamp post by the barrack gate.  Standing all alone, every night you'll see her wait.  She waits for a boy, who marched away and tho' he's gone, she hears him say.  "Oh promise you'll be true.  Fare thee well, Lili Marlene.  Till I return to you.  Fare thee well, Lili Marlene." 

 

Some comments by the Commanding Officer is worthy of note: "The SG radar is the most excellent and useful device issued to forces afloat-- It's performance, navigationally, was superb.  It's accuracy in maintaining station in screening dispositions and on patrols left nothing to be desired."  No truer words were ever written.  All watch officers would give a Hearty "AMEN" to that appraisal.  The CO was less enthusiastic with the performance of the SC (Air Search) and FD (Fire Control) radars.  The Commodore noted there was a breakdown in AA fire control.  Many ships, mostly amphib types, fired on every plane within range.  On D+1, a damaged P-40 tried to make an emergency landing on the beach.  Every ship nearby, opened up on the plane.  The Commodore took them to task, in rather "blunt language" for firing on our own planes. Both the NICK and we (Buck O'Berry) had a graduate of the Navy Recognition School on board.  At GQ he was stationed on the flying bridge and had direct contact with the directors and the lookouts.  This paid big dividends. 

 

In the Licata area, Naval losses were very light-23 men killed, 118 wounded.  We were "lucky."

 

There were 71 British, 48 US, 6 Greek, 3 Polish cans in the invasion.  

 

22nd-we arrived in Algiers at 1700 and moored, alongside the LYON (AP-71) at a pier.  The city was very beautiful, on the side of a large mountain.  Up to now, we hadn't been able to get any supplies and we were running out of food.  In Algiers were able to refuel and get supplies.  The SWANSON came in.  Some of our crew got liberty. 23rd-we got underway with CTF 81 in the SAMUEL CHASE, escorted by the DAVIDSON, ORDONOUX, BERNADOU, KNIGHT, LAUB, COLE, DALLAS.  The Commodore was ComScreen.  We took them to Oran. 24th- moored Mers-el-Kebir, Oran and some liberty was granted. 28th-we left Oran  escorting 2 cruisers (BROOKLYN and BIRMINGHAM), 1 tanker (CHICOPEE).  The Commodore was in charge of the screen-6 cans (DAVIDSON, ORDRONAUX, BERNADOU, KNIGHT, LAUB, COLE, DALLAS). All the cruisers and cans had some damage and were going back to the States for repair, a bunch of cripples.  29th- we all passed through the Straits of Gibraltar.

 

(Ed Note:  The famous war correspondent, Ernie Pyle, was on the BISCAYNE for the invasion. 

He was on the ship when it was in Bizerte Harbor, during the heavy air raids prior to the invasion.  He wrote several dispatches describing the fierceness of the raids.  If he was impressed (he was a battle hardened correspondent), they must have been bad.)

 

AUGUST 1943

 

5th-We had a very uneventful crossing, except for the usual bad weather.  We arrived in NY, on the 8th, and went right into the Brooklyn Navy Yard.  We were there 11 days.  We got a new CIC.  The Yard put in a new deck between the CO/XO/Commodore's cabins/ radio shack and the bridge.  It was a big job and it improved our effectiveness.  It also made us more top-heavy.  We also went into dry-dock on the 11th and got a new screw.  After looking at the damaged screw, it was a wonder, the engineers were able to do such a fine job, and we were able to complete our mission.  While in dry-dock, we also got a new paint job on the bottom.  Our deck gang helped the yard with the job.  It sure was very dirty, hot work.  But when it was done, the ship looked like new again.  The only problem, was on the 13th, when the DU PONT, also in the dry-dock with us, had a fire-nothing serious.  16th-out of dry-dock and a yard tug took us to a pier.

 

Many of the crew got 7 days leave, and the rest got as much liberty as possible.  We did the "3 R's".  With all the yard people, working 3 shifts, it was almost impossible to live on board.  The officers, with wives, got rooms at a near by hotel.  The single ones had to put up with the noise and dirt on the ship. 

