Larkin Henry Brown, Gunners Mate 1c, Served aboard the U.S.S. St. Louis (C-20) until June 8, 1918 and was transferred to the USS Aroostook (CM-3) from June 22, 1918 through November 11, 1918, during the Northern Mine Barrage
USS St. Louis (C-20)
On June 3rd. 1917 the St. Louis steamed into
Charleston Mass to the Navy yard for repairs which we needed very
badly. The St. Louis had been doing Convoy duty between the U.S. and
France and England. She being one of the first to go over with Gen.
Pershing's troops. Our first trip was marked with much anxiety and
excitement. On July the frt. two days out of France we ran into five
submarines at 10 a.m. We had just left our quarters and most of us
were below decks when our lookouts reported them and our 3" and 6"
guns began to bark their defiance. It did not take words to tell what
was up for we knew that submarines were the only thing that would
bring our fire so soon. We all went to our station in a jiffy. Mine
being at my 3" gun. They were shooting in all directions when I
arrived. The troop ships had taken to their heels at prearranged
orders and we with six destroyers gave battle to the subs. Two of
which were between us and the transport Hancock. We had to hold our
fire for a few moments until we could bring our ship around to clear
the Hancock and our forward 6" gun opened up with a roar which shook
everyone out of their lid and broke all the port lights in the chart
house and carried away a wash deck locker, which blew into kindling
wood. The shell seemed to smack the sub
of which flew into the air and our 3" guns were scoring hit
after hit for they seemed to
to
. Several supply ships in
line were well armed and stuck with us. The shells were
ricocheting over us. Our destroyers were spread out into fan shape on
both sides and at first gun they opened up to full speed and almost
stood on end while turning to come back to us. They were a very pretty
sight but we could not look at them long for we did not have time.
Many more subs were around. The destroyers took up the trail of three
which is marked very faintly by bubbles of air and oil coming to the
surface. They dropped depth charges on them which sure sounded their
death bell for anyone that knows what the depth charge contains knows
how much chance a sub has when they are exploded. They are set for
depth from 20 feet to deeper depths of which I can not tell. And if a
submarine is within 150 feet of it when it is exploded it will crush
them just like an egg shell of all accounts that came in two were sunk
by shell fire and at least two were put out of commission.
July 2, 1917 10p.m. - We came to anchor off Belle Island, France and French
patrol boats looked after our safety and gave us a good nights rest.
At 8 a.m. July 2, we upped anchor and steamed up the Nantes River for
17 miles to the fort of St. Nazaire a city of about 50,000 before the
war but at present about 30,000, and a very quaint city. The
population were very glad to see us and docks were lined up from end
to end. We made a very good liberty in Paris three hundred of us left
St. Nazaire July 3 at 6 p.m. and arrived in Paris at 10 a.m. of the
4th. The people had advanced news of us coming and was there at the
depot by the thousands to meet us. We were kidnapped. The moment we
put foot on the ground nothing was too good for us. Pretty girls ran us
and kissed us on the street. You ought to see here. The sailors
flushed, we spent 7 days in Paris. We wanted to visit the front which
was about 3 hours ride but was not permitted to do so. We saw part of
the gay life in Paris which was still in swing. And we saw too the
sad side of it. Pretty near every other person were left on their own
or had soldiers crippled for life
without legs.
And little children, beggars on the street. We did not understand
their money very good at first and we all had a pocket full of junk we
called it and when we got back to the ship, we all were very broke for
what we did not spend we gave to the kids. Little articles of
merchandise. Souvenirs were very cheap the first two or three days,
but the prices soon began to jump and by the time we left, they
equaled the price that was in the states. Especially booze. Champagne
was eight francs a qt. and in three days it was 20 f a quart.
Naturally we all celebrated the 4th. The French people could not
understand the American way of consuming the booze. We would make a
quart disappear while they sipped at a glass and pretty soon I did not
know if I were going or coming. But I managed to get to my room and
stayed in while in that condition. The night of the 7th we all took
the train for St. Nazaire and found a nice job staring us in the face.
Only 2600 tons of coal to put on board to make our
trip. It
was strange to see the French women doing men's work in the munitions
factory. They seemed to do it well too. It was hard to get edibles in
the restaurants. I ordered a big steak and had a piece of horse flesh
put in front of me. I tried it and then asked what kind of meat it
was, and when they told me I got up and left and made my dinner and
drink.
July 10, 1917 - We left for the U.S. with the Charleston and kept
together until well out to sea then split and made our separate ways
to the states, we to New York. We all felt very proud of being the
first to go over and naturally had to have a good time in our best and
largest city. We found it - New York until a hot spell and we thought
we would die from the heat. In two days there was 179 deaths in the
city from it. We were glad to get the order to go to Boston Navy yard
for repairs.
September 5, 1917 - We had completed our overhauling and gun changing and was
ready for sea again. We put to sea and down to Chesapeake Bay for
target practice which took the best part of three weeks. My gun made
- Navy-E. and brought me a prize of $820.00. We came to Hampton
Rhodes and there I received bad news which caused me to feel blue
and down hearted for months to come. It was the death of Patsy
a little boy that I thought the world of. It seemed like I had lost
one of my own. I felt like running away from the Navy.
