Saturday, July 31, 1915

Turned out at 6:30. At 8:15 we turned to - general field day. The Santa Barbara islands - great yellow and brown mountains rising from a green sea. I was in charge on the boat deck. We scrubbed paintwork and holystoned the deck until all was clean, then dried down immediately while all the others still had sand all over. After dinner all the others had to turn to again - I went down to the after handling room and played chess with Fully. During the day the sun was warm but the breeze was strong and cold. Turned in at 8:30.

Friday, July 30, 1915

We were allowed to sleep in until 7 this morning. It was cold again, but by 9 o'clock, when we went ashore it was warm. We ate a light breakfast at Kemp's[?] - after the turkey feed of yesterday we couldn't eat much. After breakfast Geok and I took a car for the Exposition intending to go to one of the many beautiful quiet corners and enjoy a rest and smoke. But that turned out to be only an intention. We had been in the grounds about five minutes, and were standing at a corner deciding upon a course to steer when three young ladies passed. Geok and I decided to make their acquaintance - we met them in the varied industries building, at the register. We introduced ourselves, and found that they were sisters from Harvard, Illinois. I took charge of the youngest of the three. The oldest we let be the chaperon. Some time was spent walking thru the buildings getting acquainted and looking around. My friend was well up on art - in fact on all the fine arts, so we two spent quite a time studying paintings and admiring handicraft of various kinds. When we first looked at a clock it was 2 o'clock - and we were very much surprised. We went to the Japanese Tea house where a submissive little Jap woman served us sandwiches, excellent green tea and ice cream - I almost forgot the olives and Jap rice cakes which were excellent too. It was a long time before we left the tea house, and then Geok left before we did. The afternoon was spent walking thru the beautiful grounds, looking at the wonderful flowers that grew in true Californian profusion all about. I humored the older sister along by finding seeds of rare plants that we found - and with the connivance of the younger one added a few tomato seeds that we happened to find. I hope they don't grow - the tomato seeds I mean. We would loose Geok and then run across him again thruout the afternoon. At 5:30 we started back to town. We invited the ladies to the ball to be given us at the Coronado in the evening. At the San Diego we met a man from Harvard so some time was spent talking of home. We finally got started for dinner. We went to Rudder's[?] and left there at nine o'clock - too late to go to the ball - the one disappointment of the day. But we had a very pleasant evening together, swapping experiences and dancing in the small dance hall - there were four of us - on the roof of the San Diego. At eleven - the time we were to be at the dock - Geok and I left the hotel, going to the Coronado dock - only to find that it was the wrong one. We ran across an area of sand, down a railroad track and finally reached the Santa Fe dock, all hot and out of breath, just in time to catch the boat. Just as we jumped aboard the boat shoved off. It had been a wonderful day in every way.

Thursday, July 29, 1915

We were roused from a deep sleep at 5 this morning, but what for I don't know. Until breakfast time I watch the approach to San Diego, the narrow mouth of the harbor, the city, farther on, clustered among the hills, the broad yellow brown areas that with the mountains enclosed the broad body of water that forms the harbor and all its branches. Before we entered the harbor a familiar buzz announced the presence of an aeroplane, and it was not long until we saw not only one, a biplane, but also three biplane-hydroaeroplanes. All of them flew about us waving and cheering. We dropped anchor at 8 in the morning, and before ten were on our way to the dock, with our guns, ready for the parade. Amid the cheers of the crowd that turned out, most of them in two great lines of autos, we marched, between two lines of cavalry, dipping in honor to us, up Broadway. The city was decorated with flags especially the streets along which lay our route. Marching into the plaza at the exposition we formed into two battalion lines, presenting arms before old Teddy - Roosevelt was there to greet us with a speech, one that I can't remember well enuf to attempt to put down here, but one the substance of which I do not want to forget. After that ceremony we marched to cars that carried us back to the landing. It had been a hot walk, but as I was to find out, we were well repaid for the favor. At 2 we were back in San Diego - with 12:30 liberty! That meant a feed at the U.S. Grant, and we had it - from 5:30 to 8. In the afternoon we visited the Exposition. After the feed we went to the ball that was to be given us in the plaza. Only Geok and I went there. It was less than 5 minutes after I arrived when I was introduced to Capt. Jecoup's wife, who immediately after our dance, introduced me to some girls - and from then until 11:45 I kept meeting women and dancing. Many Coronado people were there, and they did their best to show us a good time - and succeeded. When I got back to the ship by the last boat, I was tired but happy. It did not take me long to turn in and fall asleep.