 

An interesting note:  On 8/2, the BUCK (CDS 13) and the NICHOLSON were escorting 6 Liberty ships from Licata to Algiers.  The BUCK got a sound contact and proceeded to conduct a depth charge attacks, which forced the Italian sub (ARGENTO) to the surface.  It was sunk by gunfire and the BUCK captured 46 men, including the CO.  The CO of the BUCK got the Navy Cross, for his ship's fine work. 

 

19th-the yard was done with us and we got underway early in the morning and anchored in Gravesend Bay to load ammo.  This was a full day's job, as we had to take a full load.  After we finished, we got underway, very early on the 20th for training at Casco Bay.  We arrived shortly after noon on the 21st. and anchored.  We had some bad weather, fog, rain and some training exercises were canceled.  We did calibrate our RDF, radars, magnetic compass. 25th- we got in some surface firing practice, with the tug-KALMIA towing a sled.  The next day, we got in some AA practice on towed sleeves.  Also we had some more surface firing and at night, we had a long night firing practice  That day we fired 364 5", 1101-40MM, 1700-20MM.  That finished up our training.  Very early in the morning, we left for Guatanamo Bay, Cuba, to pick up the ALBEMARLE (AV 5), (see Sea Stories).  On the way, we had lots of AA firing drills and many exercises of all kinds, including boarding and salvage parties and commando unit  We arrived 0900 on the 31st and moored alongside the BLAKELY (DD-150). We were there 3 days and the crew got liberty  and brought back- a monkey and a parrot.  The monkey was a real pest.  It made a mess everywhere it went.  It would climb up the mast and sit on the yardarm --"Watch out Below!!"  The civilian towns were off limits, so there wasn't much for the crew to do at the Navy Base.

 

SEPTEMBER 1943

 

After refueling, we and the GOLDSBOROUGH (APD-32) left early on the 2nd, escorting the ALBEMARLE to Hampton Roads.  Along the way we had daily AA practice and other exercises. 4th-we towed a target for the other 2 ships to fire at. 5th- 0400 -We were detached from escorting  the ALBEMARLE and we left for NYC, arriving 1530 at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, where we moored alongside the SWANSON.  On the 11th we were done, went to load ammo at Gravesend Bay.

 

12th-We  left  for Norfolk, escorting the NY section of UGS 18.  We were going to pick up  a very large convoy for North Africa.  The convoy was about 100 ships, plus escorts, with 2 Coast Guard ships, also as escorts.  The Commodore was in charge of the NY section, until we reached Hampton Roads.  It was uneventful, except the THREAT (AM -124) lost steering control but later it was OK. 13th-0730, we arrived at NOB, Norfolk and moored alongside the USCG INGHAM.  l4th-we  refueled, and took on a full load of fresh water.  Then we left the pier and anchored out to get the convoy formed up.  We all got underway, late on the 14th. The USCG BIBB was CTF 63 and in charge of the convoy.  On station was 70 degrees relative to the guide ship in the convoy.  17th-the convoy practiced emergency turns.  The BIBB got a radar contact-nothing.  20th-the weather got quite bad. During the night the convoy ships had to turn on their lights on to help with station keeping. 21st-the weather was still bad, rough sea, high wind, visibility poor.  1600, we got a sonar contact-nothing and returned to our station.  22nd- we and the other escorts refueled from the HOUSATONIC.  The sea was rough and made the refueling tricky. 27th-1800, the CHASE (APD-54) left for Gib but at 2100 she returned to her station in the screen. 28th-the MOORE (DE 240) had a sonar contact and dropped depth charges- no luck.  29th- all escorts again refueled from the tanker.  We took on 50,000 gals.  30th- the CO conducted a long Battle Problem. He wanted to keep us on our toes. There were German subs around, but we had no contacts.  We had intelligence reports on sub positions nearby, which caused us some concern. 

