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History of the Atlantic Cable & Undersea Communications
from the first submarine cable of 1850 to the worldwide fiber optic network

CS Restorer
by Dirk van Oudenol

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Second World War

Contrary to what many people seem to believe, the Alaska Communications System (ACS), operated by the United States Army Signal Corps, has had a long list of cable ships maintaining the Alaska cable.

At this point, it is necessary to diverge from the main purpose of this history, in order to keep the record of C.S. Restorer in proper perspective. The first cables in this system were laid in 1900 by the C.S. Orizaba, which started to lay the cables from Unalalik and St. Michael, then on to Safety Island at Cape Nome. Part way through this, the C.S. Orizaba was lost when it ran aground. The cable was off loaded on to the dumb barge Brice by which means the job was finished. A land line at Unalalik connected the system with Seattle. In 1904 the system was connected to Seattle by cable laid by C.S. Burnside, which maintained the cable until a new Seattle-Alaska cable was laid in 1924 by C.S. Delwood. By 1905, the ACS had 2000 miles of submarine communications cables. There were no cable ships maintaining the system from 1931 to 1941, and the system fell into a serious state of disrepair.

Preparations for War

In 1941 the then commanding officer of the system, Col. Fred P. Andrews, advised the U.S. Maritime Commission (USMC) of the grim state of the situation, in view of the gathering war clouds. Great changes started happening. The USMC used its authority to take over the New York registered ship. The usual protection for a neutral flag ship was attended to, and the letters USA with a U. S. Flag on each side, was painted on both sides of the ship's hull.

Commander on this first trip into northern waters was Capt. W. T. Gagnon, Capt. Fleming now fatally ill. The Restorer left Victoria on Oct. 7, 1941, and returned on Dec. 7 - Pearl Harbor Day. On Dec. 8, 1941, the Restorer was ordered to Seattle to be prepared for wartime service and northern climes. However, she didn't leave until Dec. 19. From now until the end of its days the Restorer was all danger and work. With the normal crew now swelling to 130, extra cabins had to be provided, and they were built amidships on the main deck. Also, there was the rigidly vertical radar mast. Neither did anything to improve the ship's original graceful lines. Other more war oriented items were the two life raft racks, the degaussing gear, and an assortment of guns. The radio equipment was upgraded to the latest Marconi, and new modern anchors were added while the old ones were kept. The steam launch was converted to 6 cyl. diesel, the donkey boiler on the boat deck was basically abandoned, and in its place an AC electric motor driven pump handling diesel fuel for startup in port was added in the boiler room. There was also the facility to plug into AC shore power. A large domestic water evaporator, to take care of the larger crew, was installed in the top of the engine room. Also installed was an ammonia refrigeration system to freeze more food for the larger crew, as the original CO2 system wasn't up to the added load. As well, there was a tiny freon-12 system.

U. S. Army Transportation Service

Directing the ship's various activities were officers of the U. S. Navy, U. S. A. Signal Corps, and the ship itself. By now, the commander was Capt. J. H. Connelly, Capt. W. T. Gagnon having been appointed to a shore job in Prince Rupert, B. C. Another oldtimer tradition on the ship who left at this time was Albert Sadler, Bosun's Mate. The present Cable Foreman was his son John Sadler, who made his first trip on the ship as a deck hand for that stormy 1928 trip.

Naval Armed Guard Trip Logs for USAT Restorer

The following several pages cover the wartime activities of USAT Restorer. All are both very interesting and very informative. When this information is put in proper perspective, one realizes it's extreme rarity, due to so many records having been destroyed. It's also very amazing being found more than 50 years later. The bulk of the information covers Naval Armed Guard Personnel, armament, and voyage reports. The Naval Armed Guard Personnel Lists are included in their entirety as part of the ship's history, and as a record for the benefit of those researching details of individual gunners.

The First Naval Armed Guard Report, 12/5/1942 CONFIDENTIAL

Reference: (a) Par. 3, Orders received from Officer-in-Charge, Armed Guard Center (Pacific),
24/1/1942, and later contained in Article XI, INSTRUCTIONS OF PROCEDURE FOR COMMANDING OFFICERS OF ARMED GUARD UNITS, date 5/2/1942.
Enclosures: (A) Voyage, report of.
                  (B) Log, Official Voyage.
                  (C) Armed Guard Complement, list of and remarks concerning.
                  (D) Ship's Armament, List of and remarks concerning.
                  (E) Ammunition, Report of.
                  (F) Watch, Station, and Battle Drill.
In accordance with reference (a), enclosures (A) to (F) are submitted.

This is signed by the N.A.G. Commanding Officer, Maurice H. Evans, Ensign, D-V(G), USNR.

