Conquer Club

The Escalating Story, as told by a single reinforcement.

USS Catalapa
At Sea
Sunday May 24, 1942

This is the beginning of the war for me, the beginning of a "cruise". We are now standing out to sea. We do not know where we are going, or how long we shall be gone. There are many rumors and guesses - some say New Zealand. At any rate, it seems definitely below the equator wherever it is - probably some advance base from which we shall operate and lay submarine nets. It may be an out-of-the-way place, and a small place, as we are accompanied by a freighter which is apparently loaded with net-laying gear. The USS Ebony is also going with us. We are unescorted, we are not traveling with a convoy, and may run into difficultly, although none of the officers or crew show any apprehension...

Monday May 25, 1942

We saw the last lights of San Francisco last night at about 10 pm. From then on, until now (6:30 pm), it has been pretty rough going. It was difficult to sleep as there are many noises of sliding objects (food supplies and various kinds of gear which had not been properly secured due to our hurried departure), and in addition there was the sound of the engines, the tossing of the ship, and the movements of the crew, all of which was new to me as I had come aboard Sunday morning at Tiburon (the Naval Net Depot) and had not slept aboard before.
Water leaked into the forward compartment where I, and eight other petty officers are bunking, and ran around the deck following the movement of the ship. When I got up this morning I had the quaint pleasure of putting on a pair of wet shoes, and thought to myself: "so this is La Guerre!" Later, la guerre proved even more adventurous - we were all seasick! Yes, quite an adventure! We have taken our meals today standing up, holding on, with one hand to a mess table, and eating with the other when it seemed safe...

Tuesday May 26, 1942

8:30 pm. Just got back from General Quarters. The buzzer sounded at 7:30, so all hands were at their battle stations for 1 hour. This morning General Quarters stations were assumed at 4:30 am, and "secure" sounded at 5:30 am.
It has not been so rough today - the ground swells have been somewhat smaller, but the ship has bobbed, tossed, swayed, bucked as usual, and, as usual, we have taken our meals standing up.
There has been an indication of the presence of enemy ships. I relieved the Yeoman this evening for a while, and operated the submarine detection apparatus while he went to the topside to get some fresh air. He has heard nothing suspicious on any of his watches, he says. I suppose if you pick up an enemy sub you get the "jack pot", or perhaps the machine will play "America"...

Saturday May 30, 1942

The forward P.O.'s compartment is getting warmer everyday, and the sun is getting brighter and hotter. Couldn't use the blankets until the early morning hours. I don't believe we will use them at all any more, except maybe for sleeping on the topside. We should reach the equator in about two more days. Tomorrow will be one week since we left San Francisco...

Wednesday June 3, 1942

The "Liberty Ship" Frank Knox is having trouble with one of their guns - apparently a 3". They lowered a boat today, and rowed over to pick up our Gunner's Mate, Hurley, to see if he could repair the gun. It's 7:00 pm (after dark) and Hurley is still not back. We heard him firing some of their machine guns, so apparently they are on the fritz too. I certainly hope he can fix all their guns. It will make him feel pretty good. Come to think of it, I remember his saying before he left that he hoped he could fix the guns, and that he hoped their Gunner's Mate was "Regular Navy". Of course Hurley is a Reservist who was called to active duty after the war, or shortly before. I don't much blame him for feeling the way he does, not really, because the men of the regular navy, generally speaking, are rather bitter about the reserves, and refer to them as "Feathermerchants", and all sorts of un-complimentary terms are used. For instance, the day before we sailed I took my own car and drove to Mare Island to get some medical supplies from the Medical Supply Depot in the Navy Yard there. The ship did not have an allotment, and as it had been attached to, and operating from the Naval Net Depot, the officers at the Supply Depot felt that it was up to the Tiburon Dispensary to issue supplies to us. I had already been to Tiburon, and they were unable to give us half what we needed. But while I was there one of the lieutenants, who felt that Tiburon was completely at fault, said: "What have they got over there - a bunch of God-damned Reserves?" That is rather typical of the attitude of the "Regular Navy" towards the reserve...

Thursday June 4, 1942

The "news" today centers around Alaska. Dutch Harbor, where a Naval Air Station is located, is said to have been bombed three times today by the Japanese. So far, we have received none of the details.

