iiiiii D589 .U6N6 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS DDDDSllfl30A O I, o °o <> '» . . ♦ "'^.. ' o. ■^„ .^^ >^ '''^v^'. "o < J. • -';.., ■'-'-. ,llftVC-^> > kV (V o » • • ■ <^y//iu ,,. ^. * -.-f-^v .^-^ '%-^!^ff~-\^ %-.f.r.-o*" '*o-^«S^-a' %•: THE NORTHERN BARRAGE MINE FORCE UNITED STATES ATLANTIC FLEET THE NORTH SEA 1918 Edited by All Hands Published by The U. S. Naval Institute Annapiilis, Md. 1910 'y- Copyright, 1919, by J. W. CONROY Trustee for U.S. Naval Institute 2;6<: Boxi (§a(ttmorc (pr«68 B.\LTIMORE, MD., U. S. A. APR 18 1919 ^ "^ )C{..^nf5279 -\ •s This Book is a ifcord of the work and phiy of the Mine Farce United States Atlantic Fleet during the War against Germany This Force operating; in the North Sea, June to November 1918, laid the greatest number and completed the most extensive barrage of mines since the dawn of warfare to the present day, and li\ es to tell the TALE. // you like it. hluiv us up: If it's a Dud, it's the first n'c'vc had. The Committee j«(r /^ ''''^K%^ ^' ,4 -I To OUR ESCORT The Fourteenth Destroyer Flotilla GRAND FLEET This Book is Dedicated Brothers in blood, these years have formed A yet more binding tie, The bond of those who facing death. Were not afraid to die. To us, those days in which we strove To rid the seas of wrong. Have made of you, our comrades then, A memory doubly strong. And so your younger brothers here. With pencil, ink and pen. To their poor best have tried to tell A living tale of men. To you, without whose guarding eye. Our work had scarce been done, We dedicate this record of The strafing of the Hun. (5) X (6) THE MINE FORCE REAR ADMIRAL JOSKPH STRAUSS. U. S. N., Commander FLAGSHIP U. S. S. BLACK HAWK, (:,//./.»« R. c. n„imrr. r. s. A'. Base 17, Invergordox ; Base IS, Inverness Scotland MINE vSQUADRON ONE CAPTAIN R. R. BKLKNAP, U. S. N., Cmmund,-,- FLAGSHIP U. S. S. SAN FRANCISCO, c„/>/„in ii. i . iiuil.r. u.s.N. U. S. S. ROANOKK U. S. S. SHAVViMUT Ciifituin C. D. Stearns. V . S. A'. Captain It'. T. Cluverius , V. S. N. U S. S. BALTIMORK U. S. S CANONICUS Captain I. If. Marshall. V. S. N. Captain T. L. .Inhnsnn. U. S. N. U. S. S. AROOSTOOK U. S. S. HOUSATONIC Captain .1 . II Tomh. i.S.N. Captain .1 . 11'. Greenslaje, U.S.N. U. S. S. SARANAC U. S. S. CANANDAIGUA Captain Simlair Cannon. C. S. A'. Captain II'. II. Reynolds. U. S. N. U. S. S. QUINNEBAUG Commander D. Pralt Mannix, ('. S. N. U. S. S. PATAPSCO U. S. S. PATUXENT Lieut. If. E. Benson, i'. S. A'. Lieut. .1 . LI. llupp. V. S. N. (7) UNITED STATES ATLANTIC FLEET FLAGSHIP OF THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF London, September 28, 19 18 Aly dear Slni/iss: I feel sure that you are to be congratulated on the way things are going in your force and upon the loyal co-operation, zeal, and good work of the force both ashore and afloat. Organization, system, and efficiency were apparent and ha\e been shown by the work accom- plished. Congratulations and best wishes to you all. Yours sincerely, H. T. Mayo (8) REAR ADMIRAL JOSEPH STRAUSS, U. S. N. Commander Mine Force United States Atlantic Fleet U. S. Naval Forces Operating in European Waters (9) Mov Hall, Inverness, 20th Xo\-ember, iqi8. I\I\ iltuir (.'mil III III! (I It-: \ >v' ; qU2.rter£- fe) \ictor Deals. USX 12. P. (49) U. S. S. ROANOKE Was formerly " S. S. El Dia," Southern Pacific Company (50) OFFICERS AND CREW (51 ) Water Bee (52) ^ j^*^ J ^^>^ m stowed The Fish (53) .'ft U. S. S. SAN FRANCISCO was formerly A Cruiser, North Atlantic Squadron (54) C o ni n 1 a 1 1 cl c I Mine S ci lj a ci r o 1 1 U 1 1 u a i ; cl b t a ff Commander Mine Force and Group (55) The Team Squadron Band (56) OFFICERS AND CREW (5/) i In Dock at Invergordon (58) .^c-> s -*-— , The Commodore's Barge 4 July, 1918. Inverness A Mam Deck Load British Squadron Ahead (59) ■^«^-.. U. S. S. SARANAC Was formerly " S. S. Hamilton," Old Dominion Line (60) The Bridge Officers j*-w^ Chief Petty Officers (61 ) The Anchor Down /I iU. r»<^*«»«*:.>^«-.f'-?»-T (62) Over She Goes (63) Division Groups (64) En The Pr.rt Licilit or Forward Life Rafts The Anti-Air Craft Guns (65) U. S. S. SHAWMUT Was formerly " S. S. Massachusetts," Eastern Steamship Corporation (66) Officers Officers and Crew (67) The Nine At Munlochy (68) '5*>^,~ E5SL. Submarine Contact — Vampire Making Smoke Screen Arrival Over There Fueling at Sea (69) U. S. S. PATAPoLw Force Tug (70) Officers Officers and Crew (71) U. S. S. PATUXENT FORCE TUG (72) btrathpeffer On the River Ness Inverness Rosehaugh, Avoch U. S. NAVAL BASE 17 INVERGORDON SCOTLAND ^^?^^!^U^^'^^y..A^^r^^m^^i^^^. S tlTlrlT HEADQUARTERS (74) fqri f ^ 1 >a| M| i^ m f ■ 0'«» ^^» V. ■■-••-...•■**• -i..r.akii :^A i Football Squad Kv*'*!^ Fire Engine :x\ :'^^ Freight Yard (76) The Flag at Kyle A Party at Kyle ^■:^-*^* .»