ENCLOSURE (A) Voyage, Report of
1.The name of the ship is Restorer. She is a cable ship 5,500 (!!!) tons displacement, owned by the Commercial Pacific Cable Company.
2.Relations between the Owners of the vessel, master of the vessel, officers and crew of the vessel and the Navy unit have been extremely satisfactory.
3.The ship left Seattle, Washington at 2036 on 27/3/1942 sailing singly, arrived at Victoria B.C. Canada at 0900, 28/3/1942. Then she left Victoria at 1255, 4/4/1942. She worked on cable in and around Puget Sound and Admiralty Inlet, and arrived at Seattle, Washington at 1048, 13/4/1942. The ship then left Seattle at 1349, 15/4/1942, proceeding to work on cable in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, arriving back in Seattle at 1955, 12/5/1942.
4.No unusual objects were sighted; all ships and aircraft sighted were friendly.
5.The enemy was never contacted.
6.Condition II was maintained while at sea; Condition III was maintained in port.
7.The conduct, morale, efficiency, and responsiveness to duty of the enlisted Naval personnel aboard the vessel is splendid.

ENCLOSURE (B) Log, Official Voyage
1.Each day from 22/3/1942 to 12/5/1942 inclusive, the recoil cylinder on the 3".23 cal. Gun was checked at 0830; at 0900 and again at 1400 all guns were elevated and trained through their full arc.
2.The magazine and ready ammunition boxes were inspected each day at 1000. Temperatures in the magazine never exceeded 59 degrees Fahrenheit nor dropped below 52 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures in the ready boxes never exceeded 84 degrees nor dropped below 43 degrees. The condition of the ammunition each day at inspection was normal.
3.Log.

20/3/1942 Naval armed guard unit arrived aboard C.S. Restorer at 1200. Ship was at Winslow Marine Railway and Shipbuilding Co. dock in Winslow Washington.
21/3/1942 Equipment still being installed. BuOrd and BuShips material arrived, was unpacked and stowed.
22/3/1942 All guns were completely dismantled, cleaned thoroughly and reassembled.
23/3/1942 Held gun drills, practiced at General Quarters, Fire, and Abandon Ship Stations. Held field day on all gear aboard.
24/3/1942 0830 Left Winslow Washington, spent three hours adjusting compasses in Puget Sound. 1310 Tied up alongside Pier 6, Seattle, Washington.
25/3/1942 Crew spent most of day at emergency and gun drills. I was at Routing Office, 13th Naval Dist.
26/3/1942 0730 Left Pier 6 for degaussing range, Port Townsend, Wash. 1323 Degaussing runs started. 1647 Degaussing runs finished. 2153 Tied up alongside Pier 6, Seattle, Washington.
27/3/1942 1430 Ammunition arrived and was properly stowed away. 2036 left Pier 6 to take fuel aboard at Standard Oil Co. docks at Point Wells. 2400 Left Point Wells for Victoria, B.C., Canada.
28/3/1942 0900 Arrived, outer wharf, Victoria, B.C. Crew shifted from condition II to condition III.
(From 0900, 28/3/1942 to 1255, 4/4/1942, the ship remained in Victoria.)
4/4/1942 1255 Left Victoria B.C.
5/4/1942 0600 Weighed anchor and proceeded to work on cable off Point Wilson.
6/4/1942 On cable work off Point Wilson.
7/4/1942 On cable work off Partridge Point, Whidby Island. 1320 Held emergency drills.
8/4/1942 On cable work off Partridge Point.
9/4/1942 On cable work in East Passage.
10/4/1942 On cable work in Possession Sound.
11/4/1942 On cable work in Possession Sound.
12/4/1942 On cable work in Penn Cove, east side of Whidby Island.
13/4/1942 0605 Left Penn Cove for Seattle. 1048 Arrived, Pier 6 Seattle, Washington.
14/4/1942 In Seattle, condition III maintained.
15/4/1942 1349 Left Seattle for Point Wells. 1430 Held emergency drills. 1505 Arrived at Point Wells. 2308 Left Point Wells for Port Angeles.
16/4/1942 0517 Arrived Port Angeles. 0530 Left Port Angeles for cable grounds off Pachena Point at entrance to Strait of Juan de Fuca. 1100 Hove to off Neah Bay, weather unsuitable for Cable work.
17/4/1942 Dodging off Neah Bay.
18/4/1942 Off Neah Bay.
19/4/1942 Off Neah Bay.
20/4/1942 Off Neah Bay.
21/4/1942 0015 Proceeded to Pachena Point. 0630 Arrived Pachena Point. 0820 Fired test rounds on guns, made necessary reports.
22/4/1942 Off Pachena Point. 1610 Held emergency drills.
23/4/1942 0900 Proceeded to Trevor Channel. 1100 At anchor off Bamfield Inlet in Trevor Channel.
24/4/1942 At anchor in Trevor Channel, weather unsuitable for work.
25/4/1942 At anchor in Trevor Channel.
26/4/1942 At anchor in Trevor Channel. 1415 Held emergency drills.
27/4/1942 0612 Proceeded to cable grounds off Pachena Point.
28/4/1942 Off Pachena Point.
29/4/1942 1100 Proceeded to anchor in Trevor Channel.
30/4/1942 At anchor in Trevor Channel.
1/5/1942 At anchor in Trevor Channel.
2/5/1942 0628 Proceeded to cable grounds off Pachena Point.
3/5/1942 On cable work off Pachena Point.
4/5/1942 On cable work off Pachena Point.
5/5/1942 On cable work off Cape Beale.
6/5/1942 On cable work off Cape Beale.
7/5/1942 On cable work off Cape Beale.
8/5/1942 0754 Proceeded to Neah Bay to notify examination vessel that we would be working in Strait of Juan de Fuca. 1010 Arrived Neah Bay. 12327 Proceeded to cable grounds near Port Angeles. 1935 Proceeded to cable grounds off Cape Flattery.
9/5/1942 At Cape Flattery. 1622 Held emergency drills.
10/5/1942 On cable work off Tatoosh Island.
11/5/1942 On cable work off Tatoosh Island. 1720 Proceeded to Slip Point cable grounds.
12/5/1942 Degaussiong Gear went out of order, compasses affected to extent that they were out almost 30 degrees. 0900 Proceeded to Seattle for repair to degaussing gear and to adjust compasses. 1955 Moored starboard side to Pier 6, Seattle, Washington.