October 10, 1917 - We left again for
France with a convoy of 30
ships loaded to full capacity with auto trucks red cross nurses
locomotives and about 20,000 soldiers. We encountered some very rough
weather. The St. Louis was wet inside and out the whole trip. She
seemed to be a very unhealthy ship over crowded and poor ventilation
water which was half salt to drink made it that way. We did not
get to go ashore in this port. An account of sickness of some kind
that broke out ashore but I think it was something else which I do not
care to mention. Of course we all did not like it, but had to put up
with it. It did not look well to see the officers go ashore every
night and we here to stay on board. We had been on board there 25
days, and on our return it took 14 days to make the trip for we ran
into three storms which were head on. The seas seemed to be 75 feet
high and the old Louis almost turned over. We arrived in the states a
very sick bunch of men of the sea not seasick but
. We
finally went ashore in Norfolk, VA after being cooped up for 38 days on
board ship. One did not have a very good liberty there for so many
soldiers and sailors were there that the main streets are crowded. You
can not get rooms at any of the moderate priced, hotels they were
filled. And the best hotels wanted 10 dollars a piece and wanted 4 men
to a room. They robbed us right and left. One of them - in particular
the Monticello which burned down and I was glad of it. We seemed to be
robbed every where but in New York. A man in uniform got a square
deal.
October 15, 1917 - We went to New Port, R.I. to get 300 new boys for
training and was about to leave for more target practice when we
received orders to take on coal. It was pouring damn rain and cold. We
worked all day and up to 10 p.m. in it all wet to the skin and
miserably dirty. We shoved out to sea, not knowing where we were
going. We thought we were going to chase subs and then we thought
we were going to N.Y. but we could tell the course we were steering
and knew that we had passed Boston then we knew that Halifax was our
destination. We arrived there on the 4th day and went along side of
the docks. Baggage began to come aboard and several civilians came on
board, which proved to be Colonel House and a forty of
from
Washington going to England for a war conference next day. The
Huntington came, in the meantime we went ashore from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
and found a very poor
city crowded with soldiers. Their lights were out and no places were
open, so we had enough of Halifax. It was a dry town only for the boat
who
sold poison to some of the boys. Shortly after the Huntington came in
we pulled out to sea. Our course was shaped about N by E and from that we
knew that we were headed for England, when about 5 days out we lit all
boilers and
opened up to 23 knots, both the Huntington and us, and we kept it up
until we were inside of a bay or firth. An airplane was sighted and
our aircraft guns were turned on them, but we made it out to be a
Frenchman and we broke down for two hours in the worst part of a
submarine hole but destroyers came out and circled around us until we
got going again. We had only 30 miles to go and got in just at dark
into Plymouth England. It was raining when we arrived and drowned
the whole week. Was very cold. Plymouth England was a filthy place to
look at from a distance but very quaint and old when you get into the
city. We had two liberties there and was allowed to visit London for
three days . There we had some time visited all the old places and the
Westminster Abby. Saw the King's crown and the old chop block where
they used to behead people. The old axe was still there. The people of
London treated us fine. We could not spend much money, that is for
hotel and eating. The people were very Cheerful. Seems a big zeppelin
was brought down a few days before and places where bombs had blown
out the side of large buildings. When we arrived back to the ship
then, the few men that were left were coaling. We rehired them so they
could go to London. Edibles seemed to be scarce in England. One could
not get more than an egg some block bread and potatoes, and that was
very dear costing eight shillings (approx. $2.00). When we were ready
to leave we caught a message from the subs telling us that they knew
we were there. They thought that we had brought the President over and
they thought they would sink us where the water was the deepest. The
morning that we were to leave airplanes went out to take observations
and reported 13 subs in the bay. That made us sit up and take notice.
But our captains made up their mind to run the gauntlet and lit all
boilers. We steamed down to the entrance and waited for darkness. In
the meantime, mine sweepers went out and brought in 17 mines that they
had picked up. They boys were betting odds that we would be
torpedoed before morning. We all felt that we would so at 7 p.m. They
opened the nets at the mouth of the harbor and we had a running start
through the gates at full speed. Eight of our destroyers went with us.
We had just gotten out the hunting
when she opened up with her
eight inch turret guns. She popped a sub right off the bat. We were
all standing by our guns but did not see anything to fire at. The
destroyers spread out on both sides of us, and very soon they offered
fire on all sides. We were sure at nerves end, and expected at any
moment to be blown out of the water, but the old Louie left foaming at
the mouth for 3 days. The destroyers with us. The Jacob Jones was sunk
on her return trip. We ran into heavy weather and was 13 days making
Hampton Rhodes VA. We struck our first winter weather. We all liked
to have frozen, getting our ship ready to take on coal. We had to
do that every time we came in and just before we left ice was formed
on all sides and we had to lay several days in it. We made four more
trips including one more from Halifax.
December 6, 1917 - We were about 50 miles out when we heard an awful
explosion. We thought perhaps that same ship had fired at us but we
soon received a wireless telling us about the French ship Mont Blanc.
We arrived there in time to take part in the rescue work. It was
bitter cold and snowing. The explosion took place in the narrow
part of the river, just at the outskirts of the city and everything
within a mile of it was laid in ruins. There was about 1500 deaths
mostly children. This is approximately for it is difficult to count.
Then just at present, we took wounded on board for treatment. Giving
up our hammocks for beds and going below and sleeping on the hard deck
in and about the five rooms. We left on the 12 of December with a
convoy of 22 ships of soldiers but only went to within sight of land
and turned back. We had to pile coal up all over the decks so we could
have enough to return with all of our trip met with heavy seas and
high winds. We spent Xmas in mid ocean. And when we returned had 100
bags of mail waiting us. We are all anxious to get mail. It seemed to
be the only thing that kept up our spirits.
more similar trip
in Jan. Feb. and Mar. and we were all in. The winter began to break
and sickness began to show up. On three occasions we came into port
with a boy cold and stiff, that had gave his life up for his country.
The ship was cold and damp and one could not find a warm spot in it.
At times our food was only partly cooked at times at sea, it being too
rough to do much of anything.
March 8, 1918 - We almost ran into an iceberg standing out of the
water 200 ft. and about 1/2 mile long. It was very foggy and hard to
see but we take the temperature of the water every hour and can tell
when we are near any of them.