Wednesday, July 28, 1915

Turned out at 6:30 after a cool night's sleep. Land was in sight - they were the islands outside San Diego - great mountainous, barren islands they were and as they reached upward they melted into a cold gray cloud bank. It was very cold all the early morning - so cold and gray that I wondered how Sunkist oranges ever came from California. But I didn't worry long, for as the day grew, the air became warmer, the sun came out suddenly, hot and bright, and in a short time the cold of the dawn was gone. In the afternoon we drilled - on a corking mat for a time in the afternoon sun. We passed slowly between the great brown islands in order to reach the mouth of the harbor in the early morning. We didn't go below - instead we cleaned ship, which I didn't like as well. It was very cold again when I turned in about 8:30.

Tuesday, July 27, 1915

At 6:30 I turned out very much refreshed. Went below at 8:30 to sketch the main and auxiliary drains, jacket steam and drains, oiling system, valve water service and cylinder relief valves - a short morning's work. I finished at 10:30 so until 11:30 I corked off by the circulating pump. In the afternoon, in preparation for tomorrow afternoon's parade in San Diego, we got into blue service and leggings, cleaned the rifles and had an hour and a half of drill on the quarterdeck. We increased our speed from 65 to 78 turns in order to reach San Diego before 8 tomorrow morning. That will be 3 days ahead of time. Turned in early at my billet. For the last three days we have had to wear kaki[khaki] shirts, and at night, one blanket is none too warm.

Monday, July 26, 1915

Turned out at 6:30. Went below at 8:15 on my first day at engineering. The Swine[?] started us out with a speech on work - saying among other things that he intended to give us enuf work to keep us busy until 9 at night. The morning's work was to trace and sketch the main steam, auxiliary steam and auxiliary exhaust. In the afternoon we sketched the air pump, circulating pump, fire and bilge, and the flushing pumps, the fee and filter tank, main condenser, water service and the reversing engine. I worked on my notebook until about 7:30 - not quite the limit. I was tired from standing up all day long so I turned in at 8. It was still very cold above decks and windy. Two whales were seen during the day tho I didn't get a look at them.

Sunday, July 25, 1915

Turned out at 5 after a night spent in rolling constantly in an effort to keep a blanket about me, and swung below until 6:30. Went to chapel at 10:30 after playing a few games of chess. Dinner was very poor - as most of our meals of late have been - and we had to make up for a shortage in 'eats' by a half hour on the porch. Spent the afternoon writing a letter home and playing chess. Turned in at 8:30. It was too cold and windy to sleep on deck so I turned in on my billet.

Saturday, July 24, 1915

Had to turn out at 5, but I went below and slept until 6:30. Early in the morning the sea was a little rough, but before breakfast it was as smooth as ever. Had Captain's inspection in the morning. Another order was read expressing Fullam's confidence in the midshipman. I wish he would stop it - I don't believe he has any in us; I know none of us have any in him. We have just (2 P.M.) sighted Lower California. Did nothing all afternoon but write letters, play chess and cork, then after a 'catch' in the evening on the gallery with the gang I turned in on a forecastle swept by a breeze that threatened to blow my bedclothes from around me.

Friday, July 23, 1915

Slept in until 6:30. Yesterday all day I did nothing but eat and sleep. Wednesday morning I had the 4 - 8 watch below. When I came up I was nearly all in. I had no sleep for 3 days and three nights and was beginning to fell the need of some. I went to sick bay where they gave me morphine and turned me in. I slept all day, got another dose that night and slept until morning. I have come off the black gang for a time - but I am doing nothing at all. I hope I get away with it. The weather for the last four days has been very clear and moderately cool. The breeze we have had would have licked up whitecaps and sent the waves racing over the decks in the Atlantic, but here there is only that eternal steady roll and pitch, with the sea as smooth as glass. We have become accustomed to the pitching and rolling, and somewhat reconciled to the monotony of the quiet ocean. There as been one thing to mar these last four days, that has made everyone rhino - that is the 'dope' which purports to be straight and which has it that we get 7 o'clock liberty at San Diego and Frisco, get $20 for all our liberties, that Fullam refused to permit the citizens of San Diego to give us an auto tour, hop and barbeque[sic], that we coal at San Diego, that we lay in Frisco 12 days for overhauling machinery, and worst of all, that we get traveling expenses plus $10 on Sep leave; enuf to make anybody rhino. Fullam has been given every name that four languages can furnish, and every one feels that those aren't enuf. The gang has a new place now - on the after port gallery - and it is a fine meeting place. We sighted a tramp today, the first sail since we left the canal. Turned in about 8:30 on the forecastle with a full moon and clear sky. Noon position 100 - 56, 14 - 34 N.