ENCLOSURE (C) Armed Guard Complement, List of and remarks concerning.
a. List of Naval Personnel on board this ship.

1. Goodman, L. H.
Cox
USNR
355-98-91
2. Lyons, M. J.
Sea2/c
USN
283-58-31
3. Dunn, F. E.
A.S.
USN
368-72-14
4. Tiffany, G. E.
A.S.
USNR
660-13-04
5. Thomason, R. R
A.S.
USNR
660-11-44
6. Tarbet, R. D.
A.S.
USNR
660-12-38
7. Stutzman, G. W.
A.S.
USNR
660-10-94
8. Thompson, R. D.
A.S.
USNR
660-11-91
9. Sullivan, L. L.
A.S.
USNR
660-12-71
10. Stricker, W. (n).
A.S.
USNR
660-11-66

b.No new personnel has been received; no personnel has been transferred or substituted for; and no misconduct of individual personnel has been noted.

c.                                                VOYAGE MARKS RECORD

             Date Sailed:                                                       Date Returned:

Name
Prof. In Rat'g
Leadership
Conduct
Goodman, L. H.
3.8
3.8
3.8
Lyons, M. J.
3.7
3.6
3.8
Dunn, F. E.
3.7
3.7
3.7
Tiffany, G. E.
3.6
3.6
3.8
Thomason, R. R.
3.8
3.7
3.8
Tarbet, R. D.
3.7
3.6
3.7
Stutzman, G. W.
3.7
3.7
3.8
Thompson, R. D.
3.8
3.6
3.8
Sullivan, L. L.
3.7
3.6
3.6
Stricker, W. (n).
3.7
3.7
3.8

(signed) Maurice H. Evans
Commanding Armed Guard Unit

ENCLOSURE (D) Ship's Armament, Report of.

1.The armament on board the C.S. Restorer consists of:
(a)One (1) 3"/23 caliber double-purpose gun, mounted on an elevated gun platform amidships at the stern of the vessel.
(b)Four (4) Colt, Model 1913, air-cooled, gas-operated, 30 caliber machine guns. Two (2) are mounted in emplacements above and on either side of the pilot house. Two (2) are mounted on raised platforms on either side of the quarter deck.
(c)Two (2) 45 caliber service pistols, kept when not in use, in the desk of the Armed Guard Commander.

2.The condition of the armament and of the fire control telephone system is excellent.

ENCLOSURE (E) Ammunition, Report of.

Description
received
expended
on hand
3"/23 cal. AA. ctgs., fuzed SPD 2218
100
3
97
3"/23 cal. com. ctgs., SPDN 2435
75
3
72
.30 cal. ctgs., ball, FA lot 1118
3500
64
3436
.30 cal. ctgs., ball, FA lot 1428
500
0
500
.30 cal. ctgs., tracer, FA lot 725
2000
32
1968
.45 cal. ctgs., ball, FA lot 628
200
0
200

(2)The condition of the magazines and of the ready ammunition lockers is very good. The temperature of the magazine has never exceeded 59 degrees Fahrenheit, nor fallen below 52 degrees Fahrenheit.
(3)The condition of the ammunition, developed by inspection of the condition of the powder samples is normal in all respects.