April 5, 1918 - We made another trip from Halifax with troops
taking over 40,000. I was on patrol ashore and had to stop several
fights getting a black eye and a bum hand out of it.
June 3, 1918 - After returning from our April trip we were ordered to the Charleston Navy yard. Good thing, began to look like a junk heap. In no time guns were removed, sides chipped
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June 8, 1918 - I was transferred to the USS. Aroostook, a mine
layer that was just camouflaged. I had 15 mins. to get things together and
get on board. We left immediately for Pres Rhodes, about 8 miles from
Boston and took on 160 M. 6 mines and there awaited orders to proceed
to European waters which came the 15th of June. June 16, 1918 - We left in company with our sister ship, the
Shawmut, the Black Hawk and the Saranack. We took a N by E course
until Lat 59 - Lon 30 was reached and then shaped it to East. June 29, 1918 - On the A.M. of the 29 the northern shore of
Scotland was reached and we were met by 8 English destroyers and a
French dirigible balloon and was escorted through Mary Firth to
Invergordon, a small village of about 4,000 Pop., that being our home
port and mine base. We lay in there until the 15 of July in the
meantime we had drills of every kind and liberty such as it was. All
we could do was walk around as there is only picture shows here. We
had taken on 320 mines ready for laying, the rest of the ships doing
the same. The
Shawmut,
Saranac the
Baltimore, Frisco,
Quinnebaug,
Canadaigua, Housatonic & Roanoke and one ship I can't recall. (Canonicus) July 15, 1918 - We pulled out on our mission of death to all German
ships. We steamed North about 100 miles and shifted to the East to the
coast of Norway and took up laying our mines. It was a sight to
behold, five ships laying at a time in parallel. The mines are
approximately 20 feet apart and there are five strings of them. Our
object being to completely mine the North Sea from Norway to Scotland
and Norway to just below Ostend, Belgium. No ship or submarine will
ever be able to penetrate them, when our job is complete. The Kaiser's
ships will be useless to him. We planted that is the fleet of ten
ships five thousand two hundred mines. There were about 70 premature
explosions, some pretty near the ship which shook us from end to end.
We were 20 miles from some of them that went off and they shook us up
pretty well. One can imagine how much force there is to the TNT. Our
mines are very delicate and require the most expert care of adjustment
and one last mine was conceded to us our ship. The admiral signaled us
well done and praised the ordnance personnel (of which I am one of
the 7 of us). After laying our mines we dropped a marker buoy so we
can start where we left off when we go out again. After our mines were
laid, we started for our base which is Invergordon Scotland. It got so
foggy that 2 of the ships ran ashore, but was floated without serious
damage. We laid about 30 miles of mines. The North Sea is about 500
miles wide so it will take several trips to complete the job. We are
well convoyed, 22 British destroyers and four British battle cruisers
are with us, 36 ships in all. We could have put up an awful fight
if the Dutchmen had come out. July 17-24, 1918 - We lay to in the bay waiting for instructions
and for our next load of mines to be assembled. Ordinarily, they can
assemble 1000 a day but
July 26, 1918 - This being the Scottish Rifles field day of ports for the benefit of wounded everyone turned out to help the cause along races, tug o war and athletic stunts were pulled off. Ball games. It was rather a crude affair, but managed to take up quite a sum of money from it. The English girls that go with the Army called WAACs were there and had a tug o war with girls of civil life. They easily won and with the races also went to one of either big dances that's all it was a picnic to see them spinning one way jumping five times and spinning the other way. I did not try to dance for I was afraid of getting my legs tied up and twisted so that I could not get them apart. Our liberty is up at 10 p.m. which is just run down here. July 27, 1918 - British destroyers are coming in and that is a good sign that we are to go out tomorrow night which is Sunday, but just like weekdays to us. I just received news that the San Diego went down with a loss of 40 mines. It is hard to believe for she was a good ship and on the job and full of west coast boys. It only makes no want to fight at all. Then more news also came in of the sinking of the Big British ship Justice which has been bringing over our soldiers. It is quite a loss for she was a fine ship. And she made several trips out of Halifax with the St. Louis when I was with her. July 27, 12 p.m. - Mine fleet got under way and met 15 destroyers outside of harbor and started away for the mine fields of the N.S. British dreadnaughts preceding us to clear the way of any passable raiders that might have gotten out. We are steaming at 17 knots in pairs with our convoy on either side and expect to reach our point of laying about 4 p.m. It taking about three hours to lay all of our mines in the fleet which is 5200. We anticipate trouble and have made all arrangements for same. We need very much for something to break the monotonous spell as we have been laying up in a small village harbor 28 days out of 30. All are anxious to finish up our work here and get to a larger place for one can't get anything to eat there. I bought a lb of cherries and grapes on shore, paying 1.50 a lb for each rather dear I thought but money is no object here with us. Excuse me from our coming to Scotland to hire them. Tho you never hear of any one of them complaining. They take it as a matter of fact that it can't be helped. Tho several of them ask me to bring them some sugar of which we had a'plenty. I did whenever I could get away with it. July 30, 1918 This day at 4 a.m. we reached our destination for planting mines which proved to be well north of the mouth of the Baltic Sea. Submarines have been discovered coming out that way through Norway's neutral waters. We looked for trouble but did not find any, but successfully mined 5 strings 5 miles long, losing about 150 mines by premature explosion that was to be expected as our mines are very delicate and are expected by a secret papers of which I cannot divulge. If there was a sub within 50 miles of us, I know they must have went down on their knees and prayed to their Kaiser God for Mercy. For when our mines would explode 30 miles away it would seem as tho we had been torpedoed. We are heading for port now. and will be in in the early a.m. and start preparation for another mining trip which will be taken up from where we just mined on this trip. We had 24 destroyers 10 Battle Cruisers 2 transports to pick up. Crews from ships that may get sunk and 10 of ourselves, 46 ships in all. I think the U.S. has got the right ideas and by the time winter comes, the Dutch will be closed in and then we expect to go to the Mediterranean Seas and close off all Austrian ports. I wish I had a decent pen. August 1, 1918 - As we came to anchor in this cheery bay, mine barges filled with mines came along side and we soon had 320 mines, our quota on board, and will be busy for the next 3 days inspecting, adjusting and eliminating danger of premature explosions and expect to put out again in the near future to make the seas safe from subs. The more we plant, the more the subs will be sunk. And when this job is finished, it will be put down in history as the greatest feat of Naval mining in the world. Imagine the North Sea full of mines and when the Huns have been brought to their knees they aught to be made to search the mine fields their selves or be locked up forever or until the mines rust out themselves. I sure do not want the job. I ran something in my hand today. August 6, 1918 - Since our last trip out, a discovery has been made that spies have been at work on the mines and we have been very busy overhauling our last load of mines. It was discovered that slugs of iron and pieces of wire had been inserted into places in the mine so as to short circuit it and blow it up as soon as the safety washer had dissolved, which takes one to three hours. It was established that 900 of our mines exploded prematurely and we are lucky that they did not go off on board ship. For one would set all the rest off. One can see what we are up against and we are sure lucky our lives are insured while doing this kind of work. It almost gives one the horrors to touch a mine with a tool. To begin to work on it. For we look to have them go up at any time now. We expect to go out in the next day or two and we will see if our discovery had made any difference.