 

OCT 1943

 

1st-1530, we got a sonar contact.  7 other escorts got contacts at the same time-fish. 1600 a Spanish merchant ship was sighted by the SWANSON.  1715, we got another sonar contact, that sounded good.  We made a depth charge attack, dropping 5 charges-no luck.  During the run we lost steering control on the bridge and had to steer from the after steering station. We practiced that casualty often, so it didn't cause any problem.  2nd- 0530, we were sent out to check on a  surface radar contact-negative.  1230, we all entered the swept channel to Gibraltar. 1900, SWANSON and CHASE were detached to escort the tanker and a merchant ship into Gibraltar. 16 merchant ships, under escort, came out from Gib, passing in front our TF from port to starboard and joined our convoy.  3rd-0730, we sighted the HMS KING GEORGE, with 4 British DD's at 23,000 yards.  The battleship was an impressive sight, even at a long distance.  0945, the Gib section was detached, escorted by 2 DE's.  1245-3 British DD's arrived and relieved us of the rest of our convoy, which continued East into the Med.  Once relieved, we (BIBB, W-, SWANSON, ROE, KEITH) proceeded to Casablanca at 16 kts.

 

4th-0200, we had a radar contact at 19,000 yards, we turned on our running lights and they did the same -friendly.  We also passed several small Spanish fishing boats.  We arrived in Casablanca and moored alongside the ROE.  Then we refueled.  All hands got a few day's liberty. 5th- 1000, we got underway to a buoy with the BIBB, SWANSON, ROE.  We took on 7200 gals of fresh water from a lighter.  6th- We took on depth charges and more fresh water.  Our evaporators weren't doing the job. 7th-1330, we got underway to calibrate our RDF.  On the way out of the swept channel, we accidentally fired a depth charge from our "K" gun (See Sea Stories), 33 degrees 51'N, 7 degrees, 47'W in 70 fathoms of water.  We, BIBB (CTF 63), SWANSON, ROE, KEITH, MOORE headed to Gibraltar.  We arrived 1050- on the 8th, and moored alongside the British tanker #17 and took on fuel. Then we anchored in the harbor.  We got orders to leave, got underway, but shortly received new orders to return and anchored again.  The British were still dropping small depth charges all night. Earlier in the war, Italian frogmen, from Spain put limpet mines on the hulls of several anchored ships.  The mines exploded and damaged/sunk the ships.  The small depth charges (3-5 lbs) discouraged the frogmen. Spain was very beautiful, with high mountains all along the coast. Of course we couldn't go ashore. 9th-0600, we got underway to meet with another large westbound convoy.  It had 10 columns of ships, with 9-10 ships in each column. As we were forming up our convoy, a Navy plane, a Ventura PV-1, crashed (see Sea Stories). It was 046 degrees T, 15,000 yards from us.  We took off at 25 kts to the scene. We picked up all 5 crew members-unhurt. They were:  Lt(jg) L. M. Webb, Lt (jg) A. J. McEwan, A.B. Havens, ARM 2/c, J.O. Wood, AMM 1/c, J.R. Gassett, AOM 2/c  They told us, one engine went bad and the other wasn't adequate to keep flying. 1800- PC-471 came alongside and picked up the survivors to return them to North Africa.

 

Our convoy was GUS17 (from Gib to the US), with the BIBB at CTF 63.  Our night station was on the starboard side of the convoy 3500-4000 yards, 30 degrees relative to the last ship on the starboard side. Our day station was 10 miles on the starboard beam of the convoy. One of the ships in our convoy was the KENDRICK, being towed back to the States by a fleet tug.  She had been hit badly, in Sicily. 10th-1000, we went out to check on a merchant ship- ILHA FAIAL (Portuguese) en route to Lisbon. We let her pass. In the evening about 1800, we started our daily hi-speed, 20 mile sweep ahead of the convoy.  We went at 20 kts and got back to our night station at 2000. The OOD's got a lot of good practice with the maneuvering board.  12th-One of our lookouts reported a torpedo wake crossing our bow, but we didn't pick up any sound contact.  It could have been a false alarm, however we didn't take any chances.  We had very fine sunny, warm weather until the 14th, when it got cold and the sea rough.  The Navy announced the BUCK (on the 9th), and the BRISTOL (on the 13th) were sunk off Salerno.  Since  both the BUCK and BRISTOL had been our Squadron Commander's ship, we all felt a great loss.  The  loss of 2 ships we had operated with for a long time, was sobering.  We later learned there were only 57  survivors from the BUCK.  Their CO, who had gotten the Navy Cross, shortly before, was killed.  On the BRISTOL, 52 were lost.