^ -5**^'' 5^1psi^^^ ^'^t v>*> :>ej!:^ At Kyle of Lochalsh (77) Ready Loading Pier Mine Sheds Oil Tanks, Invergordon Lighters, Invergor (78) Dalmorc t -louse — Officc/s' Quarters A Scotch-American Alness River. Base 17 At Base Seventeen (79) I W' \mi U. S. NAVAL BASE 18 INVERNESS SCOTLAND GENERAL VIEW (80) ADMIRAL MAYO Commander in Chief, Atlantic Fleet With Commander Mine Force Commander Mine Force and Staff (81) Officers Division H (82) Cranes Test Rails for Anchors 1 ransit to Lighters A Corner of Mines One of Many (83) Ben Nevis from Corpach Corpach Detail View from Kessock Landing, Inverness (84) An Early Season Line-up "SOMEWHERE IN SCOTLAND" The Mine Force Show which Made a Big Hit in London (85) iMif In the Lighters The Sick Bay Egg Baskets The Barracks (86) The First Flag in Scotland 9 February, 1918 Discharging to the Base iMMiaawr Ready for the Lighters Mine Parts (87) Ill that hit and run fiame calleil AIine-La\ ini^. Time means more tlian .Mone\, and Speed is the Factor of Safety, but Athletics is the Guarantee of Teamwork, and that is the Road to Success. Captain Belknap realized this when the Mine Squadron arrived in Scotland, and steps were taken to or<;anize athletics. Lieutenant Hewlett of the Bitltiniorf was appointed Squadron Athletic Officer, with a representative on each ship. The task of publishing; an Athletic Bulletin was undertaken and Ensign W. P. Hanson of the Ba/tir/iorr appointed Editor. This paper was published in real newspaper style, every ten days, and sent throughout the force to thousands of eager fans. Baseball was the feature of organized sport, especialh' through the summer months, and quite natvirally held the center of the stage. With the exception of the Srin Fran- cisco and the Baltimore, none of the planters had the necessary baseball equipment, but that couldn't put a damper on the sport. When the schedule had been arranged, base- ball diamonds were ready at Inverness and Invergordon, and the required equipment was being rushed from the States. The season commenced on July 4th, at both Bases, with 12 teams competing, and before the baseball gear had been stowed away in winter quarters a total of 176 league games had been played, which speaks well for teams 3000 miles from home, playing in a country new to the sport. The original schedule called for 396 games, but Scottish mist, coupled with our hastened activities in the North Sea, made that ambitious pro- gram impossible. The league provided all the excitement that could be desired, and each team was supported by as loyal a group of fans as ever downed an umpire. It was a hot race from start to finish and the keenest sportsmanship prevailed throughout, as can be evidenced from the present battle-cr\- of the Scotchmen of Inverness and surround- ings — " Baseball forever." (88) The standing of the teams: S/iip Ci times 1*1 ay f J ll'on CANUNICrS 20 15 SAN FRANCISCO '7 12 HOUSATONIC ig IZ BLACK HAWK 16 9 ROANOKE 13 7 BALTIMORE 14 7 SHAWMUT ig 9 AROOSTOt)K 13 5 QUINNEBAUG 14 5 CANANDAIGUA IS 4 TUGS 4 I SARANAC 14 3 Lost 5 S 6 7 6 7 9 g 9 u 3 Perceiilage .750 .706 .667 .563 .538 .500 .500 .384 ■357 .267 .250 .214 Boat racing, hoxinji, vvrestlinji, track and Held sports were fiiven much attention. The morning of July 4th found swarms of puUinji boats lining up to the Stake Hoats at Base 17, each ship beinfj represented by a crew in the four race boat classes on a mile course. It was one big cheer from start to finish, with an added cheer when the contesting crews passed their ships on the way to the finish line. The afternoon of July 4th hundreds of American and British sailors gathered at the Admiralty Recrea- tion Grounds at Invergordon to watch track and field sports of the \'ankee Mine Force, and it was estimated that 3000 townspeople were present at the Northern Meeting Grounds in In\erness to see the big games of the Mine Squadron at Base 18. The Labor Day program was a repetition of all this. The Shaw /nut's boat crews swept the waters of Inverness Firth and her field and track teams made a similar clean-up at the Northern Meeting Grounds. At the Invergordon base the Baltimore headed the list. A golf tournament for officers was held and about 20 competitors entered. The match continued for a month and was finally won by Ensign Seward W. Webb of the Roanoke. A big tennis tournament was also planned and about 15 games were played, but rain and cold weather prevented its continuance. Football was next on the program, and old scores of the baseball diamond were to be redeemed, but the cessation of hostilities and the early departure of the Mine Squadron for home put an end to what would have been the clima.\ of Mine Force athletic activities. However, it was proved beyond a doubt that the Mine Force made as much of a success of its athletic program as it did of its famous Mine Barrage in the North Sea. (89) Any man who fought in the Mine Force knows the " Y "'. At Base i8, the Y. M. C. A. rented the Northern Meeting Hall, the historic festival place of all North Briton, and located in the center of the city of Inverness. A spacious hut was built at In\'ergordon for the ships at Base i 7. These were the headquarters ftir all hands while on liberty, and reading matter, eats, and music were abun- dant. Many entertainments were given and the men of the Force were certainly at home. The voluntary services rendered by the ladies of both Bases in our in- terest at the Y. M. C. A.'s will always be a pleasant memory. Here's to them, one and all ! 