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August 8, 1918 - At 12:15 p.m. we got under way and are now somewhere in the North Sea about 9:30 tonight something that looked like a periscope was sighted quite a distance to our starboard side and soon after the wake of a torpedo was seen to caress our bow and at the same time we gave the alarm and two of the destroyers began dropping depth bombs. At the time I was below decks. And everyone had turned in but those on watch. where the charges went off. We all thought we had been torpedoed. There was quite a scramble of those getting out of their bunks and getting on deck. Some had clothes and some in their underwear. The above clipping shows that the mines have been effective, poor devils. And they are laying for us and we almost got ours. Gee my hand sure hurts. Can hardly write at all. August 14, 1918 - More Huns were seen
floating in the North Sea. Some of them were marines and that
seems to tell us that a large cruising ship met her fate from our
mines. For only large ships have marines on board. Our job
is almost complete. Now we have about 185 more miles to mine.
Went up to see dock &
August 18, 1918 - We left this a.m. for the mine fields and planted 4 thousand mines about 40 of these went off soon after they were planted. We expect some of others to do that for they can't be made fool proof and function the way they are supposed to. A poor unfortunate whale happened to be nearby when one went off, and I suppose his ribs caved in. For he made the water foam for a few minutes and then acted if dead. Several emergency sea flairs were seen in the sky but they did not try to bomb us. I suppose they were trying to get the location of our mine field. Little good it will do them. For if they try to sweep them it will be good night for them. August 20, 1918 12 p.m. Inverness Scotland - We have mined off of this
beautiful city of huts and shacks where people have their lawn on the
roofs of houses. Flower gardens also. Its a wonder they
don't grow vegetables there too. The people in this country are
certainly homely and most all of them have their front teeth gone or
very badly decayed. It must be caused from eating war bread.
For that is all one can get to eat here. I would like to be in
dear old New York or Los Angeles when I could get on the
August 26, 1918 - After taking on mines we and nine other ships left for the minefield. It was foggy and lost our way and did not find our marker buoy until 4 p.m. that afternoon and not laying mines after dark about 350 out of 5,200 exploded soon after they were laid and gave us some excitement. Today we are anchored about 2 miles out from Inverness Scotland, a little city of about 25,000 people. We make a joy liberty. Here there are lots of girls, and they all want to go with an American. There is not a pretty girl in town. It is a quaint little city, has a nice wide river running through it with low banks and has an old castle on one side and lined with several churches on the other. September 1, 1918 - Well, we are back on the job taking on mines. The USS Shawmut and us. We are to make a flying trip to the southern coast of Norway where U-boats are reported as slipping out through neutral waters. September 3, 1918 - We are under way and almost down to the harbor nets. Eight destroyers are to go with us as convoy. They certainly perform some great feats and there is nothing that escapes their eyes. September 14, 1918 - We are running at an 18 knot speed and this a.m. ran into what was thought to be two subs. The destroyers dropped depth bombs and of all the shake ups that ____ got we had it then they were quite close to us and it felt as though our bottom had been ripped out. We never stop to investigate, for it can't pay. For should we get torpedoed and take to the boats we could not be saved. For when the ship sunk, the mines would flair up. And there is so many it could kill anyone a mile around. My hand seems stiff. We arrived at our destination about 4 p.m. and began laying mines and the work was finished in one hour and 20 min. and was on our way back to the base. We had a successful trip, not losing a single mine. Arrived at our base the following night and load a 2 weeks lay ____ ______ ____ go up & get my hand dressed now.
September 19, 1918 - The fleet loaded with
mines sailed out at 11 p.m. for a new field to lay, running from the
Orkney Islands to the Shetland Isles. Twelve destroyers and four
cruisers and four British mine layers. Thirty ships in all, and
was attacked about 10 a.m. by U boats. The destroyers discovered
them and started a smoke screen. We had a warning that they were
out there, and was on the lookout for them. We turned back and
fast through the Firth of Fourth and went up the other way, started
laying mines at 6 p.m., and finished at 9 p.m., laying approximately
9,000 mines this trip. About the smoke screen which is a most
wonderful sight. Every ship there blows off, and turned on
excess oil, and the blackest smoke I ever have seen came rolling out
of their stacks and _______ to be drawn down to the water. And
we also threw our smoke boxes containing
September 25, 1918 - Fitted with mines we are putting to sea and expect to be out 4 days. Looks as though we were going in close to Germany as our mines are for shallow water. We think our mine fields are finished and are just patching up places near the coast of Norway where the subs have been carving through. We just have to guess at our movements as our location for the fields are a secret. But we have a chart of the North Sea and a map of Europe, and by taking the compass course every two hours and knowing the speed we are traveling at, we can tell pretty well where we are. Today at about 2 p.m. we net a fleet of Swedish ships coming from the states. About 100 ships, all sizes and kinds. They put me in mind of some of the ant hills one sees out west. They were convoyed by a few destroyers and travelers. Just small boats. One of our ships lost a man overboard today, and the whole fleet stopped until he was picked up. He sure was lucky. For we are not supposed to stop, for that being work for the destroyers. If a torpedo had been fired at us, one of us would have been hit. For we were just overlapping one another.