Monday, July 19, 1915

Went on watch from 12 - 4 this morning. After I turned in at 4:30 I couldn't go to sleep. After quarters I tried to cork, but for some reason I couldn't. Hagen boobed the game - he tried to get a haircut during drill, whereupon Turner, seeing the black gang had nothing to do, went to Jacobs, who decided that we would go to gun drill. If they do much more of that I'll quit the black gang. The sea was even smoother today than yesterday, tho the swells still made us roll. Saw two turtles, one 6 ft. in diameter, the other smaller, two snakes and a shark, besides the usual number of flying fish and porpoises.

Sunday, July 18, 1915

Had the 8 to 12 watch in the fire room. When I came up I enjoyed the afternoon on deck. The sky was again full of heavy clouds, but there was no rain. The sea was smooth also, with the long low rolls which give us a regular roll and pitch, which when one gets accustomed to it is very pleasant. We have been in sight of land - on our starboard - all day. Turned in at 9 and turned out at 11:30 again to go on watch.

Saturday, July 17, 1915

Slept until 6:45. Had Captain's inspection this morning - the skipper told Tex he should be ashamed to come to quarters with a shirt on like the one he wore. I corked until after that until lunch. At 4 I went on the first dog watch below. At noon we were still headed southeast (245 deg) at ten knots, but were ready to change our course to the northward. The sea is very smooth except for long gentle rolls. The sky has been full of clouds but there has been no rain. Spent the evening, until about 10, in the eyes then turned in on the gun deck.

Friday, July 16, 1915

Click here, here, and here to see pictures of the U.S.S. Missouri in the Panama Canal on July 16, 1915. From the U.S. Naval Historical Center.

We were all turned out at 6:30 this morning to clean up the ship. After breakfast we dressed ship and decorated the quarterdeck with flags and palms, finishing the hot job about 9 o'clock. Not long after visitors - officers of the army and navy and their wives, daughters or lady friends - arrived. We shifted into white service. At 10 we heaved anchor and steamed in line thru Gatun Lake. There were plain and abundant evidences that the Lake is a flooded valley. The channel was marked by light buoys - outside of that trunks of what had been trees jutted out of the water - a veritable forest of bare stumps, crowned, many of them, by a clumsy pelican. The Lake was full of small tree covered islands - everything was green, some dark, some lighter, some hidden by the low lying clouds. We picked our way slowly thru this enticing wilderness, fairly intoxicated with the beauty of it all. After making so many turns that we lost nearly all sense of direction we passed three enormous metal towers - a wireless station with three aerials. From there we approached the dredged part of the canal at whose center lies that dread of engineers, Calebra. The channel was wide enough to allow two big ships to pass each other easily. The banks were sometimes low - high sometimes, as the cut went thru hills of greater or less height. At three points we passed khaki clad soldiers (The 10th, 5th, and 27th regiments) grouped on the bank - always on our right - at their little black stations. They cheered as we passed - their bands played, usually "Columbia the Gem of the Ocean." I noticed that it was impossible to see the soldiers, even when there were a large number in our spot, until they were very close to us. The looked for all the world like like a rock or dead bush or a small new [?] slide. About 3:30 we approached Calebra cut. On the right was a very high hill. The slides could be plainly seen in the tiers of gray clay that lay bare before us. On the left was a great rocky wall, higher even than the hill on the right. Men were washing it away in places with hydraulic pressure. There were several big steam shovels and dredge on either side of the canal as we passed, besides tug boats, cranes and big flat bottomed scows. The recent slides narrowed the channel so much at the cut that a tug had to guide us slowly thru between the temporary buoys that marked the path of safety. The one expression that nearly everyone used, and which tells the most truth, the impression which this great piece of engineering work makes upon one as he passes between these two monstrous mounds, was simply, "This is wonderful." Just as we left Calebra cut, Contractors Hill on the right, Diamond Hill on the left, the Wisconsin was just entering the other end of the Cut, and the Ohio was half way between. It was an impressive sight, and one which will not be seen for some time. I did not realize the greatness of the two hills we had just passed until I saw the Ohio just as she emerged from the cut behind us - she, with her hundred foot masts, went only half way up their sheer sides, and looked as small in comparison as a whale boat beside a man-of-war. A short distance beyond Calebra cut was an enormous crane, built by the "Deutsche Machinenfabric" - it was the U.S. Hercules - and the name was appropriate. I thot [thought] I was fortunate in seeing this, the largest floating crane in the world. Going forward slowly we soon came to the Pedro Miguel locks which dropped us in one lock to the Miraflores lake, a beautiful quiet lake, surrounded by some more beautiful green hills with the cloud crowned mountains behind them. It did not take us long to cross the lake to the Miraflores Locks. Two locks lowered us there to sea level, as quietly and evenly as the others had lifted us to the lakes. We were ready to head out to the Pacific. It was dark when we left the Canal, thoroughly awed by the immensity of it all, wondering, marveling at the brain that could conceive such a work and could work it out until this great inanimate[?] thing remained, to do the work that its creators could not do. There had not been a 'hitch' in our passage, nothing had happened that would not have made Americans feel proud this canal was ours. It is too wonderful to describe - too great to say a little about in an attempt to remove it from its home in the Canal Zone.