90 FOURTH LIBERTY LOAN 21 October 1918 The Mine Force Fourth Liberty Loan Drive is over. The total amount subscribed is $332,800.00 distributed among 6732 men, a per capita subscription of $49.44. This is an excellent showing. The Mine Force Liberty Loan Agent feels that it is a matter for intense pride that the orticers and men of the Mine Force have responded to the Nation's need of money in the manner in which they have. These wonderful figures, however, would not have been possible, had it not been for the active and hearty co-operation of the individuals in the Force as a whole, and the Force Liberty Loan Agent extends to each individual subscriber, as well as to those who would have subscribed, had their means permitted it, the most hearty congratulations. An outstanding feature of the Drive was the conduct of the U. S. S. S/iaivmut. On the opening day of the Drive, that vessel reported a 100 per cent subscription — - 362 officers and men subscribing $36,200. This notable example undoubtedly led the way to the rest of the ves- sels, and good-naturedly spurred them on to reach the 100 per cent goal, which was ultimately attained by the Patuxent. Many of the men in the Mine Force who subscribed did so at a sacrifice. Many others were willing to make the same sacrifice, but it was considered that the small nmnunt left due them from the Paymaster, after deduc- tion for payment for the bond had been made, would not be sufficient to meet their current expenses. It was with especial regret that men with this fine spirit were denied the privilege of subscribing. The conduct of the men in the Mine Force during this Drive — their ready whole-hearted generous response, is in keeping with the best traditions of the Naval service. It is typical that men of the American Navy should bend not only their utmost physical efforts, but that they should not spare any effort of any description, physical, mental, moral, financial or otherwise to hasten the only end to the present conflict that is acceptable to them as Americans. Let the subs come out — and the Mine Force will hand them a little " Christmas present" in the shape of a $332,800 sphere full of T-N-T that will loosen a few of their rivets. Standing of the Mine Force at the close of the drive was as follows: NO. Tut ill /',/■ t :-! CANONICUS 39.8.^0 91.19 4 PATAPSCO 4.8."i0 60.29 5 HOUSATONIC 28,L'00 64.53 (! AROOSTOOK 23,(iOO 60.68 7 BLACK HAWK liO.l.'jO 54.38 8 QUINNEBAUG 22,300 31.71 9 BASE 17 .''i3.3.'50 47.55 10 CANANDAIGUA 18.050 41.08 11 SARANAl' 13.900 33.74 12 SAN FRANCISCO 1.3,350 31.34 l.S ROANOKE 11.500 26.02 14 BASE l.S 28.350 25.34 TOTAL .f332..800 .$49.44 Pack \jp a iJBnID in your old ^^^^^^^^SE A BAG. ^^gfl| ^^^ AND ^^^^^^H sj2i^fl||^^| R. C. BULMER, Captain, United States Navy, Liberty Loan Agent, Mine Force. (91) M NoT PeRMlTTED To TSLL ONCLEj R S^PHINX HR"5 / Nothih' on f^E ! TRKE R PLERSURE Ig^ ON TH^ North S egj- ^^^ m^'^ IShci^ <§iHMUEi. mo His Two InvincibleS 1 (92) ' ,' .*. . i-'."-- ■•>>' I--- ■'■■l'^ -ii'.v, :, ^.v.'. .-^.■-i >;/■' ' \\K\\v«it;- U.S.S.SHAWMUT .;'..■.. ^. J^'^M ' L, 4 ^ (93) IXTKl) /I gS=i_.^ ' 1^ — 1 — 1 n 1—;; i 1 ^ -J- -^7^^=^ ' -1- -1 -J— y\ et^^--i=^s=5=5- 3=^^-'- =1 ^ ^=^ _4 ;4._: • =3=^ q— ^ ir i;-^--:: i5^ =gs= :^ — J \ - Chorus. ii|=*; :d== = -*■ -#■ "•■ -•-+15-- ::l=q= 3=*: -1^^ 'r -j- -^.-Jr (94) THE FORCE OF MINE We sailed across tlie water, We sailed across the foam. For fourteen days and fourteen nights We sailed away from home. But now three thousand miles away We love our country more. Let's give three cheers for Uncle Sam From off the (jerman sliore. Chorus It's a mine here and a mine there, Over the ocean everywhere. Now our ships can cross the sea And win the war for Liberty ; Uncle Sammy brought his ships To France' and Belgium's shores. That force of mine has done its share ; We've fixed the U-Boat fair and square; When victory comes they'll all declare That mines have won the war. We may not look like dreadnaughts, But from all the present signs Davy Jones has told the Kaiser That we're there on laying mines. Awhile ago, the subs you know Thought they had the gravy. But when they hit our mine fields, oh! They leave the German Navy. Chorus It's a mine here and a mine there. Over the ocean everywhere. Now our ships can cross the sea And win the war for Liberty, For 'V'ankee Doodle laid his mines, And got the U-Boats sore ; And after America's army came, We showed them how to play the game ; To Berlin, Victory, and to Fame — That's how we won the war. (95) 1 1 No\ ember, 19 1 8. From : C. M. F. To: A. S. P. Time : lo.o^ a. m. The Armistice is signed. Hostilities are to be suspended forthwith. .\11 anti- submarine defence measures in force to insure the secur- ity of men-of-war at sea or in harbor are still to remain in force until further orders. Submarines on surface are not to be attackcii unless their intentions are ob\'ious. 0935- (F) Armistice Day (96) THE yankep: mining squadron 1. A great offensive we've begun Bv going out to strafe the Hun, Putting the submarines on the bum, In the Yankee Mining Squadron. (Chorus) Away! Away! depth charge and gun. They'll have no chance against the Hun. Our mines have ended all their fun. Oh! the Yankee Mining Squadron. 