 

14th- 0750, we started to refuel from the HOUSATONIC and received 41,000 gals.  We then screened the tanker, until all the other escorts were fueled.  Then we went to our day station. 15th-nothing special happened, just the usual drills and our nightly 20 mile sweep ahead of the convoy. 16th-On our routine evening sweep, 20 miles ahead of the convoy, we spotted a buoy in the Mid-Atlantic (See Sea Stories) and we sunk it with 5", 40/20MM  gunfire. We fired 26 rounds of 5", 468-40MM, 720-20MM. Lots of fireworks. 17th-0900, we covered the tanker during fueling, until 1100.  In the late afternoon, the CO exercised the commando party. They fired 800 rounds of 22 cal, 500 rounds of 30 cal and 500 of 45 cal. The men had a ball, firing all that ammo. In the early evening he  had a surprise AA drill, with the duty watch.  We fired 96-5", 100-40MM, 720-20MM. 19th- 0745, we fueled from the tanker and took on 44,000 gals.  20th- On our night sweep ahead, we came across another floating object, which we sank with 40(112) and 20MM (240) fire. 21st-1700, our #2 generator failed and we had to secure it, until it was repaired in a couple of hours. 22nd-0730, the tow line between the tug and the KENDRICK parted. They dropped back out of the convoy (they were in the last row of ships). We had to screen them until the line was fixed.

 

 23rd-We hit really foul weather, gale+ wind, high seas, and all around awful storm. The convoy ships had to show white stern lights to keep station and slowed to 7.5  kts.  1415, we sighted a unidentified contact at 14,000 yards.  We went out to check it out. It was the unescorted tanker- GULF SUN.  25th- 0830, the NY section of the convoy broke off.  The Commodore was in charge of this section.  The other ships went to Hampton Roads.  All day the weather was terrible- a fresh gale, high seas and heavy rain.   26th-0000, due to the bad weather, the convoy scattered and we had 2 stragglers 8-10 miles astern.1600- We all arrived in NY and we off loaded ammo at Gravesend Bay (as usual) and we went into the Brooklyn Navy Yard for some repair work and 13 days availability. We moored alongside the ELDRIDGE (DE-173).  31st-We entered dry-dock #4, with the SCHENCK (AG-82). We got the "3R's", which we thought was well deserved. 

 

NOV 1943

 

Our CO was now a Commander.  4th- We left the dry-dock.  7th-We fueled from a barge and took 39,000 gals.  We then moored alongside the STURTEVANT (DE-239).  9th-0900, we got underway for Gravesend Bay and to load ammo.  At 1600, we got underway for Norfolk.  10th-1530, we got to NOB, Norfolk, and anchored. 13th- we got underway at 1730 and then anchored in Lynnhaven Roads, waiting for the convoy to form up.  14th-0000, we were underway, forming up the convoy, which was coming out of  Hampton Roads. The Commodore was CTF 63. There were about 100 ships in the convoy (UGS 24).  We had 4 cans of our Division, plus 12 DE's, as escorts. We were going at 25 kts, forming up the convoy, when we burned out the bearing on #2, LP (low pressure) turbine..  We had to stop the port engine.  1045-when it became obvious we would have to return to Norfolk, we hi-lined the Commodore to the SWANSON.  1400 we were back in Norfolk, moored alongside the ALCOR.    We got fixed in record time and re-joined our convoy at 20 kts. 17th-1300, we made radar contact with our convoy and proceeded to take our station 30 degrees relative to the starboard bow of the Convoy Commodore (SS DARIEN).  As usual our position in the ASW screen-was out in front.  We made our usual sweeps ahead at dusk each night. 1900- we sighted the BOGUE and her escorts.  18th-1450, we had a radar contact with the BULMER (AG86) and her escorts.    19th-all escorts refueled from the ESCLANTE.  We took on 43,000 gals.  20th-1450, we closed the convoy to transfer medical supplies to ship #62 (GEORGE LEONARD).  22nd-the convoy speed was reduced to 6 kts. 24th-1000, we went alongside the SWANSON to hi-line mail. Late that night,  the ROE and we were ordered to "secure" the Azores for the Allies (See Sea Stories). 25th-0515, we left the convoy, and went at 20 kts to HORTA, FAYAL, AZORES.  The ROE was senior, so we followed her into the port at 0830 on the 26th. We both took on a pilot.  Both moored alongside the British tanker SS EMPIRE GARDEN and took on fuel (66,000 )gals. The local officials came down to our ships and we had a formal reception for them.  27th-a British DE came in to relieve us.  0900, ROE and we were underway at 25 kts to rejoin our convoy. Our mission was completed.  On the way, we both fired AA drills.  1900, both ships got severe  radio interference.  We thought German subs may have been nearby-no sign of them.  28th- still going 25 kts to catch up, more AA practice with the ROE.  1600- we had radar contact with our convoy at 33,000 yds and rejoin it.  Then we went out on our usual 20 mile sweep at 25 kts. 2300, the TOMICH (DE-242) reported strong radar signals on her RDF.  Both the ROE and we had the same signals.  German subs???  That type usually  indicated subs nearby. 29th-the ROE got to do the 20 mile sweep at night.   30th-we were very close to Gib and at 1900, we got air cover. It is always nice to see the friendly planes around.  We could relax at bit. 