ENCLOSURE (F)

NAME
FIRE
ABANDON
SHIP
BATTLE
COND. II
COND. III
Thompson
Forward MG.
Readybox
#4 boat
#1 MG.
Section 1
Lookout
Section 1
Lookout
Thomason
Forward MG.
Readybox
#3 boat
#2 MG
Section 3
Lookout
Section 3
Lookout
Lyons
Signal
Bridge
#3 boat
Forward MG.
Readybox
Signals
Signals
Tarbet
After MG.
Readybox
#1 boat
#3 MG
Section 2
Lookout
Section 2
Lookout
Sullivan
After MG.
Readybox
#3 boat
#4 MG.
Section 1
Lookout
Section 4
Lookout
Dunn
Signal
Bridge
#2 boat
After MG.
Readybox
Section 3
Lookout
Signals
Goodman
Magazine
Flood valve
#2 boat
3" Gun Capt
Section 1
Lookout
Section 1
Lookout
Stutzman
3" Readybox
#4 boat
3" gun pointer
Section 3
Lookout
Section 3
Lookout
Tiffany
Magazine
Flood valve
#2 boat
3" gun loader
Section 2
Lookout
Section 4
Lookout
Stricker
3" Readybox
#1 boat
3" gun loader
Section 2
Lookout
Section 2
Lookout

CONFIDENTIAL                                                                                                                   12/9/1942
From:                Commanding Officer, Armed Guard Unit, Cableship RESTORER
To:                    The Chief of Naval Operations, Navy Department, Washington, D.C.
                         The Chief of the Bureau of Ships, Navy Department, Washington, D.C.
                         The Chief of the Bureau of Ordnance, Navy Department, Washington, D.C.
Via:                   Officer-in-Charge, Armed Guard Center (Pacific), Treasure Island, San
                         Francisco, California.
Subject:             Structural test firing of guns installed on the Cableship RESTORER, armed . U.S. flag merchant                          vessel.
Reference:         (a) OpNav. 1tr. Serial 396123, 1/12/1941.
1. Four (4) rounds were fired from 3"/50 caliber gun mounted on centerline at stern of vessel on 12/9/1942:
                         (a) One (1) round at zero (0) degrees elevation.
                         (b) Three (3) rounds at five (5) degrees less than maximum elevation.
2. The foundation holding down bolts, the gun platform and other installations were examined
and found to be in good condition.
3. The 3"/50 caliber gun is ready for further use.
                                                                                                     Maurice H. Evans,
                                                                                                     Lieut. (j.g.) USNR


FROM:             COM 13                11828 NCR 11765                 14 SEPT 1942
ACTION:         VICE OPNAV
INFO:               BUSHIPS                      BUORD

                                                       
                                                         AIRMAILGRAM

CS RESTORER, 3180 GROSS, US, FOLLOWING ARMAMENT REMOVED: TWO 30 CALIBER, ONE 3"/23; AT WINSLOW MARINE RY & SHIPBUILDING CO., SEATTLE WASHINGTON: ADDED ONE 3"/50 D. P., FOUR 20MM AA MG. AT THE WINSLOW MARINERY AND SHIPBUILDING CO., AT SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, 3 SEPTEMBER 1942, ARMED GUARD CREW FURNISHED.

23…….ACTION
39…….BUORD…BUSHIPS…FILE
                                                                                                    C O N F I D E N T I A L

The Second Naval Armed Guard Report, 10/8/1942 (page 1 with subsections 1,2,3 missing)
                                                                                                    CONFIDENTIAL

4. With the USCGC AURORA acting as escort, we left Dutch Harbor on 4/7/1942 and arrived at Kodiak on 6/7/1942. On 8/7/1942, we proceeded from Kodiak for Juneau, the destroyer USS WATERS escorting us and the USAT BRANCH as far as Cape Spencer. We then began finishing up what work remained to be done on the Seattle-Juneau cables, working southward from Juneau. On 3/8/1942, the work having been completed, we proceeded to Victoria, B.C., Canada, where the ship is temporarily stationed.

5. The speed of the vessel while in the war zone was 13 knots; while laying cable in the war zone, 5 ½ knots.

6. Fog signals used while in the war zone were, one prolonged blast at intervals of no more than one minute. (used only twice, when absolutely necessary)

7. No lights were shown while in the war zone; ship was completely darkened at night.

8. In accordance with instructions, the ship zigzagged continuously while in the war zone except when laying cable.

9. The Master and Officers of the ship carried out "Instructions for Naval Transportation and U.S. Merchant Vessels in Time of War".