2. The Admiral, Sir, K. C. M. G., Is making it safe for democracy By dropping pills in the old North Sea From the Yankee Mining Scjuadron. 3. "Afraid we're late; canst mine by dark?" The boss sat up and gave a bark. " Get out of the way, you d — d old ark, For the Yankee iVIining Squadron." 4. The Commodore leads us, straight and true. In battle, — whatever there is to do. To victories, ever fresh and new. Of the Yankee Mining Squadron. 5. The Commodore's on the bridge, rampant; We've a hundred thousand mines to plant; Just try to sleep: you'll find you can't, In the Yankee Mining Squadron. 6. The Frisco and the Baltimore, The ships that won the Spanish War, Will fight for many a long year more With the Yankee Mining Squadron. 7. The Baltimore was the first away. She traveled a thousand miles a day To show the Allies the lively way Of the Yankee Mining Squadron. 8. The Housa and the Roanoke, Adrift at sea with rudder broke. Were saved b\" nauseating smoke Of the Yankee .Mining Squadron. 9. The Housa says Canonicus Plants all the mines that raise a fuss, 'Till the whole North Sea is in a muss 'Round the Yankee Mining Squadron. 10. Ihe Canandaigua, so they say. Would always anchor in Beauly Bay, And certainly there when golf's to play, In the \'ankee Mining Sfpiadron. 11. The Shawmut and the Aroostook, The flyers from Boston to Sandy Hook, To climb their bridges would stump Doc Cook, Oh! the Yankee Mining Squadron. 12. The Quinnehaug and the Saranac, The sister ships with the funny stack. They amble out and toddle back With the Yankee Mining Squadron. 13. The sweeping up! Ye gods, what muck! (The Quinnebaug quickly passed the buck.) The Huns that try it are out of luck. Oh! the Y'ankee Mining Squadron. 14. " Oh ! who is the name of the small steamboat? " Sonoma, the smartest thing afloat! She goes for the subs and gets their goat. Oh! the Yankee Mining Squadron. 15. "Oh! give us a lift," the wreckers said. Ontario went to Kinsale Head .And rescued the cripples away from the dead — Oh! the Yankee Mining Squadron. 16. Patuxent and Patapsco, too. Went out three times the mines to view, .•\nd helped unite the bases two. For the Yankee Mining Squadron. 17. I'he fourteenth, " Vampire," leading hound, Will drive the subs to watery ground. We're always happy when they're around The Yankee Mining Squadron. 18. The " Vampire " now is standing in, The Squadron moves by seven ten. No party by Sambo and Brandy Gin For the Yankee Mining Squadron. 19. The Black Hawk lies at Base Eighteen, She helps us to repair and clean From underwear to ice inachine. Oh! the Yankee Mining Squadron. 20. Except for the mountains of T N T The Bases are safe as afternoon tea, For they never have to go to sea With the Yankee Mining Squadron. 21. His army whipped, and his navy, too. We turn our back on the Kaiser's crew, And sail away to home and YOU, In the Yankee Mining Squadron. (97) ^1^^^^^^^ To Our Sixth Battle Squadron Who Screened Us While We Planted The Garden (98) 50 Pai.merstox Place, Edinburgh, N. B.. 13 November, igi8. Dear Captain Belknai': I felt I must write ami Ldiiuratulate \iiii (in the fact that the Yankee Mining Squadron will now be able to return home, ha\infi taken an lionourable part in the great war. \Iy congratulations to you all from myself and the 14th Flotilla, and I trust H. M. Goveriinicnt will not forget to give honour to you and your fine feUows in the Squadron. Please convey my best wishes to your officers and men in a general signal, "The 14th Flotilla send greetings to the Yankee Alining Squadron and wish them a pleasant passage home and a real gcmd time when thev get there, and will see them go with regret." Yours very sincerel\ , H. R. Godfrey. " riie V. S. Mine Stjuadron thanks tht 14th Flotilla for its kind niessaj^e and retiu'ns the greeting most cordially, wishing that the officers and men of the J'lotilla may fiilK' enjoy a well-earned ]ea\e. I he Squadron will always remember the Flotilla anil will look forward to renewing a most agreeable association." Going After the Hun (99) VIVA AMERICA! THANKSGIVING DAY CELEBRATIONS To commemorate the landing of the Pil- grim Fathers on New England soil, al- most 300 years ago. American citizens, wherever they may be found, celebrate in their own way. the anniversary of that event. The Day was not forgotten in In- verness, where so many of our brethren from overseas are located at present, and two days liave been given over to celebra- tions. On Thursday evening the American naval officers and other guests were enter- tained to dinner in the Station Hotel by the S.N.O., H.M. Naval Depot, Inverness- Captain Rowley. In addition to American guests, the following among many others received invitations: — Tjie Provost, tlie Senior Bailie, minister of the High Churcli, Bisliop Maclean. Priest in Charge. R.C. Churcli; minister of tlie U.F. Church. County Chief-Constable, Burgh Chief- Constable, Town