We stood out to sea at 6 knots. I had an 8-12 watch below, which was a very easy one.

Thursday, July 15, 1915

Slept in this morning on deck until 6:30. We had a few light rains during the morning. Everyone was anxious to see the coast, and I was anxious for fear we would not get in in time so that I would not have to go below on the first dog watch. At 3:30 we sighted land on our port bow - a beautiful range of cloud and snow crowned mountains with their foothills creeping up to them from the beach. Slowly we rounded the point and approached a low stretch of land - which we soon learned was Cristobal, the port of Colon.
At 4 o'clock we were within the harbor. A great breakwater extends just to either side of the channel from the shore. A part on our port was not completed. Colon and its port is a fair sized town, full of black screened, square houses. On our left as we enter is a large white building, of the red tiled Mexican style. It is a pretty building, and the only large one in sight. On our right are four German steamers. Passing up the river channel we pass the Levern and three of her submarines. An Argentine training ship - a steam bark - is coaling. She fired a salute of 13 guns which we returned. We have cut down our speed to about 6 knots and are entering The Canal proper. This is wonderful. The countryside is a beautiful green, hills and valley covered, crowded with luxuriant tropical vegetation. There on our right are some dilapidated grass tree huts, sticking their yellow roofs above the green trees. Birds are singing and twittering - and such a smell that comes from the hills, sweet and intoxicating. After making two bends we are crossing the path of the old French Canal and are in sight of the Gatun locks. It is about 6 o'clock and is getting dark. Colon - situated on the hill over which we are to be lifted, is black, but cool looking. The two locks are just before us. There are queer looking electric engines ready to tow us in. The mokes on the lock walls heave us a line with the wire cable at the end. Slowly we were pulled into the left hand lock, stopping just short of an immense gray lock gate. There was room and to spare for us there. The great gates that were flush with the concrete sides of the lock as we passed them slowly swung our, without a sound, until they met in a huge V. Almost immediately we began to rise, slowly, evenly - the movement scarcely noticeable, until we reached the next level, when the gates ahead of us swung open, with the same quiet, majestic, mysterious motion that had closed the others. Two time more we were raised from one lock, first to the one above then to Gatun Lake.
There lay at anchor, the BO and the BU who had preceded us the day before. By this time it was 7 o'clock, and dark. The lights of Colon showed us how that town was clustered about the high hill that lay to the right of the lock as on approaches from the lake. We anchored near the lock for the night.