10. The ship was not attacked, nor did we sight the enemy at any time.

                                                                                                                Maurice H. Evans
                                                                                                                Lt. ( j.g.) USNR

3rd Naval Armed Guard Report  6/11/1942        CONFIDENTIAL

From:                Commanding Officer, Armed Guard Unit, Cableship RESTORER
To:                    Vice Chief of Naval Operations, Navy Department, Washington, D.C.
Via:                   Port Director N.T.S., Thirteenth Naval District, Seattle, Washington
Subject:            Report of voyage of Cableship RESTORER from Seattle to Dutch Harbor and return
Reference:        (a) General instructions for Commanding Officers of Naval Armed Guards on Merchant Ships, Paragraph 436.

1. Name of vessel:         Cableship RESTORER
Type of vessel:               Cableship
Gross tonnage:               5500 tons !!! (NOTE: Correct tonnage was 3180)
Type of cargo:               Cable
Owner of vessel:            Commercial Pacific Cable Company
Chartered by:                Alaska Communications System, U. S. Army Signal Corps

2. Left Seattle at 2230 on 6/9/1942 sailing singly.
Left Cape Spencer at 1443 on 12/9/1942 escorted by USS PC-571 and USS PC-572.
Arrived at Kodiak at 1055 on 14/9/1942. Left Kodiak with one other ship at 1600 on 15/9/1942, escorted by H.M.C.S. Prince Robert.
Arrived at Dutch Harbor at 0818 on 26/9/1942 escorted by USS PC485.
Arrived at Chernofski at 1414 on 26/9/1942. Left Chernofski at 0645 on 1/10/1942 escorted by USS PC485.
Arrived at Dutch Harbor at 1219 on 1/10/1942. Left Dutch Harbor at 1025 on 28/10/1942 escorted by USS PC486.
Arrived at Kodiak at 1037 on 30/10/1942. Left Kodiak at 0742 on 31/10/1942 accompanied by one other ship and escorted by H.M.C.S. Prince Robert Arrived in Seattle at 1800 on 4/11/1942.
3. There was no contact with the enemy.
4. There were no incidents out of the routine. The speed of the vessel while in the war zone was between 10 and 13 knots; while laying and repairing cable, 3 knots. No lights were shown while in the war zone, as the ship was completely darkened at night. No fog signals were used. Vessel did not zigzag.
5. No written or radio orders were received by the vessel from foreign government officials.
6. The radio operator carried out wartime radio instructions.
7. No defects in equipment were noted.
8. The master and officers carried out "Instructions for Naval Transportation and U. S. Merchant Vessels in Time of War".
9. No recommendations tending to the improvement or greater efficiency of this service.
10. No improper procedure on the part of friendly aircraft approaching the ship was noted.

                                                                                                                Maurice H. Evans
                                                                                                                Lieut. (jg) USNR

The Fourth Naval Armed Guard Report, 8/1/1943                              CONFIDENTIAL

(The usual preamble up to and including Part 1 is now omitted.)

2. Departed Seattle at 0150 12/11/1942, sailing singly via the Inside Passage to Pleasant Island, Alaska. Departed from there in a convoy of six other ships and were escorted to a position just off Kodiak where the other ships left the convoy. The RESTORER and one escort vessel then proceeded at ten knots to Whittier arriving at 1620 23/11/1942. At 0903 25/11/1942 the vessel and one escort departed Whittier at a speed of twelve knots and arrived Kodiak at 1052 28/11/1942. Departed Kodiak at 1233 10/12/1942 escorted by a cutter for Sitka, arriving there at 0115 13/12/1942. Departed Sitka at 1042 22/12/1942. Repaired cables between Juneau and Petersburg and arrived in Seattle at 1623 5/1/1943.

(The usual standard Parts, numbered 3 to 10 inclusive, are omitted.)
SUPPLEMENTARY-REPORT OF SUPPLIES AND/OR PERSONNEL ISSUED BY PORT
DIRECTOR , TO: C.S.RESTORER, ARRIVED FROM, ALASKA

                                                  DATE: 15/2/1943

ARMED GUARD PERSONNEL REMOVED

NAME
RATING
BRANCH
SERVICE NO.
GOODMAN, Lowell Howard
BM 2c
V-6 USNR
355 98 91
TIFFANY, George E.
S 1c
V-6 USNR
660 13 04
TARBET, Donald Dean
S 1c
V-6 USNR
660 12 38
STUTZMAN, Glenn Wayne
S 1c
V-6 USNR
660 10 94
THOMPSON, Robert Doe
S 1c
V-6 USNR
660 11 91
STRICKER, William (n)
S 1c
V-6 USNR
660 11 66
(To AGC 1-14-43)
     