Friday June 5, 1942

Now we have a rumor to the effect that Midway has been attacked by the Japs. Maybe we'll get the details when we get to Suva.
Some of the men on watch on the machine gun deck swear they saw a ship, and two planes last night at sunset. They must have been ours, or else they didn't see us, as we have had a very peaceful day.
We flew a kite today, and we all had a crack at firing at it with the 50 Cal. Machine guns but no one brought it down...

Sunday Evening (11:00 pm)

Just got back from a tour of Suva. The city is full of New Zealanders, plus the crew of a British Cruiser, and the Army transport President Coolidge. Apparently our Army and Navy is taking over, as the British and the New Zealanders expect to leave shortly. There is also two American destroyers here. I doubt very much if they will stay, however...

Monday June 29, 1942

The S.S. Coolidge is in again - brought in another load of soldiers and supplies. American soldiers, trucks, Jeeps are swarming all over the island. And another Liberty ship is laying-to in the harbor. The two American destroyers are back - they went to Auckland, New Zealand, and think they are now headed back home. I saw the Chief Pharmacist's Mate off the Cummings ashore, and when he told me where they had been, I asked him how it was. He replied" "terrible - Scotch costs $15 a quart - the liquor situation is much worse than here in Suva"...

June 5, 1943 - Suva

Things have seemed rather quiet lately - since the Germans were driven out of Africa, but I suppose it's the "quiet before the storm". Will the European Continent be invaded now? I shouldn't be at all surprised. Italy is reported as "tense", etc., but everything looks suspicious in connection with Spain. Recently the American ambassador praised Franco and his government... what does it mean? Does it mean we fear a Spanish attack through Morroco? Are we "playing ball" with them for that reason? Or could it mean we are trying to use Spain in connection with a Continental invasion of Europe? I don't know, but meanwhile Spain's "Blue Legion" is fighting with the Germans in Russia, and Joseph Stalin recently stated that Spain is an enemy of Russia, and called attention to the fact that Franco's soldiers are on Russian soil...
Most promising news just now I believe is the story out of China. We have long heard of the years of terror, retreat, and starvation for the Chinese, and now suddenly comes the glorious news that the Japanese are in full retreat along the upper Yangtze in Hupeh Province, and that the Chinese counter offensive is sweeping the Japs back. American Airmen are reported to be engaged in the offensive. This may prove to be just the shot in the arm the Chinese need, like Joan of Arc coming at the 11th hour in France. A few victories now may kindle China into a blazing fire of determination which will prove too hot for the Japanese...

Final entry...

Yesterday Jack Walsh, formerly of the Philadelphia Record, and now a Marine Corps Correspondent here, was out to dinner. I met him on the beach, and brought him back to the ship with me. Seems to be a nice fellow, I think he's coming out again Sunday, and is going to bring his partner, Neil Gilespie, who is the photographer who works with him.
This morning Mr. Heimer was down at the sick bay, and somehow the conversation touched on how much crumbier the ship used to be. He said he had nothing to do with discipline then, and that it was the fault of the chiefs! Wouldn't I like to hear him tell an admiral that!... I'm afraid his answer wouldn't satisfy an admiral. The admiral would say (unless he was so disgusted he'd just tear his hair out and leave the ship) that, if the chiefs are not on the job, it is the duty of an officer to see that they are. Every Naval Officer is responsible for discipline. I'm sure I've seen some pretty rotten officers but this crowd takes the cake. It would take 40 volumes to tell what's wrong with them.
Someday the war will be over! I hope it's before I have to fill up my second diary, which is just like this one. There are so many things I should have written here. Maybe the letters to Marian will add some details. RCR

I think I may have to come back to that one Robinette. That is kinda long . . . have you been taking notes from fitz on how to post that long?

i actually read that.

it seems Robinette is really bored.

and i guess i'm bored too for reading the diary. oh and i also revised all my games and made a bunch of stats.

for example in triples games i lost 69 points which is exactly 3.81% of the total points i lost in all my games.
i also know that 1v1 games have brought me a deficit of 2 points and that i have won 575 points in terminator games which is 20.31%of the total points i gained.

also i know that 92.3 of the people that read this post won't care about my stats but i'm bored so i don't really care.

happy2seeyou wrote:I think I may have to come back to that one Robinette. That is kinda long . . . have you been taking notes from fitz on how to post that long?