 

DEC 1943

 

2nd-0200, we took station 15,000 yards ahead of the convoy and 0240 we sighted CAPE STARTEL light at 24 miles.  The convoy arrived safely at Gibraltar and we all passed through the Straits into the Med.  One of the merchant ships strayed into an enemy minefield.  Against advise, the CO decided to go in and get the ship out.  We brought the "lost sheep" out safely.  It was a bit "hairy", as our sonar picked up several mines.  It was all in a day's work. 0500,  we left the convoy to escort the S. S. EMPIRE MORTIMER  to ROSIA BAY, Gibraltar. 0830, 4 British DD's relieved TF 63 and assumed the escort of UGS 24 into the Med.  We anchored at Gib, one of the DE's, while anchoring, lost their anchor and chain.  Their Chief boatswain mate, lost a leg, when the last of the chain came out of the chain locker.

 

CTF 63 ordered the escorts to proceed independently to Casablanca, arriving at 1800.  We moored fore and aft to a buoy.  The ROE then moored to port and the SWANSON  to starboard..  1850, CTF 63 shifted his flag to the WILKES (SOPA). It was nice to have the Commodore back on board. The crew got some liberty and we got caught up on some ship's work.  On the 6th- we were still in Casablanca, getting ready to form up our return convoy, GUS-23. GUS meant-Gibraltar to the US, and the S-meant slow (a 9 kt convoy). 23-it was the 23rd slow convoy.  This trip turned out to be our last trip to the Med and Casablanca. 1300, on the 7th, we all got underway.  CTF 63 in the WILKES.  The other ships were: ROE, SWANSON, MOORE (ComCortDiv 7), KEITH, TOMICH, J. R. WARD, OTTERSTETTER, SLOAT, FROST (ComCortDiv 13), HUSE, SNOWDEN, and the tanker- ESCLANTE.  The escorts formed a scouting line, proceeding to the rendezvous with the convoy.  On the 8th at 0845, we made contact with our ships and relieved the British "cans".  Our screen station was 4000 yards dead ahead of the Convoy Commodore in the SS CARDIUM (British).  1500, the ROE and ESCLANTE, plus 3 merchant ships plus PC 472, 481, 482, joined up.   Later, Sec A-4 merchant ships and the PC's left to go back to Casablanca.  The merchantmen had come through the Med and were headed for Casablanca.   Since the convoy had just formed up, the Commodore, as TF Commander, wanted to pass some important mail to the SS CARDIUM for the Convoy Commodore.  About 1340, the CO decided to go alongside the CARDIUM.  The weather was perfect, sea calm, couldn't wish for a better day.  Any rate, as we were coming alongside the port quarter, we sideswiped the merchant ship (SEE SEA STORIES).  In his official report the CO, blamed "poor steering and a misunderstanding of orders from Conn."  He stated the tanker got a 12 inch hole in the side and we, a 10 inch hole, plus losing our starboard anchor. All damages were repaired in 3 hours.  9th-0900, TG 21.13, with flag in the BOGUE (CVE 9), with it escorts: GEORGE BADGER (ComCort Div 1), CLEMSON (APD 31),OSMAN, INGRAM (APD 35), DUPONT, joined the convoy.  It was a comforting sight, as the "Hunter-Killer" groups were just beginning to make a difference in our campaign against the U-boats.  The CVE launched it planes to look for subs.   At 1l00, the Commodore exercised the convoy in emergency turns, both to port and starboard.  This was always a wise precaution, as it was always easier to do in the daylight, with good weather, than to have to do it for the first time, in a real emergency in the dark and in foul weather. Towards dark-One of the merchant ships (JOHN WILLIAM HOWELL) in the convoy had "crew trouble".  The Commodore ordered the SWANSON to go alongside and take the 2 "sick" crew members off, via hi-line.  The SWANSON's Doctor pronounced them both fit for duty and they were hi-lined back to their ship.  Hi-lining should have made them "well".  The SWANSON  was back on station by 1900.  Another ship reported it had a "spy/saboteur" on board.  The CO handled that affair himself.  The ships were full of captured Italian and German soldiers, from the North Africa campaign.  On the 10th, more drills in emergency turns, this time in the early evening.   11th-0900, the escorts started to refuel from the ESCLANTE, we got our fuel at noon.  1322, the ROE had a sonar contact and dropped charges-no luck.  1430, the SWANSON left the convoy to PONTA DELGARDO, San Miguel, Azores to pick up a merchant ship for our convoy. 