Wednesday, July 14, 1915

Turned out at 3:30 to go below on the 4 to 8 watch. I felt fine until breakfast time when I began to get hungry. The main feed pump broke so we had to slow down to 50 turns. The watch was fairly easy. From 8 in the morning until 8 at night, when I took the 8-12, I had nothing to do but cork off - and I did that most of the time. We had a wonderful lunch. All the pineapple and oranges and cake and iced tea that we could possibly eat. At noon we were about in the middle of the Caribbean making 62 turns - but the current of the Gulf Stream held us back so that from 8 - 12 this morning we made only 10 miles. Had a fine clear night.

Tuesday, July 13, 1915

Bring on the black gang. I slept in until 6:30, but about 3 o'clock a storm drove us below. Hagen, on the quarterdeck, got completely squelched by a wave. We had field day all day, while I slept in a boat with 'Stony' until 12, when I went below for the 12 - 4 watch. It was easy steaming after the fires were cleaned and the ashes pulled. Working 40 minutes and resting 20 under the engine room blower makes the work easy - too easy in fact. I am getting less work from this watch than I did when I went on my own hook. Turned in below about ten.

Monday, July 12, 1915

We got into Guantanamo at about 2:30. When it got light enuf, I took a good look at this, our greatest possibility in the way of a naval station. There is a fine harbor, full of coves, landlocked with a small outlet. A low rang of mountains shelters it on all sides. There is a marine barracks, a two tower wireless station, store houses and a great traveling crane; behind the barracks were seven huge oil tanks. That is all one can see to indicate that the place is a naval base - but there are enormous possibilities! I didn't have much time to gaze at scenery tho. We began coaling at 8 and didn't finish until 7 in the evening. And such coal! It was dirty, dusty and hard to work. In half an hour we were as black as the lighters. I had coal in my eyes, in my lungs, ears and mouth - and the water they gave us was too warm to drink. We had to wet the coal continuously so that we wouldn't choke. Our division finished our lighter at 3:30, then we had to help on deck. I bought a pineapple and some bananas from a bum boat man. By some mistake the bugler blew swimming call - I took advantage of the mistake and jumped in, until somebody called us back. The water was fine - so was the pineapple. I joined the steaming watch in Evan's place. Swung on the forecastle. We left Guantanamo at 8:30. Among some of the uncommon things I saw here were a shark, several herons, a pelican, fish hawks and a fiery red butterfly.

Sunday, July 11, 1915

Slept until 6:30 this morning - I had had a fine night, cool enuf for a sound sleep but not too cool for light pajamas. The morning is fine - a good breeze is blowing off the port bow. We have passed San Salvador, where Columbus landed, Crooked Island and Fortune island [Bahamas], Aklins Island, Castle Island and the Mira por vos Islands[Cays]. From 10 until 12 I was at the wheel. It was great to fell the big ship swing with the wheel. Wrote letters all afternoon. We sighted Cape Maysi[Maisí]light about 8 o'clock (Oce 17) rounded the eastern end of Cuba and steered west guided by lights on the shore. I was on the dog house, a fine cool breeze was blowing when I fell asleep.

Saturday, July 10, 1915

Woke out of a sound sleep at 5 to scrub decks. The cinders were flying so fast and thick that we couldn't get the quarter deck clean. We had to scrub three decks while the gobs slept in. The are getting away with too much - they are lazy and sullen and won't stay on their side of the ship. Had Captain's inspection in the morning - locker inspection was very close. He asked me my name, but I don't know why. From after inspection until noon I corked off. Went below at 1:20 and fired continuously until 4:45 when I was so tired that I had to quit. After a good hot bath and cold salt shower I lay on the dog house until supper. My bones ached so that I couldn't rest but I knew it would be only temporary. I didn't eat much supper, but returned to the dog house where I staid [sic] until almost 9:30. We had a queer sunset. After a marvelously clear, cool day, the sun set in a bank of golden yellow, lighting clouds on the eastern horizon a fiery red. A few minutes after it had sunk out of sight black clouds began racing to the west. All this was an old indication of coming rain. I turned in below about 10.