EVANS, Maurice Henry
Lieut.
D-V(G) USNR
 
(To AGC 1-13-43)      


ARMED GUARD PERSONNEL PUT ABOARD

RICE, Edward
BM 2c
USN
385 81 77
BURCHFIELD, Edgar Allen
S 1c
V-6 USNR
616 57 64
BURT, Alonzo Nelson
S 1c
V-6 USNR
660 42 08
HAND, Jack (n)
S 1c
V-6 USNR
624 97 68
NELSON, John Donald
S 1c
V-6 USNR
663 23 72
SMITH, Robert Deward
S 1c
V-6 USNR
640 59 35
(From AGC 1-14-43)      
DAVIS, John A.
Ensign
D-V(S) USNR
 
(From AGC 1-12-43)      

 

COMMUNICATION LIAISON PERSONNEL REMOVED

LYONS, Minor John
S 1c(SM)
USN
283 58 31
(To AGC 1-14-43)      


COMMUNICATION LIAISON PERSONNEL PUT ABOARD

PREIN, John Ludwig
SM 3c
USN
300 56 38
(From AGC 1-14-43)      

 

MATERIAL FURNISHED: UNDER COGNIZANCE OF THE BUREAU OF ORDNANCE

Removed: Two 30 Cal. MG and appurtenances, spare parts, ammunition, covers mounted.

UNDER COGNIZANCE OF THE BUREAU OF SHIPS

Copy to: Opnav Port Director
  Buord C. N. INGRAM
  Buships Routing Officer
  Bunav(Complies with C.L.27-42) Commander, USN
  AGC  

Serious Health Problems Among Senior Officers

All the time while on cable work in the Alaskan war zone the Chief Engineer, Frank M. Jupp, had the strain of knowing great demands might suddenly be placed on the engines. Chief Engineer Jupp had been on the Restorer since 1916, and lavished an Edinburgh trained man's conscientious care on machinery, and of the entire crew, was most aware of its aged condition. In mid-Feb. 1943, came the moment of crisis. This was during the time covered by the Fifth Naval Armed Guard Report. The very real danger of submarine attack was so imminent, that their escort dropped depth charges, and the engine room got the instruction for full speed ahead. The old engines held out, but shortly after, Chief Engineer Jupp was found collapsed with a stroke. Captain Don Cantell had earlier left the ship due to illness, after having taken command from Captain J. H. Connelly. Captain Cantell died at age 46, as had Captain Fleming less than two years earlier. Temporary successor to Captain Cantell was Chief Officer J. L. Thacker. Later Captains took over this spot and Mr. Thacker became Cable Superintendent.

Loss of C.S. Dellwood

The C.S. Dellwood worked the Alaska cable from Jan. 1943, until she sank at Attu on 19/7/1943.
Immediately after the loss of C.S. Dellwood, the C.S. Silverado, built in 1918, was quickly fitted out with new cable gear and pressed into service in August to fill the gap. At this time, Captain J. H. Connelly of the C.S. Restorer was called south to take charge of the C.S. Silverado. The new cable gear fitted on the C.S. Silverado was originally intended for the C.S. Glassford which was currently building, so urgent was the need for another cable ship. The C.S. Silverado worked the Alaska cable with the C.S. Restorer for the balance of 1943, and well into 1944 with the new C.S. Glassford, after which C.S. Silverado and C.S. Glassford stayed in the area..

New Cable Ships

The C.S. Glassford, built in the summer of 1943, promptly went into Alaska service, and its sister ship, C.S. Basil O. Lenoir, launched in April 1944, also promptly went into Alaska service. This very clearly means the lineup of cable ships on Alaska service during 1941-45 was like this:

1941 Restorer
1942 Restorer
1943 Restorer, Dellwood, Silverado, Glassford
1944 Restorer, Silverado, Glassford, Basil O. Lenoir
1945 Silverado, Glassford, Basil O. Lenoir


More on Naval Armed Guard Reports or Trip Logs

The Ninth Trip Log is a very long one, and will be blended with the excellent private Trip Log kept by a crew member, Ira Flare Fredricksen. Due to layout requirements, the 1943 Christmas Dinner Menu will appear immediately before the Ninth Trip Log, after which will appear the remaining almost two pages of Flare's notes. These offer a very rare window into what wartime winter cable laying in the Aleutians was like. More thought provoking perhaps, is the clearly implied great loss to history of so much information. After all, if one crew member's high quality notes are the only ones that surface more than fifty years later, only because of dogged determination to research all possible sources, they are all the more valuable due to their rarity.