 

12th-0400, we picked up Santo Marcus Is, Azores on our SC radar-45 miles. 0522, a lighted merchant ship sighted and the convoy made an emergency turn to avoid.  1815, the SWANSON returned with SS KALDFONI  and SS GULF GEM.  The merchant ships joined the convoy and the SWANSON returned to its regular screening station.  Whenever one of the "cans" left the screen, the whole screen is usually shifted to cover the "hole". When there is a screen commander, this is his job.  In this case it was the TF Commander, our Commodore.  15th- all escorts refueled, we did at 1000.  It was very fortunate we did refuel at this time, as 2 days later, we ran into a huge storm   17-21--We got into a huge storm (hurricane) (See Sea Stories).  We all battled it for more than 3 full days. On the 18th, in the middle of the storm, the OTTERSTETTER had a sonar contact and dropped charges-no luck.  What sub would be on patrol in this storm???  1545, the same DE lost a man overboard, but by fine seamanship and lots of luck, recovered him at 1555.   (EDITOR NOTE:  I was the OOD when this happened and it is truly a miracle, as the seas were mountainous, with hurricane winds.  I watched the recovery and the CO deserved the highest marks for his seamanship).

 

The convoy and escorts all straggled.  It was truly a mess. 1600, the Commodore sent the ROE to the outer screen ahead and the SWANSON to the rear to check on the stragglers.  The storm was getting worse, all day.  19th- weather was even worse.  1300, we sighted the BLOCK ISLAND (CVE 106) and her escorts at 8 miles.  No planes flying today. 20th-by dawn, the convoy was completely scattered.  The flank and rear escorts were trying to reorganize the columns.  0430-the SWANSON reported she was 20 miles astern, trying to screen #75.  As the day progressed, the weather moderated.  1100, a PBM from Bermuda appeared for air cover.  By 1530, the convoy was re-assembled, except for 1 straggler 40 miles astern.  Not bad for a 100 ship convoy.  The Commodore had things under control.  All ships made it safely to the US. 22nd-the convoy split up, some went to Norfolk, some to Delaware, but most to NY. The escorts of the NY section were:  WILKES,, SWANSON, ROE, TOMICH, KEITH, SNOWDEN. 24th-1300, we started to get air cover from Eastern Sea Frontier.  Our section arrived, battered, but safely in NY on CHRISTMAS DAY.  It couldn't have been a better Christmas present-a few days in NY to spend with our families and friends. Not only for ourselves, but also for all the seaman on the merchant ships and all the escorts. We were anchored at 0350 in Gravesend Bay to off load ammo.  0850, we were berthed Pier 4, Brooklyn Navy Yard for 10 days availability.  It had to have been the fastest pre-repair conference on record.  31st-We were all looking forward to going to the Pacific---HAPPY NEW YEAR 1944.