It's the kind of story to read looking out the window while sipping an iced cappuccino... it's about a 5 minute read.

It's all from the perspective of a single reinforcement who joins the game in the 4th round and is located away from action.

Robinette wrote:

happy2seeyou wrote:I think I may have to come back to that one Robinette. That is kinda long . . . have you been taking notes from fitz on how to post that long?

It's the kind of story to read looking out the window while sipping an iced cappuccino... it's about a 5 minute read.

It's all from the perspective of a single reinforcement who joins the game in the 4th round and is located away from action.

Sounds good. Did you write it or did you find it somewhere? If you wrote it, nice job.

not sure i feel like reading all this...

ParadiceCity9 wrote:not sure i feel like reading all this...

kids today...

Tell you what... don't be intimidated by the number of words... just read one paragraph and you'll likely be hooked into it... if not, stop reading.

nice read thanks robin

Robinette wrote:The Escalating Story, as told by a single reinforcement.

USS Catalapa
At Sea
Sunday May 24, 1942

This is the beginning of the war for me, the beginning of a "cruise". We are now standing out to sea. We do not know where we are going, or how long we shall be gone. There are many rumors and guesses - some say New Zealand. At any rate, it seems definitely below the equator wherever it is - probably some advance base from which we shall operate and lay submarine nets. It may be an out-of-the-way place, and a small place, as we are accompanied by a freighter which is apparently loaded with net-laying gear. The USS Ebony is also going with us. We are unescorted, we are not traveling with a convoy, and may run into difficultly, although none of the officers or crew show any apprehension...

Monday May 25, 1942

We saw the last lights of San Francisco last night at about 10 pm. From then on, until now (6:30 pm), it has been pretty rough going. It was difficult to sleep as there are many noises of sliding objects (food supplies and various kinds of gear which had not been properly secured due to our hurried departure), and in addition there was the sound of the engines, the tossing of the ship, and the movements of the crew, all of which was new to me as I had come aboard Sunday morning at Tiburon (the Naval Net Depot) and had not slept aboard before.
Water leaked into the forward compartment where I, and eight other petty officers are bunking, and ran around the deck following the movement of the ship. When I got up this morning I had the quaint pleasure of putting on a pair of wet shoes, and thought to myself: "so this is La Guerre!" Later, la guerre proved even more adventurous - we were all seasick! Yes, quite an adventure! We have taken our meals today standing up, holding on, with one hand to a mess table, and eating with the other when it seemed safe...

Tuesday May 26, 1942

8:30 pm. Just got back from General Quarters. The buzzer sounded at 7:30, so all hands were at their battle stations for 1 hour. This morning General Quarters stations were assumed at 4:30 am, and "secure" sounded at 5:30 am.
It has not been so rough today - the ground swells have been somewhat smaller, but the ship has bobbed, tossed, swayed, bucked as usual, and, as usual, we have taken our meals standing up.
There has been an indication of the presence of enemy ships. I relieved the Yeoman this evening for a while, and operated the submarine detection apparatus while he went to the topside to get some fresh air. He has heard nothing suspicious on any of his watches, he says. I suppose if you pick up an enemy sub you get the "jack pot", or perhaps the machine will play "America"...

Saturday May 30, 1942

The forward P.O.'s compartment is getting warmer everyday, and the sun is getting brighter and hotter. Couldn't use the blankets until the early morning hours. I don't believe we will use them at all any more, except maybe for sleeping on the topside. We should reach the equator in about two more days. Tomorrow will be one week since we left San Francisco...