September 28, 1918 - We arrived at Invergordon our old stomping
ground at 9 p.m. and draped out mud hook. Rumors began to fly
around that we were to take on mines tomorrow which is Sun.
Sunday seems to be our day of loading up on mines. We could have
a church party, but there being only one church in town, there is not
enough room for the inhabitants of the town so we say our prayers while
taking on mines, praying that each mine will get a sub. Gee
people don't mind killing one another this war. It seems to be a
pastime just now. At last the Navy Dept. is going to let us wear
a chevron on our sleeves to let us or someone outside know we have
been in the war. We already know it although it is very kind of
them. They would do better if they would give us better eats or
better cooks instead of fish
October 2, 1918 - The fleet has loaded up with mines and the destroyers have come in. So we expect to leave tomorrow. Our Captain called the crew aft and read a letter from the Commander in Chief, telling of a mine sweeping expedition that was to take place and called for volunteers of 26 men. Over 160 men of this ship put their names in to go. The expedition being to drag steel cables over the mines that we first planted to see if they are still effective or not. We are all hoping they are. For we do not want to plant the whole field over again. And this will determine whether we stay here this winter or go to the Mediterranean Sea, which we all are anxiously awaiting for. October 4, 1918 - Began laying mines 7:30 a.m. and finished at Noon, and are now steaming into the entrance of Pentland Firth. The fleet is homeward bound for the base. Shawmut and Aroostook received signals from the flag ship to proceed to New Castle, England, to be docked and have bottom scraped, also to give liberty. It is a welcome change. For we sure are tired of the Hootman country, though it will only be for a week. New Castle is another river town, and is about 250,000 population. Has large ship building companies there and is considered a pretty nice city. October 6, 1918 - We arrived at New Castle coming in out of a storm and for three days the wind blew an awful gale. We had quite a time getting to our moorings. On account of it people lined the wharfs and bid us Welcome and looked on with awe for our ships are very strange looking to what the others are and also very pretty ships, having beautiful lines and camouflaged quite artistically. We had liberty that night. The first all night liberty that we have had since being over here. We sure had a good time and the people showed us every hospitality and like the American sailors and soldiers. They all seem to know that it was America that has turned the tide of the battle, and we the mine force, credited for battling up the subs. We have finished a great task. We gradually check our mine field across the North Sea. Stepping out in the dark and coming back in the early morn. Oct 2 completed our field. We closed the gulf between the Orkney & Shetland Islands, and I venture to say that our last trip will put the final kink in the Kaiser's neck. The Navy has not had much credit in this war. That is, the American public has not heard much of what we are really doing for our movements have been secret. We are not even allowed to tell what kind of a ship we are on, and at times our mail is held onboard two and even three weeks before it is even censored and sent to America. Even our friends grow tired of hearing from us because we would not write an interesting letter. We couldn't do this and that, and our mail has been as much as two months getting to us. We were simply lost to homeland. Mailing couldn't be more depressing than that, but we have stood for it all, and have carried out our work in good style. And in the end, we all will be glad to come back and be with the friends that have slighted us by not writing us a cheering letter once in a while. October 9, 1918 - Just the other day, the German submarine U110 was turned up the river and placed in the dry dock, which we are now in, and she is along side of us. Man, she was rammed by a British destroyer. And after passing over her, dropped an American depth charge on her which made her come up. Five of the crew were rescued, but the other 16 drowned. She was raised and brought into the dock. Her inner hull was ok, but the outer which is the blast tanks was burst open in several places. She was one of the largest yet captured, being 185 ft. long and had the finest type of engine, which is noiseless and can't be detected. It is all bunk about Germany having subs 400 ft. long and mounting 10 heavy 6" guns. She could not keep right side up. We got a can of war bread out of her today, and opened it up to see what it was like. The can was about 3" x 4" x 8" ling and very heavy tin. Our can opener would not phase it so we chopped it open with a hatchet. It proved to be a mixture of the same kinds of grain the Boston brown bread is made of and smelled like it. Had extract of beef in it. I sampled it, but it was tasteless and very dark looking. Sawdust would have been good to the side of it and I do not see how anyone could live on stuff like that.
October 10, 1918 - The boys
here have been scraping and painting the bottom of the ship today, and
myself have been working and
October 12, 1918 6 p.m. - We had just started on our railroad hash for supper, when the Commander had the word passed that Germany had accepted our President's peace terms. Gee whiz. All the boys went crazy with delight and wanted to go on shore to celebrate but no liberty tonight. We all had to stay on board and finish painting the bottom.