Friday, July 9, 1915

Slept until 6:30, or rather I stayed in my hammock until then, for in the heat and bad close air of the gun deck I couldn't sleep. We were to have guard mount but for some reason it was knocked off. After quarters we had check sight drill which we managed to stretch out over about 15 minutes. The rest of the morning I corked on the dog house. In the afternoon we had field day - our division on the starb'd side of the quarter deck. I left there about 3 to go below, where I stayed until 5:15, firing, sliceing [sic], pulling fires, and passing coal. While I was on the quarter deck I turned on the water while Doug was looking down the hose - result, Doug got wet all over, I had a good laugh, Doug swore to get me some day, and I was happy. Washed up in the fire men's washroom. The day has been ideal, smooth sea, light wind and light clouds. At 6 P.M. we were about halfway down the coast of Florida. We have been making 65 turns - 11 knots. Had a fine night sleeping on the dog house. There was a light steady breeze all night.

Thursday, July 8, 1915

Turned out at 5 to scrub decks. The morning was a fine one. There was a strong steady wind of our starboard bow - it was a moist salty breeze that made you feel 'gooy'. It was so salty that a drink of fresh water tasted sugary. The sea is a beautiful clear blue - it can't be beat anywhere I believe; it's wonderful. We have sighted at least a half dozen ships. Had quarters and gun drill. The BO steamed abreast of us for check sight drill, then took her position 1000 yards abeam and 500 yards aft - the regular sea steaming formation. They have put in the gun port shutters. The sea is breaking well over the forecastle. A 60 mile gale blew all day - steady on our starboard bow. It washed waves up over the bridge - 42 feet above the water line. I staid [sic] up on deck until 10, cold, but loathe to go below where the air was hot and bad. Stoked from 3 to 5:15.

Wednesday, July 7, 1915

After I turned in last night I knew nothing until I was turned out this morning - and it was 6:30 not 3:30! Something felt different - I looked out of the port and saw the water moving faster than the tide usually had run. I looked further, and saw new land beside us - we were underway and I hadn't heard a thing. I found out the starboard watch had turned out - I'm in the port watch. The Ohio is steaming after us, 400 yards away. Was in the chains from 1 till 2:30. With a 2 fathom swing I could get a sounding every time, but it took some time until I could get a good one with a 16 foot line. We were supposed to scrub hammocks at 3, but I put my new one in my locker and went below. I was there until 5:15, firing and passing coal. we pulled fires and cleaned ash pans. When I came up we had just passed beyond Cape Henry. We had a head wind all the way down the bay, they trip down taking 13 hours - last year it took us less than 12. We spent an hour on the dog house in the evening and turned in early.

Tuesday, July 6, 1915

When I turned out this morning at 5 the sun was shining brilliantly - in shear [sic] delight it seemed at the fact that he would soon see us in other waters, for we leave tomorrow morning. We scrubbed decks as usual, had quarters and were supposed to have gun drill - but the gunner's mate was on liberty and we couldn't find the dotter gear - much to our dismay. At 11 the Wisconsin pulled out. We - the guard - were called aft under arms. As the BU passed us the band played one strain of the national air and we came to present arms. It certainly felt fine to see the old ballyho leaving. I wonder where we will catch her. In the afternoon we were supposed to have signal drill, but I picked Corbett out as my partner and as he knows more than I could tell him we soon finished our work and I went up on the anchor and wrote letters - the last mail was to leave at 3. As it was to be the last day that we would be able to sit behind the anchor davit, we spent a few hours up there in the afternoon. I was corking off and very nearly missed supper formation. After hammocks as much as the gang as was not on watch went to the eyes and spent a very pleasant evening. We turned in about 10:15 expecting to be turned out at 3:30.

Monday, July 5, 1915

When we turned out at 6 this morning it was raining - not hard, just that slow drizzle that makes a rainy day doubtfully unpleasant.
We scrubbed decks without sand then lay around until breakfast. At 8 we dressed ship.

At 8 We Dressed Ship

From after quarters until lunch the gang was in the eyes - reading, talking and smoking. At 12 the three ships fired a 21-gun salute. We could also see - and faintly hear - the boom of the Reina's guns as she fired her salute. I tried to get a picture of the ships, but the weather is so gray and void of light that I doubt they will be good.