The Fifth Naval Armed Guard Report, 10/3/43

(The usual preamble and Parts 1 and 3 to 10 are omitted.)

2. Departed Seattle, Washington, at 1225, 22/1/1943, sailing singly to Cape Spencer; convoyed from Cape Spencer by one Coast Guard ship. Arrived Chernofski 1737 19/2/1943. Departed 28/2/1943 at 0800 for Cape Spencer, convoyed by one Coast Guard vessel. Arrived Seattle, Washington 10/3/1943 at 1709.

The Sixth Naval Armed Guard Report, 9/5/1943

(The usual preamble and Parts 1 and 3 to 10 are omitted.)

2. Departed Seattle Washington, at 1100, 19/3/1943, sailing singly to Cape Spencer; convoyed from Cape Spencer by one Coast Guard vessel to Dutch Harbor. Convoyed from Dutch Harbor to Adak by one destroyer and one gunboat. Arrived Adak 1020 10/4/1943. Departed 21/4/1943 at 0818 for Cape Spencer, convoyed by one Coast Guard vessel. Arrived Seattle, Washington, 9/5/1943 at 1850.

The Seventh Naval Armed Guard Report, 22/6/1943

(The usual preamble and Parts 1 and 3 to 10 are omitted.)

2. Departed Seattle, Washington, at 0955 16/5/1943 sailing singly to Icy Strait arriving there at 0600 19/5/1943. Departed Icy Strait at 1126 24/5/1943 convoyed by one Coast Guard Cutter. Arrived Cable Grounds at 0400 and arrived at Seward at 1700 1/6/1943. Departed Seward at 0500 2/6/1943 and arrived at Cable Grounds at 1800 2/6/1943. Departed Cable Grounds at 0955 11/6/1943 and arrived Seward at 1745 11/6/1943. Departed at 0400 12/6/1943 and arrived Cold Bay at 0600 14/6/1943. Departed Cold Bay at 1900 14/6/1943 and arrived Seward at 1715 16/6/1943. Departed Seward at 1805 18/6/1943 and arrived at Icy Straits at 0900 20/6/1943, still convoyed by the same Coast Guard Cutter. Departed Icy Strait at 0910 20/6/1943 sailing singly and arrived Seattle 0725 24/6/1943.

The Eighth Naval Armed Guard Report, 10/10/1943

(The usual preamble and Parts 1 and 3 to 10 are omitted.)

2. Departed Seattle, Washington at 1000, 22/8/1943, sailing in convoy with one other ship and one escort vessel. Arrived in Dutch Harbor at 2000 28/8/1943. Departed Dutch Harbor at 1700 29/8/1943sailing in convoy with two other ships and one escort vessel. Arrived Adak at 0945 31/8/1943. Departed Adak at2030 31/8/1943 sailing singly with one escort vessel. Arrived Amchitka at 1430 1/9/1943. Departed Amchitka on Cable operations at 4/9/1943 sailing with one escort Arrived Kiska at 1600 5/9/1943 and departed Kiska at 1530 6/9/1943 still with one escort and still on cable operations. Arrived in Attu at 1000 8/9/1943. Departed Attu at 0900 10/9/1943 with one escort and arrived in Adak at 1700 12/9/1943. Departed Adak at 0715 23/9/1943 with one escort and arrived in Dutch Harbor at 1130 25/9/1943. Departed Dutch Harbor at o635 27/9/1943 with one escort and arrived in Cold Bay at 1955 27/9/1943. Departed Cold Bay at 0630 29/9/1943 with one escort and arrived at Whittier at 1250 2/10/1943. Departed Whittier at 1540 5/10/1943, picked up one escort at Montague Island and proceeded to Seattle. Arrived Seattle at 2230 10/10/1943.

1943 Christmas Dinner

A maximum effort was made to give the crew a touch of home, and a dinner with all the trimmings was had by all. Here's the menu:

 
MERRY CHRISTMAS
 
 
U.S.A.T. "RESTORER"
CHRISTMAS DINNER
***********************
 
 
RELISHES
SWEET MIXED PICKLES GREEN OR RIPE OLIVES
DILL PICKLES PEARL ONIONS
 
 
CHICKEN CONSOMME AU CROUTON
VEGETABLE ASPIC SALAD
TOMATO JUICE COCKTAIL
 
 
ENTREES
 
 
STUFFED TOM TURKEY
WITH
GIBLET GRAVY CRANBERRY SAUCE

BAKED VIRGINIA HAM
PINEAPPLE SAUCEPINEAPPLE FRITTERS
FRESH FROZEN ASPARAGUS
WITH
HOLLANDAISE SAUCE
CREAMED CORN BUTTERED SWEET PEAS
CANDIED YAMS

PARKER HOUSE ROLLS TEA ROLLS

 
 
DESSERTS
 
 
MINCE PIE PUMPKIN PIE
OLD FASHIONED FRUIT CAKE
WITH
RUM AND BUTTER SAUCE
CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM SUNDAE
 
 
AFTER DINNER TID-BITS
FRESH APPLES
ASSORTED NUTS CANDY
 

The Ninth Naval Armed Guard Report, 18/1/1944

(With this Report, the number of sections increases from 10 to 12, but there is still only one of interest, Part 2.