October 13, 1918 - Today being
Sunday we thought we would have a day of rest, but had to assemble our
2-3" guns and 1-5" gun and get them ready for action. For we
were under sailing orders and there is a rumor that we are to go to
Tunis Algeria in the Mediterranean Sea near Sicily Isle, and think we
will mine some ports of the Adriatic Sea. It will bring old
memories to me for when I was an apprentice in 1902 I made an
eleven months cruise on the
USS Hartford,
one of the old wooden war ships of the Civil War days. She was
still square ridged and had steam
October 14, 1918 - Today we have been breaking down some German bombs that came off the captured U110. The British Commander here gave our Captain for souvenirs. It was quite a ticklish job and I did not much like the idea but got through with it alright. We understand our own but the Huns have some queer things. And to monkey with their bombs is just like playing with a hornets nest. Liberty is up at 10 p.m. tonight so it looks like we're going out pretty soon. October 15, 1918 10 a.m. - We are flooding the docks and making ready to go to sea. We are going down river now and people are waving us a farewell. An old lady is yelling at the top of her voice and waving the stars and stripes. The British and Scotch soldiers frankly say that the Americans have saved the day for them, but the sailors are sullen and have a jealous disposition. We do not get on with them. We have had several shore fights with them, and so far have come out on top. They make insulting remarks about the Yankee Navy and we will not stand for it though. We know it is a disgraceful scene to have these shore fights, but always, the civil parties say we are in the right. And everywhere, the Tommies take our port and want to fight our battles for us, but we manage to take care of ourselves.
October 23, 1918 - Well, we are back in Scotland. Arrived on the
17 and loaded with mines but
October 24, 1918 - Spanish Flu has broken out here and two deaths were reported in the fleet. And it was reported that British destroyers came in with 15 dead. We have had two cases on board, but they are in the hospital doing well. It is sure fierce as I had it on the St. Louis. 240 of us had come down in two days. It is a wonder we do not have more sickness than we do. For our sleeping quarters have no ventilation at night while at sea. The ports being closed and when one wakes in the a.m. he has a dark brown taste in his mouth and feels foggy or doped up. It seems funny that they would build ships without proper ventilation for that is our real Dr. Everything is quarantined ashore for us so we are making some very poor liberties. November 1, 1918 - My lungs are still bleeding & quite sore. We have loaded with mines and have been standing by to go out as soon as any reports come in as to where any enemy submarines are coming out. News has come in that Turkey has signed a peace or armistice and that Austria is on the verge of collapse. It sounds good to all of us for there are very few of us but that want to get back home. Life in the mine fleet is much different than on the big fighting craft. We have to put up at some out of the way place, they being afraid of an explosion while the other ships can visit the larger cities and lay in their harbors. The weather out here is sure miserable. In the four months here we have only had about four days of sunny weather which does not do my lungs any good. November 3, 1918 - News has reached us that Germany wants peace, and from the outlook, she wants it bad. For her Army is being driven Helter Skelter out of France by our Army, who is at her border and they fear the Americans worse than anyone. Nothing they do can hold our boys back. Reports of the last few days show that our last mining trip is bringing home the bacon for submarines that are returning to their home ports find their way blocked and several have been blown up. There is unrest in the German fleet. The authorities are trying to get the fleet to come out and give battle but the well know that it means instant destruction for our mine fields with the British form a good blockade. And there is our fleet and the British Grand Fleet anxious to get a whack at them. In my opinion, the war is about over. The Huns are or will be in the near future a past menace to the world and England and the U.S. will be linked together as the worlds redeemers. It is well known and admitted by high authority over here that the U.S.A. saved the day any way. November 11, 1918 - At last the expected has happened. Germany has thrown up the sponge. The Kaiser has flown the coop. Holland has given him success. The Allies aught to demand them to give him up and hold a public shooting for the movies so that the world could see this devil in human form really put to death. Can it be possible that they will let him live? If they do I will be one that will believe there is no justice in this world.
November 17, 1918 - We are still
standing by for what we do not know, but surmise. That when the
German fleet has been turned over to the allies we will make a move
from here. We all will be glad when all this secrecy will be
over. Staying in this hole with no place to go and no news as to what we
intend to do is getting on our nerves. There are rumors that we
are to be made into a transport, but this ship is not a fit one for
that. Her place in back in our home ports for we have completed
our part of the job. All that we hear over here is the Royal
Navy the Grand Fleet and how they won the war. Nothing is ever
said about the part the Americans have played, especially the Navy.
My hand is giving me more trouble, aches most of the time. Seems
like rheumatism & hurts to my elbow. Dr. took my neuralgia
today. He sure knows his stuff. Had I known I could have
saved my teeth. For that was what was troubling me so.
There is one thing that I can say and which is true is that our
destroyers don't drop a depth charge and run when a sub is sighted,
such has been the case with the British destroyers that are supposed
to protect us when we go out on an instance, when we were going to our
mine field to plant a few more eggs as we call them. A torpedo
was sighted off our starboard beam heading our way. We gave the
signal and changed our course and it passed about 60 yards ahead of
us there were destroyers on both sides of us and all they did was to
drop a couple of depth charges and put on more speed. And to
hear them craw about the Royal Navy it would make a
December 1, 1918 - At last we have received orders to start on our
homeward trip. We are now under way and are going by
December 12, 1918 - We arrived at Weymouth Eng. and found our
battle fleet there. This is a very pretty place and the best
outing beach in Eng. The weather was nice and warm. We
anchored about 1/2 mine out and at 2 p.m. we sent away a liberty
party. The boys came back pretty well
December 13, 1918 - The mine force sent a party of twelve hundred men to London on five day leave. We were huddled into the little funny coaches. They are divided into sections 1, 2, 3 class. They are very stuffy. I can't seem to get enough fresh air. There is no place to ride outside and the rest do not want the window open. I sure wish I knew what was wrong with me. I feel so depressed. I want to be able to enjoy myself when we get there. I wish I had stayed onboard ship, for when I breathe it sounds like the death rattle of a stuck pig and I sure feel like hell. Well, we are off. They say this is a fast train. It aught to be for the coaches are not. very heavy. The 1c have leather upholstering, 2nd plush and the 3rd a kind of matting, Each compartment holds 10 persons. We arrived in London at 10 p.m. and found the Y.M.C.A. and the American Red Cross people waiting for us. We got into the motor lories on trucks as we call them and went to the different places that they had provided for us. Some to the Egal huts and about 1000 of us to the Law Courts of Justice which some Irish Lady of the Red Cross was fortunate to get for us. It was a pleasant sight to see them and talk to them. We were all given sandwiches, cake, fruit, coffee, cigarettes and some with chocolate bars. And in all the things that the Red Cross did for us it was all free and only for them with their untiring efforts we would have spent a miserable five days in London for it was impossible to get a room. But the day after the same lady secured the Imperial Stand Hotel for the boys and I took a room there and enjoyed the rest of my stay in London. Too much can not be said for the Red Cross workers. They certainly were the friends of the soldiers and sailors and should be given credit for the good they have done. The Y.M.C.A. did lots of good also especially the women workers. If they happened to see any of the boys being lead off by the sporting girls they would come and take them away. December 14, 1918 - Well, I am in a fine fix. Went to bed last night with 15 lbs about $50.00 in English money and awoke with empty jackets and a headache. I sure would like to catch the thief. Some of the boys lost their shoes. I'll say the Red Cross is good. They let me take five pounds until I get back to ship. Boy is it crowded here. I get so damned tired of saluting. Think I'll put my arm in a sling.