Clerk. Town-Clerk- Depute, the Resident Medical Officer of Health. Genera] Manager, H.R.; Traffic Manager, do.. &c.. &c. The toast of the President of the United States was given by Captain Rowley, replied to by Admiral Strauss. U.S. Navy. who. in proposing " Tlie Kins." said Britain liad a King unswerving in his devotion, an example of patriotism, surrounded by wise counsel- lors. In the absence of the Lord-Lieuten- ant of the County through illness, the toast of " The Services " was given by Dr. William Mackay, acknowledged on behalf of the U.S. Navy by Captain Belknap, for the British Navy by Commander Rankin, R.N.. while Ma.ior Matheson, Cameron Highlanders, spoke for tlie British Army. In a graceful speech, the toast of the Burgh of Inverness was proposed by Cap- tain Cluverius. U.S.N., who declared that in five months tlie names of Tomnahurich. Kessock. and Munlochy had come to bs written Indelibly on American hearts. Provost Macdonald said we were proud to have the Americans among us, and they would be much missed when they had to leave us. Later in the evening British naval offi- cers entertained American naval officers at a ball held in the Northern Meeting Rooms, the scene of so many brilliant functions of the kind for well over a hun- dred years. Mrs. David Logan's band and an American ship band supplied the music. (100) From: Rear Admiral, In\ergordon. To: Commander Mine Force, Base i8. Date: 2d December, 1918. No. 058. Departure of Ships of U. S. Mine P\)rce from Iircfrijnrdo)!. On the departure of the ships of the U. S. Mine Force from this port I desire to express to you my hij^h appreciation of the friendly and cordial spirit in which the Commanding ( )fficcrs and all ranks and ratings of that Force ha\e co-operated and assisted in the work of this Base with regartl to all matters in which we have been associated. 2. Fhe relations between the U. S. Officers and men and those of the Royal Navy have been excellent throughout, and a feeling of friendship has been established between the two ser\-ices which will, I believe, prove strong and lasting. 3. I am glad to be able to inform you that the beha\iour of the U. S. ships" companies on shore has been most praiseworthy, and their good con- duct on all occasions reflects the highest credit on their state of discipline. 4. I should like to add that the courtesy and good will towards myself invariably displayed by the Captains and Officers will remain with me a most pleasant remembrance. (Sgd.) E. R. Pe.ars, Rear Admiral. '^ ^?«* -•^, (101 ) Ud S oLmJ WffS C^ooo. Q^EEo OF OCR fv\\Me. svsvflRo DON'T HtPPtn TO 5tt US- 2,OT » TINV\ vt 15 TOO W\OCH Fe.P\ ^ILtA n voT viuL ve, 00 rv\\T Dtw^ VE-N VE. Gt-T OE,N VU^J CflPTBlN. ^"%^w':^AR° NO- SHOT- BOLSME,^JV^^e^, tiTvit-R. ,waRD bout^o 85 rOftWY OTHtfss Of Thu^ Thought TrtE.-f \/YE.*\t^. -(Rrjo VV^tPit.. LONG W\UL THt. L.RST TRIP. LHM&t9\ IW OVJ Ps JULY FOURTH, lhS Message from Senior British Naval Officer, Inverness, to Commander .Mine Force. " All ranks and ratings tender to officers and men of the United States naval forces under your Hag the heartiest greeting on Independence Da\ , and to you their loyal cooperation in your determination to hring the war to a successful issue." Messages exchanged at Scapa Flow while Mine Squadron passed between the British Squadron and by the interned German fleet. 9:30 a.m. To: Admiral First Battle Squadron. \'ia: H. M. S. Canada. From: Commander Mine Squadrcjn ( )ne. Captain Belknap presents his compliments and regrets that his movement orders do not permit paying his respects in person to Admiral Madden. The U. S. Mine Squadron sends congratulations upon the great success that has hrought about this unprecedented spectacle, ogig. From: Admiral Madden. To: Captain Belknap. Thank \i)U for your ogiy. I wish the Mining Squadron speedy return home and have much regret in parting with such a splendid force. From: Captain Belknap. To: Admiral Madden. Many thanks for \onr kind message. The Mine Squadron has much enjoyed its duty with the (jrand Fleet and is much honored by the association. From: Admiral .Madden. To: Captain Belknap. Thank you. For your hilarious mining squadron, a speedx trip home and ha\e luiich regret in parting with such a brave bunch. Gr-and Fleet at Scapa (104) **» * !#' ^^,iiiiii* — ■^- L^ British ( 105) >^ i^l&iiKltk;: U' The Surrendered Fleet (106) Speech of Admiral W. S. Sims, U. S. Navy on board U. S. S. SAN FRANCISCO Flagship of Mine Squadron One at Portland, England 12 December, 191S The conimaiuliii}^ officers, all other officers that could be spared, and 25 men from each mine planter, were assembled on board the Sun Francisco at 9. 