Wednesday June 3, 1942

The "Liberty Ship" Frank Knox is having trouble with one of their guns - apparently a 3". They lowered a boat today, and rowed over to pick up our Gunner's Mate, Hurley, to see if he could repair the gun. It's 7:00 pm (after dark) and Hurley is still not back. We heard him firing some of their machine guns, so apparently they are on the fritz too. I certainly hope he can fix all their guns. It will make him feel pretty good. Come to think of it, I remember his saying before he left that he hoped he could fix the guns, and that he hoped their Gunner's Mate was "Regular Navy". Of course Hurley is a Reservist who was called to active duty after the war, or shortly before. I don't much blame him for feeling the way he does, not really, because the men of the regular navy, generally speaking, are rather bitter about the reserves, and refer to them as "Feathermerchants", and all sorts of un-complimentary terms are used. For instance, the day before we sailed I took my own car and drove to Mare Island to get some medical supplies from the Medical Supply Depot in the Navy Yard there. The ship did not have an allotment, and as it had been attached to, and operating from the Naval Net Depot, the officers at the Supply Depot felt that it was up to the Tiburon Dispensary to issue supplies to us. I had already been to Tiburon, and they were unable to give us half what we needed. But while I was there one of the lieutenants, who felt that Tiburon was completely at fault, said: "What have they got over there - a bunch of God-damned Reserves?" That is rather typical of the attitude of the "Regular Navy" towards the reserve...

Thursday June 4, 1942

The "news" today centers around Alaska. Dutch Harbor, where a Naval Air Station is located, is said to have been bombed three times today by the Japanese. So far, we have received none of the details.

Friday June 5, 1942

Now we have a rumor to the effect that Midway has been attacked by the Japs. Maybe we'll get the details when we get to Suva.
Some of the men on watch on the machine gun deck swear they saw a ship, and two planes last night at sunset. They must have been ours, or else they didn't see us, as we have had a very peaceful day.
We flew a kite today, and we all had a crack at firing at it with the 50 Cal. Machine guns but no one brought it down...

Sunday Evening (11:00 pm)

Just got back from a tour of Suva. The city is full of New Zealanders, plus the crew of a British Cruiser, and the Army transport President Coolidge. Apparently our Army and Navy is taking over, as the British and the New Zealanders expect to leave shortly. There is also two American destroyers here. I doubt very much if they will stay, however...

Monday June 29, 1942

The S.S. Coolidge is in again - brought in another load of soldiers and supplies. American soldiers, trucks, Jeeps are swarming all over the island. And another Liberty ship is laying-to in the harbor. The two American destroyers are back - they went to Auckland, New Zealand, and think they are now headed back home. I saw the Chief Pharmacist's Mate off the Cummings ashore, and when he told me where they had been, I asked him how it was. He replied" "terrible - Scotch costs $15 a quart - the liquor situation is much worse than here in Suva"...

June 5, 1943 - Suva

Things have seemed rather quiet lately - since the Germans were driven out of Africa, but I suppose it's the "quiet before the storm". Will the European Continent be invaded now? I shouldn't be at all surprised. Italy is reported as "tense", etc., but everything looks suspicious in connection with Spain. Recently the American ambassador praised Franco and his government... what does it mean? Does it mean we fear a Spanish attack through Morroco? Are we "playing ball" with them for that reason? Or could it mean we are trying to use Spain in connection with a Continental invasion of Europe? I don't know, but meanwhile Spain's "Blue Legion" is fighting with the Germans in Russia, and Joseph Stalin recently stated that Spain is an enemy of Russia, and called attention to the fact that Franco's soldiers are on Russian soil...
Most promising news just now I believe is the story out of China. We have long heard of the years of terror, retreat, and starvation for the Chinese, and now suddenly comes the glorious news that the Japanese are in full retreat along the upper Yangtze in Hupeh Province, and that the Chinese counter offensive is sweeping the Japs back. American Airmen are reported to be engaged in the offensive. This may prove to be just the shot in the arm the Chinese need, like Joan of Arc coming at the 11th hour in France. A few victories now may kindle China into a blazing fire of determination which will prove too hot for the Japanese...

Final entry...