December 15, 1918 - Well, we did not get
robbed last night. Had some hooks put on door, but don't feel so
hot. Coughing up blood this morning. Went to Dr. at
Y.M.C.A. but give me some meds. Tastes like
December 16, 1918 - On my way back to ship and glad to go. Have terrible headache and eyes are blurred. Can't hardly see tonight. It is foggy & cold. December 17, 1918 - Back on board. Sure feel lost out here. They made the mine layers that had men on board go out 3 miles and anchor. Don't feel good so I will go & lay down. December 21, 1918 - The Shawmut and Aroostook broke their homeward bound pennants each 182 ft. long and sailed out for the Azans on our homeward stretch. It sure looked good to me and I hope it will be the last time I will ever have to cross the ocean. Don't know what I would do if it was not for Murphy. He sure is the Dr. on this ship. He thinks I have injured a vein or a tendon in my hand. Feels good when soaked in hot water. Finger is getting stiff. War sure is hell. Is it possible that it is over? Sure wish I could hear from Catherine. Don't understand. December 25, 1918 Christmas Day - Well here we are at Bermuda Island. Hell of a place to spend Xmas. We could have made the USA. What in hell is wrong? The pay Masts. would not pay us so we could have liberty. Looks like we all will go nuts. December 29, 1918 - By Gad bound for Yorktown, VA. What a hell of a place to send us to. We have to stay there & unload ships of mines & depth charges. The strain is too great. Afraid I am going to crack up. Don't see how I can hold out.
January 8, 1919 - This has been a terrible day. I was in charge
of mine hatch #4 while discharging mines. One of my shipmates
was killed at my feet. A fine young boy. I feel it more
for he was my friend and a good kid. Only had 6 more days to
serve. His name was on the list to go home on inactive duty.
And he was working under my charge. The eyelets in mine case
gave way while being picked up, fell and crushed out his brains and
also knocked me down. His blood covered me. God, let me go
home from it all. Same old daily grind, taking out detonators &
primers. Some of their old ash cans have all but exploded.
Hydrostatic pistons have been pushed in, pistol released and all that
kept the firing pin from going lame was the corrosion. Boy, this
is enough to put the fear of Christ in anyone. Any moment, we
are likely to be blasted
Still same old
March 6, 1919 - What a break worse than ever.
Received orders to go to San Julian Creek Arsenal with 6 men for
instructions in assembling depth charges. What do you know about
that? Been doing this for two years now. They want to
instruct us? Slap me down a gopher hole, I must have read that
backwards. Maybe they want to be instructed. No, they want
to teach us. This is rich. I could do it blindfolded.
This is the last straw. What's the
2 p.m. - Sub chasers came along side a few minutes ago, so I will leave the old ship. Don't know how long.
March 29, 1919 - Well, back aboard the ship again.
We are going to Norfolk Navy Yard for repairs. Do not feel so
good. Lungs hurt awful bad and
April 2, 1919 - I put in an application today, to go to the hospital. My head aches all the time and eyes are blurred when I try to read. My hand is giving me more trouble. Aches most of the time. I sure hate to leave the boys. Its just like leaving home. April 4, 1919 - Going to hospital this a.m. as soon as boat arrives. Well, here I am in hospital. There must be 10,000 people here. Been assigned to duty as overseer of repairs. There must be at least 800 nurses Hee! April 10, 1919 - Went up for intestinal x-ray this a.m. Had to drink buttermilk & Bismuth, stuck in front of apparatus, and could see all my intestines. Going to have my blood test this afternoon. Gee this is some place. Covers about 30 acres of ground. Has a nice park in front of the hospital that runs down to the river front. Norfolk is crowded with soldiers, and soldiers can't get a room at night. And every other place is a gambling joint. They shoot craps in the hotel lobbies, pool rooms, or anywhere there is a crowd. April 28, 1919 - Have been helping engineer lay out some plumbing today. It sure is funny the way plumbing is installed here. Nothing like California. There are several fellows here that are insane. And a young fellow, I feel sorry for him, the way they treat him is a shame. They keep him in a straight jacket all the time. He hollers at the top of his voice all the time.
May 10, 1919 - Life here is growing monotonous.