1 5 a. m. and at 9.30 Admiral Sims, accompanied by Captain Twining and Commander Babcock, came on board. His flag was flown on board during his stay. All the men being mustered aft and the officers assembled on the poop. Admiral Sims spoke from the break of poop as follows: " I am sorry that it happened I brought you out on a day like this, but I wanted to say something to you before \ou go away. I realize perfectly well that I have not been able to visit the mining forces as much as would have been desired. I hope that you have not felt at all slighted by it. Perhaps all of you don't know the e.xtent of the Navy's activities on this side. Besides your bases, we have about 30 others, between 75,000 and 80,000 people and 5000 officers over here, and all sorts of business to be transacted with the Navy Departments of the Allies. I would have been very glad to visit you frequently. I want you, however, to understand we have kept a close eye on your work and have appreciated it very thoroughly. This mining force has done a stunt the like of which has not been done in the world before. After we came into the war we designed a mine, built it, equipped the mine layers, sent them over to this side and planted more mines in less space of time than any nation in the world ever thought of doing before. As to the efficiency of the mine barrier, that is something that has not concerned you so particularly as those who designed it ; but the stunt of fitting out the vessels, learning to handle the mines, planting them, and going through the strenuous work has been really one of the finest stunts the Navy has accomplished on this side. " There has not been much about it in the papers, because this is one of the things we didn't want our friends, the Germans, to know an\ thing about. 'V'ou need not be afraid, however — it will be thoroughly explained and thoroughl)' exploited a little bit later. Now this work has been so successful that it has excited the commendation of all the Navies on this side. I think that our mine la\ers that were fitted out for this purpose are distinctly better than those that have been designed in leisure time of peace. All our ships of same displacement carried more than twice as many mines and can drop them successfully going at full speed. As far as I know, the planting of this mine field has gone on without hitch. I mean in so far as the handling of mines is concerned. If some of the mines have popped off, that has to do with the design of the very compli- cated mechanism, with which you men have not been concerned ; but as a nautical stunt, a piece of seamanship, it has been perfectly successful, and we understand that per- fectl) well. " Another thing particularly gratifying is that the conduct of the men of the Mine Force at their bases and at sea has been exemplary. I think one thing that has impressed itself on this side more than an\ other is the coniiuct of our men. They were (107) inclined to regard us, when we first came over here, as men out of the wilds of America. I think they rather wanted to strengthen their police force when we came around. They found out it was not necessary. Not only have you created a good impression by your conduct as far as seamanship is concerned, but you have created a splendid impres- sion socially. We hear it on all sides. I saw your show, the second part of it, in London the other day. It had anything of its kind I have seen skinned to death. There isn't another one that holds a candle to it. It is particularly gratifying that the show included a number of the young girls of Inverness. The show was clean and refined and splendid in every way. It was a pleasure to go behind the curtain and thank them and to kiss that wee bit of a girl who used to do the dance. You know the one I mean. " That good feeling you have been able to show has made this nation understand the Americans now the way they never did before, and you people understand the English and Scotch people as you never did before. It makes good feeling on both sides of the ocean, and to keep the peace of tiie world we are going to need that feeling among all the Anglo-Saxons. I am sorry that I am not going home with you. I envy you all going home to your people again. When we shall be able to do it I don't know. Perhaps after the bulk of our men have been returned. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year; and when you get back there you can tell them all about it. You need not feel that you have to tell them you did the whole thing. Just tell them a straight story and \ou ma\' be more than satisfied with that. I thank \ ou for \our attention." Reply by Captain R. R. Belknap, Squadron Commander, to Admiral W. S. Sims I wish to thank }ou, Admiral, for all \ou have said and to say that the Mine Squadron has felt the greatest honor in serving under you and is very proud to have the flagship hoist \our flag even for only a few minutes." GOOD BYf PADDINGTON (108) KILT— v/HV DO THEV CALL youR SHIP5 "snE','i-i«E A cov/, Qt^Htrl? COB- R,EC/\U5E THC-y LftYniNE'S AND l-lflVE MINE HATCHE y ! (109) *^ ^^^ A Quiet Day in the Orknies (110) THE RAIDERS OE THE NIGHT We are tlie Mine Force Squadron One, Ehe " Choosers of the Slain," (Guards of the Marches of the Xortii, And Keepers of the Main. At fall of dusk we softly steal Erom out each firth ; and forth, Seeking the aid of nifjht's dark tide, To strike hard from the North. Weapons deadly with menace blind Deep hid in our bowels lie. To trap the Hun shoidd he venture forth, ( )r block him shoidd he fl\ . Nitihtly the North Sea knows our screws B\ their muffled, careful beat, ^Vhile we strew the sudden death luiseen For our foes' unwary feet. Until the world is safe again, And each Boche crime set right. The Hun shall know no merc\- from The " Raiders of the Night." (111) Inverness Castle The Islands High St.. Inverness Inverness THE CRUISE OF THE QUINNEBAUG \'ou ma\ talk (if tramps anil scows, Raise a lot of bloomin' rows, On the virtues of the schooner aiul the tow-boat, But when it comes to motion On the old Atlantic Ocean This Ouinricbaug is sure some little row-boat. In the days before the war The torpedo boats they bore A " rep " for diggin' deep and hittin' high spots. But of all the bloody steamers That fly commission streamers. This QiiinnihniKj could trim 'em all in dr\ dock. Chorus Then its roll, roll, roll, \"ou big hunka junk, just pitch and roll, And the twentieth century sailors, Like a bunch of tanked up tailors. Feed the fish while \ou roll, and roll, and roll. She is dirty, damp and musty, All her bolts are loose and rust\-. Her plates are warped, her stanchions sadly twisted. Her brightwork's always dusty. Her compartments always crusty Her mast to starboard, stack to port, is listed. Her engine's old and creaky — Her foc'sdeck is leaky, But her Vaps would make the angels start a-ravin', For a measely little quarter Of a bucket of fresh water Is the limit that we get to wash and shave in. Then its baug, baug, baug, You pack o' worn out spare parts, Ouiniubaiiy, You should be in my opinion With the rest of " Old Dominion " — In a cozy stall in Hades, Ouinnebatig. (113) Invergordon Near Invergordon Alness, Near Base 17 Boom Defense, Invergordon The Roads are ^-o.'. jf llien> J ,«^j*siss«^■<■■^^«*aa**<:-:ia«Rav&~Mi:I-4i^ • .« The Gate (114) "CENSORED" Base Eighteen, Somewhere ix Scotland. Dear ^^^^^^^^m I'm \\ riting long and stead'lv , have to keep up with m\ mail, for they all chime in the medley, " let me hear your long, sad tale! " Tho I'm weary with the punching out of self-historic " dope," still I sit here pufling, munching, on a thrupence canteen " rope " for I have to write to you, dear, tho the rest are " S. O. L." and altho there's nothing new here, I will do my best to tell how I helped the Allied nations to subdue the vandal Hun and by sundry demonstrations, proved the job could be well done. So I puff a few more smoke rings, then I look into the haze ; and there pictured are some sad things that have happened in past days. Now, I see the Kaiser weeping, and his fam'ly weeping too, and I ask him what is keeping all the Hohenzollerns blue. So he answers, while I list'ning, take it down in plain short-hand, while he tells me, tear-drops glist'ning, why the ro\al bunch was canned : " 'Tis your blocking of the North Sea with your cursed \ ankee mines that has spoiled a certain vic'try and upset our fell designs. Time there was, when ruthless U-boats, with my chosen pirate crews, had the Allied men-o'-war's ' goats ' and there wasn't much to choose 'tween a slow and sure starvation or a grim defeat on land for the French and British nations 'til ' Sim's Circus ' took a hand. " First, we didn't realize it; thought that things would go the same and, took pains to advertise it, you folks couldn't ' queer ' our game. But we noticed, as the months passed, all reports grew mighty slim of ship sinkings, in grim contrast to the days when, in good trim, we were sinking liners faster than the ship-yards turn them out. ' Now we're faced with /his disaster; next 'twill be our armies' rout for we keep our people's temper quiet by the news at sea and, as long as I am Kmp'ror, slinging bull is up to me.' " When we heard yuu'd mined the North Sea, we sent out our boats to sweep but they never came back to me, for their bodies glut the deep. Seems that these were not the same kind as the British laid before and I curse the Yank who designed such a bolt to fit my door. No more subs came home to cheer me with some bit of hellish news and I see it now too clearly; everything I had — I lose! For the Yanks have put quietus on me and my craven sons; soon old Satan comes to meet us, with ' no mercy for the Huns!' But I still maintain, and rightly, I'd have won out in my course, were it not (here censored slightly) for your $??? — verdammt Mine Force! " Thus he finished somewhat sadly and I saw his point of view; saw we hadn't done so badly in our efforts to subdue him and his piratic minions, and we haven't worked in • vain, for the German Eagle's pinions are fast bound in mine-wrought chains. Now you know what I've been doing, in my absence from your side, and the trouble we were brewing for the Huns; you can decide whether I have dodged my dut}', shirking, as a draft-evading slob, or put in my service working, as befits, \'our friend, A. Gob. (115) p>-. Mines Coming! Hftfitl' aaMaM«rBaM«M)l .MUijai A Mine Carrier A Pilot The Olympia Arriving at Archangel Just Dropped (116) Another Escort Standing Out Cine of the Escort H. M. S. New Zealand Flagship Supporting Force Tmg!m. One of the Supports ,.._...,:*iv.i^.