26/10/1943 Departed from Seattle, Washington at 1710, escorted by PC1081.
2/11/1943 Arrived at Dutch Harbor at 1515.
3/11/1943 Departed from Dutch Harbor at 0810, convoyed by destroyer KING.
7/11/1943 Arrived at Kiska Island at 0800.
8/11/1943 Departed from Kiska Island at 1730, convoyed by destroyer KING.
9/11/1943 Arrived at Schmeya Island at 1710.
10/11/1943 Departed from Schmeya Island at 0935, convoyed by destroyer KING.
10/11/1943 Arrived at Attu Island at 1240.
12/11/1943 Departed from Attu Island at 0943, convoyed by destroyer KING.
14/11/1943 Arrived at Otter Point 1710, and started cable operations.
15/11/1943 Departed from Otter Point at 0630, laying cable westward and convoyed by destroyer KING.
17/11/1943 Arrived at Atka Island at 2030.
21/11/1943 Departed from Atka Island at 2230, convoyed by PC 587.
22/11/1943 Arrived at Adak at 1520.
23/11/1943 Departed from Adak at 1555, convoyed by Coast Guard Cutter ONONDAGA.
23/11/1943 Arrived at Sand Bay on Great Sitkin Island at 1720.
24/11/1943 Departed from Sand Bay at 0851, convoyed by ONONDAGA.
24/11/1943 Arrived at Shelter Cove at Igitkin Island at 1046.
25/11/1943 Departed from Shelter Cove at 0630, convoyed by ONONDAGA.
25/11/1943 Arrived at cable grounds at 0835 and started work, convoyed by ONONDAGA.
26/11/1943 Arrived at Korovin Bay on Atka Island at 0530.
26/11/1943 Departed from Korovin Bay at 1320, convoyed by ONONDAGA.
29/11/1943 Arrived at Nayan Bay on Atka Island at 1827.
30/11/1943 Departed from Nayan Bay 0607, convoyed by ONONDAGA.
1/12/1943 Arrived at Dutch Harbor at 0833.
3/12/1943 Departed from Dutch Harbor at 1000, convoyed by ONONDAGA.
6/12/1943 Arrived at Attu Island at 1053.
7/12/1943 Departed from Attu Island at 1130, convoyed by ONONDAGA.
7/12/1943 Arrived at cable grounds at 1423.
7/12/1943 Departed from cable grounds at 1446, convoyed by ONONDAGA.
7/12/1943 Arrived at Attu at 1773 (?).
8/12/1943 Departed from Attu at 0936, convoyed by ONONDAGA.
8/12/1943 Arrived at cable grounds at 1230.
9/12/1943 Departed from cable grounds at 1525, convoyed by ONONDAGA.
9/12/1943 Arrived at Attu 1815.
11/12/1943 Departed from Attu at 1050, convoyed by ONONDAGA.
11/12/1943 Arrived at cable grounds at 1405.
12/12/1943 Departed from cable grounds at 2100, convoyed by ONONDAGA.
14/12/1943 Arrived at Adak at 1530.
14/12/1943 Departed from Adak at 1800, convoyed by ONONDAGA.
17/12/1943 Arrived at Dutch Harbor at 1645.
28/12/1943 Departed from Dutch Harbor at 1150, convoyed by PC600.
29/12/1943 Arrived at Cold Bay at 1000.
29/12/1943 Departed from Cold Bay at 1245, convoyed by PC600.
31/12/1943 Arrived at Seward at 1305 and tied up at dock.
3/1/1944 Departed from Seward at 0900, convoyed by PC600.
3/1/1944 Arrived at cable grounds at 1030.
6/1/1944 Departed from cable grounds at 0930.
6/1/1944 Arrived at Seward at 1115.
7/1/1944 Departed from Seward at 1215, convoyed by PC600.
11/1/1944 Arrived at Pleasant Island 1445.
11/1/1944 Departed from Pleasant Island for Seattle at 1530, convoyed by PC600.
15/1/1944 Arrived at Ames Terminal, Seattle, Washington at 0522.

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Copyright © 2006 Dirk van Oudenol

Last revised: 22 July, 2006

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