The Ships Fired A 21-Gun Salute

I corked on deck all afternoon with the gang. In the evening we had an entertainment. I played in the band. We had boxing, wrestling, boom fighting, music, movies and a performance by a jackie who got out of shackles, handcuffs, lashings and a straight jacket with as much apparent ease as I could get out of a pair of gloves or my dress jacket. He is the same man who hypnotizes, prints pictures and is studying to be a steward. He's a Yid[?] which probably accounts for his queer but some-day-they-might-be-useful tricks in which he has perfected himself. We had a very enjoyable evening and didn't turn in until about 10:30.

Scan of the Programme for the U.S.S Missouri Boxing Bouts And Entertainment








Internet Links

Here's a link to the Internet Movie Database page for "His Kid Sister."

When I search the IMDb for "It Was Some Party", I get this page. Perhaps the French title is what was referenced in the ship's program.

Sunday, July 4, 1915

A fine way to start the 4th is to get up at 6 and scrub decks and shine brightwork. At least that's what we did. The orders are to celebrate the 4th tomorrow - maybe that accounts for it. All I did this morning was loaf and sing in the choir at church. For dinner we had turkey, ham, spuds, dressing, lettuce, cucumbers, peas, gravy, cocoa, vanilla and chocolate ice cream and cake - Some feed! We have liberty this afternoon but I'm not going. I corked on the forecastle all afternoon and returned with the bunch in the evening. Nothing at all has happened worth thinking twice about - except Donavin's wife, who happened to come aboard for a while in the afternoon.

Saturday, July 3, 1915

After turning out at 5 we turned to and washed down the quarter deck. I also helped shine brightwork a little. At quarters Hillary read us a letter from Fullam congratulating us on our neatness and general ability. The old duck isn't over the malady yet. After skipper's inspection we had nothing to do but stand by for locker inspection. I spent the afternoon - until about 4 o'clock - in the eyes. We all chipped in two bits and had ice cream and cakes sent in. That certainly did touch the spot - each one of us could have eaten a whole gallon of that cream, instead of a bowl full. It is raining and misting now. The bunch on liberty will not have such pleasant weather. It was the same last Saturday. We are on guard so we can't go ashore today. I and a few others had to take two sailing launches from the boom. We were towed alongside the Standish by a steamer and took off the returning liberty party, bringing them to the gangway, after which we "Hooked on" and got a ride as the crane lifted us on deck. After hammocks the gang again went to the eyes where they enjoyed themselves immensely until 10.

Friday, July 2, 1915

Turned out at 5 and turned to at 5:30. General field day had started. I worked on the boat deck with the rest of the 2nd classmen. We scrubbed paintwork then washed down the deck with sand and holystones. When we got thru with it - about 10:30 - it was clean, and so was everything on the boat deck. In the afternoon, we had nothing to do. I was too tired to do anything anyway so it was just as well that way. We could easily stand a little rest after these two days of real work. I'm tired. I stayed up in the eyes with the gang until about ten.

Thursday, July 1, 1915

At last it has come! We turned out at 5 and saw the lighters approaching. One of them was made fast to either side, amidships. About 6 we turned to. We were supposed to coal by watches half an hour long - but I didn't like the idea so I stayed in the lighter all morning without a rest. I didn't feel it then. There was the usually fighting for bags, and yelling for more bags, and cries of "Stand from under" as the crane hoisted from 10 to 16 bags. We stopped for breakfast at 7:30 and for lunch at 12:30. There were no sandwiches and coffee at 10, like last year. The coal was as clean as coal can be, not at all dusty, and very easy to work. I stayed on top of the pile all morning, and worked from the deck of the lighter in the afternoon. I was a sorry looking sight I guess - I know I felt as if I should have been. At for o'clock we had the lighters empty - we had taken on 843 tons. After we had finished with the coal our division went to the quarterdeck to wash down - ourselves and the deck. It was lots of fun. We all had swimming trunks on, and it didn't hurt us when someone turned the hose on us. We stayed there an hour, raising Cain and trying to get clean - in vain. Swimming call was sounded, but the jellyfish were too numerous to make the water enticing. The lie was put on the "The water's fine" when we saw the wince caused by a careless jellyfish. I got cleaned up later in the manger and felt fine. I wasn't sore or stiff, just plain tired. I stayed on deck until nearly eleven o'clock with the gang. It started to rain then and I went below.