^v::S^;^ The Flotilla (117) TRtAt N^e BRCtA TP MElw VORrt TOWrJ rvtv» YOB'S Toin^rJ TMOTS WME,^^e-. 1 OMO TO BE.-e.-E, OH ©DY I CRrV RLM05T HC-(3(\ F( liHT IM' WIT TH' ME.16H TP.V IN' TR PO r»,Hn£ .-nE. HOME SlC^^ tPV somt, THIN? I ■ — V^IHtN Wt. HLBBO HBOUT THt,&t?,rOS Sl&NlIMG THE. RRlV\E.STRVCt SCMOONC- 5TRTE,S IN n PRY OR 50 flNDtVE.(\Y — YOORS TF\ULy. O.S. S.SRf\PlT*RC.. /^ NRyYjB£:m (118) Ji- Escort Screening [ l.ij 1, Planting V. 1 1 lilt ixmnm ^ A Premature Attack (119) GLEANED FROM THE CENSOR ". . . . 1 would send you a picture of myself in kilts, only can't, due to censorship rejiulations, as it might give a\va\ our location." Please go and see a good show on me and I will give you tile money for the seats when I get home. Would send the money to you, but our letters pass througii so many censors, am afraid \"ou wouldn't get it." TWO REQUESTS FOR RELEASE ". . . . AI\ reasons being that the purpose for which I en- listed has been accomplished, namely, helping to save the world from the Hun and that I have waiting for me on the outside a w ife, a job, and a chance to get ahead. " ". . . . 1 have mules and oxens at home on my father's hands to take care of and he is getting old." (120) Ready for the i-dsi ucy ui the Run Home Fasl Jiiiii of Mine Pluiileis. Thp f S S Shawnint Cjpt. W. T. Cluverius, U. S. N., aii.l the U S. S Aroostok c" ,t. .1. If. Ton.h. U. S. N of the Mine Foi^e arriveriin Hampton Roads. Va., with honiewar.l hound pennants fl.Mng ™ Dec 27 a er a fast run of twelve and one-half days from Portland Ensland va the Azores and Bermuda. These ships are twent.v-knot mne Planters were fitte.l out at the Boston Yard, and form the Third DvUian of Mine Squadro,, No. 1, which laid the North Sea Barrage. The other ships of the squa.lron are returning b.v the northern mute. Street in Ponta Delgada •'t '•iilr'"ii Christmas Day at Bermuda Ponta Deigada, Azores (121 ) Hospital Ship from Grand Fleet Hospital at Strathpeffer A hl..si:ita! I The Wreck of the Natal, Invergordon (122) THE MINE LASERS The sun comes from the Northern Sea, O'er Scotland's rocky harbor walls, And sees ten jiorjieous banners rise, Wliile ten brun/ed bo'sn's pipe their calls. Ten valiant siiips, by twos alike, With terrible resolve have come. To close high seas to Teuton wolves. The U. S. Mininjj; Squadron One. Seaworthy craft, whose peaceful lines. From monster guns and armor free, With war paint to confuse the eye Betwixt the sky and tossing sea. Here fort\- hundred sailors dwell. Our wartime homes are ships of steel. Called from all planes and walks of life, To serve mankind and public weal. Across this northern passage way. From tossing wave to ocean's floor, From Norway's coast a chain of death We stretched to Orkney's rugged shore. And other well-laid snares were set, To trap the cruel Hunnish knave; His wreckage silent witness bore Of death upon the restless wave. We go not forth to meet the foe Who have not, will not, fight like men ; We trap the wolves who scourge the sea, And keep him in, or from, his den. Though weather fair or iou\ may be A hidden trail of death we make. Perdition takes the eneni) Who luckless dares our silent wake. The blow of roaring ocean wave The sudden dart of coward's might We brave with faith and courage high Because we serve the God of Right. Now praise to gallant Godfrey's craft. Manned by the sturd\ British tar. Our guardians throughout danger's patii, A\e, warding peril from afar. When Truth spreads Histor\' s pages o'er With deeds tiiat triumphed o'er the Hun. One force will shine as none before — 1 he U. S. Mining Squadron ()ne. (123) After all^tlieres no 4lrl | .g i | like tke AiHKerieaia^ airl i '|f . iiiViiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiimiiiiHiiiiiiiinilfijwgiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiu'iiuiiiiniiuiHiiiiininiiiiiHiiiiniuiii^ (124) HOME AND FAME Extract trom The Tnucs-Hodld : Newport News, Va., 2 January, 1919- SIX MINE PLANTERS BACK FROM WAR ZONE Six mine planters, which ha\"e been doing service in foreign waters tor the past two years, have arrived in Hampton Roads. They are the SHAWNOCK, AROSTOK, HOUSTANIC, ROANOKE, QUIV- ENDELAY, and CONDULOY. The BALTI- MORE, SARANAC, CONICUS, FRANCIS are expected here in a day or two. The battleships CONNECTICUT and MASSA- CHUSFITTS are also in the Roads. (125) THE PUBLICATION COMMITTEE Captain \V. T. CLUVERIUS, U. S. N. (^/iiiitrnii/i Lieutenant A. I. FLVNN U. S. N. Lieutenant J. R. FRAWLEY, Pay Corps, U. S. N. Lieutenant W. T. SPENCER, Medical Curps, U.S.N. H. G. FLUCKE, Seaman Signalman 2nd Class, U. S. N. R. F. A. VICTOR BEALS Painter 1st Cl.ass, U. S. N. R. F. (126; (127) YI92 •"oV •^O" •0' ^<^ v^^ -»>ov^' ^iS2^.'. >^^^ oV'^^IEV- -^-^v^ :'£im>^\ '^MrS V-O^ v-tff 1. . . . ■* »••, "^b *D **.-t:t«' a 1* J^^^^m ■ >, d^ . o " " » '*b o5°<«. * «.•«•' <^ * - ^-^ -K^^ •>.-^-^-.^ .^' "'^^ --^P^,* .-^^ V ol s\ ^ /^V/.^ -^Z ;^\ ^^^ •^^ "'" ^O'^"..-"*' ^"^o '*" ^*^ -•'"- "^ oV ^ V' «1 o »" v. :#* ... V "'- *V' ^sy %/ ;^^-. S^o^' ^>^^^\ %/ ;^'. %-o^ ^:** ^ ^0' i-.\./ '"■"■' *w* .•^•. X/ /.flfe'-. *•<:,,** .•; WJhil]lttlll:HI«iinin{IIBllllK'lllllli1llli«li