Same old grinds. I am slated for a
May 14, 1919 - Well, here I am in bed. Did not
get operation as my blood is not just right or something. My
lungs are still congested. Have to take
June 1, 1919 - Guess I will write some more. Have
been pretty busy firing up pool hall. Have been put in charge of
the recreation dept. here, and I have quite a time keeping the
June 9, 1919 - The old pool game was paying off today. $4,000.00 side bet. I had taken and worked up some and received $800.00 for my end. Not so bad. Wish I could do this every day for a while, but I would lose it in poker games. I sure like to play, but we have too many chickens here. June 15, 1919 - I sure am tired of staying here. Had my eyes tested today, and was fitted with glasses. Maybe I'll get fixed up yet, though I hate to wear glasses. When I shoot pool, I look at one ball, and shoot at another. June 29, 1919 - Just received word, I will be operated on the 1st of July. Will be glad when that is over. Somehow I dread it for I never was cut on before.
July 2, 1919 - Well, here I am again, in bed and flat
on my back. Was cut on yesterday, and I feel pretty sore.
Had a local. Did not hurt me much. More scared than
anything else. Have to have my
July 4, 1919 - July 14, 1919 - July 22, 1919 - July 29, 1919 - July 31, 1919 -
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to shortage for some
ports we have had quite a delay. We were called to the mine base to
get instructions . Changes to be made in our mines
the plummet cord and
float wire which gauges the depth of the mine. There seems to be a
look of cooperation on the British port. We were to lay the mines and
the British were to guard the mine fields and keep the Dutchman from
sweeping them. The British are afraid of our mines. Our convoy ran
away from us when we started setting them after one or two had
exploded.
took a piece of wire out of hand.
side of
a porter house. People are going to think we are stoned when we
come back, which we are almost. For our pay master is only a
kid and knows so much about feeding men. I do about catching the
Kaiser, tho we are not kicking for we want to get this job over with
as soon as possible and we are waiting to take a few hard knocks.
A German ship was sunk by gunfire outside of this harbor last night.
Two British destroyers did the work. Good for them.
and
Ammonia. We also have an apparatus on the stern that produces
smoke the same way, and is operated by a handle turning a fan.
The
chloride being sprayed into the Ammonia, the spray
produces a dense white smoke. Gunner's Note: M. Forrest
was Gassed. The hose connecting the tanks to the funnel being
flexible metal, leaked badly and the fumes put everything on the
burn that got into it. But Forrest, knowing that a petty
officer's duty is to stick to his post, gave the crank adjustments
after his breathing had been stopped and was the man of the hour.
Arrived back at Invergordon the 21st of September. Kinda groggy
from the gas myself minus my buttons.
. We all have indigestion
from their dough balls, chipped beef, flower and water. Thank
goodness the war won't last forever.
my 6" gun, liberty being
stopped until all work on bottom being completed. Did not care
for I was sick.
also. We visited
all the principal ports Lisban, Portugal, Gibraltar Spain also
Valencia, Villafrank, Marseilles and Nice France, Genoo and Naples
Italy
Austria, Hungary, Athens, Greece, Alexandria &
Port Said Egypt, Jaffa Palestine. We had some great times going
around like tourists. But we are going for a different purpose
this time as our enemy seems to be making a supreme effort to get
their subs into action and more. We do not let them get a start
again.
to the peace notes that one being
exchanged
fun laying idle but today we put to sea, and are at
present steaming through the
firth, known to the British sailors
as Hell's cradle. For the ships always rolls heavily in it.
We have just felt two mines explode and we must be all of 50 miles
from the field so that tells us that another u boat has cashed in its cheques. Our fields have accounted for all of 50 subs, and I
claim that we are doing the real extermination of them. Since
their bases in Belgium have been destroyed, they can only get out
through the
and through the
Canal so we are on
our way to put more thorns in his side. I sure would hate to
have to be on any one of the subs that has to pass the fields.
Chances are 10 to 1 against them.
seasick.
And they know down in their hearts that if the United States had not
stepped in when she did the war would have ended long ago with the
Central Powers the victor. The German Navy was an efficient
Navy. And had they an equal number to Britain there would not be
much left of the so called Grand Fleet. As the war is
practically over There can't seem to be anything of importance and
until this fleet is taken over. There are more rumors of us
going home.
to review the Grand Fleet also the German
interns. We are
now coming up to the British craned fleet, which numbers about 50
ships and a
that was never seen before. They are giving
us rousing cheers and playing the Star Spangled Banner and ending with
Auld Lang Syne. It is certainly a very pretty sight. Especially
when one thinks of this war being over. We are now coming to the
German ships, which there are about 100 ships. They are fine
looking ships, but very dirty and unkempt. They could have put
up an awful battle, for their ships almost equal the British.
The crews are lined up to watch us go by and they have the nerve to
wave at us and same aboard us, but we were under strict orders to not
do any cheering. We have passed in & through both fleets and one
going out now and are headed south through the Irish Sea on our way to
Portland where we expect to stop about ten days to give liberty.
The Irish coast is in sight now. The wind is sure blowing hard
off from the N. This is known as the grave yard and I feel like
going to one soon.
up, for it was the
first place we have struck for six mo. that we could get anything to
drink.
. Fever
101. Advised me to get back to the ship.
.
Well, we will soon have this 40 acre field filled up. We have to
cart them over a mile back in this God forsaken place. Enough to
blow Virginia off the map.
.
Still they come. No decent liberty yet. They must have it in for
us. All the rest of the boys are in their home ports meeting
them
and
. I want home, to stay there
long for that is one place I want to stay away from. There is
enough explosive there to blow Virginia off the map.
pains hit me
after it is all I can
do to breathe.
operation next week. I hate to be put to sleep. I should
think this would be done with a local anesthetic. 
or
all the time, and it sure is nasty medicine. 
There are so many that want to shoot pool, and we only have a few
tables. And every day, some dumb dora tears the cloth. I
have a hard time keeping them from gambling. I have a Cleanjean
ship.
coming in a few days, and I expect to make some money off this game.
drawn up all the time, and I do not like my nurse any too well.