Yesterday Jack Walsh, formerly of the Philadelphia Record, and now a Marine Corps Correspondent here, was out to dinner. I met him on the beach, and brought him back to the ship with me. Seems to be a nice fellow, I think he's coming out again Sunday, and is going to bring his partner, Neil Gilespie, who is the photographer who works with him.
This morning Mr. Heimer was down at the sick bay, and somehow the conversation touched on how much crumbier the ship used to be. He said he had nothing to do with discipline then, and that it was the fault of the chiefs! Wouldn't I like to hear him tell an admiral that!... I'm afraid his answer wouldn't satisfy an admiral. The admiral would say (unless he was so disgusted he'd just tear his hair out and leave the ship) that, if the chiefs are not on the job, it is the duty of an officer to see that they are. Every Naval Officer is responsible for discipline. I'm sure I've seen some pretty rotten officers but this crowd takes the cake. It would take 40 volumes to tell what's wrong with them.
Someday the war will be over! I hope it's before I have to fill up my second diary, which is just like this one. There are so many things I should have written here. Maybe the letters to Marian will add some details. RCR

reckon you could condense this to bullet points and PM it to me?

Rocketry

Rocketry wrote:reckon you could condense this to bullet points and PM it to me?

Rocketry

1) reckon you could avoid using the "quote" button on the whole story?

2) to answer your question, I'll repeat an earlier statement...
"just read 1 paragraph and if you're not hooked, stop reading..."

3) and if you do keep reading it, it will last only 5 minutes... just think, that's less time than you waste during 2 commercial TV breaks...

just read 1 paragraph and if you're not hooked, stop reading...




I did, well written or copied.

I save the next paragraph, for tomorrow.
(only go 1 time a day to the toilet)

Cool story. A nice way to procrastinate....

Robinette wrote:

Rocketry wrote:reckon you could condense this to bullet points and PM it to me?

Rocketry

1) reckon you could avoid using the "quote" button on the whole story?

2) to answer your question, I'll repeat an earlier statement...
"just read 1 paragraph and if you're not hooked, stop reading..."

3) and if you do keep reading it, it will last only 5 minutes... just think, that's less time than you waste during 2 commercial TV breaks...

1. actually, im glad he did, its actually easier to read it as a quote

2. I read it, more based on Robinettes history of intriguing posts

3. I dont read as quickly, I actually sped up once I realized I was falling behind the 5 minute mark. But what is this comercial break you speak of? I have a DVR, I havent watched a commercial in 3 years. Not at full speed anyways.


Oh and one more thing....and this is for happy. My posts arent this long, and when they are, its all original. I leave at least one quotable line, which invariably you pick up on, and many others, that just dont make the grade. Once ive decided to make it long, I pretty much just let loose, and hope the sheer volume of words will somehow make my point for me, or be long enough for most to skip the middle, and read my point in the beginning and the end, and assume the middle supports said point, and then it therefore makes it. Sure im careful not to just post gibberish in the middle, devoid of any real meaning, so that the few that read, dont quote that part of it and blow the whole illusion, but mostly, I enjoy over-describing any situation, with far too many words, and have no sense of when to stop. (hint) So I take offense to your suggesting my posts are too long. I think they are just fine for the points im trying to make. Also, there is some satisfaction to knowing that someone actually will probably read the whole thing, and realize by the end, that I cant possibly care about it as much as I seem to do about whatever it is I happen to be posting about. Especially since at the end of every one of them, I usually try to post a one liner. Or a smiley, if a joke doesnt present itself.


disclaimer: this is all BS...just trying to live up to expectations

DiM wrote:also i know that 92.3 of the people that read this post won't care about my stats but i'm bored so i don't really care.

92.3 people how did you know that .7 of me would be interested in your stats but .3 of me wouldn't ?

What I want to know is, does Robinette go into this much detail imagining the story of every reinforcement in her games?

rebelman wrote:

DiM wrote:also i know that 92.3 of the people that read this post won't care about my stats but i'm bored so i don't really care.

92.3 people how did you know that .7 of me would be interested in your stats but .3 of me wouldn't ?

it's actually based on the left brain right brain usage in common people.

Experimentation has shown that the two different sides, or hemispheres, of the brain are responsible for different manners of thinking. The following table illustrates the differences between left-brain and right-brain thinking:

Left Brain: Logical Sequential Rational Analytical Objective Looks at parts
Right Brain: Random Intuitive Holistic Synthesizing Subjective Looks at wholes

Most individuals have a distinct preference for one of these styles of thinking. Some, however, are more whole-brained and equally adept at both modes. In general, schools tend to favor left-brain modes of thinking, while downplaying the right-brain ones. Left-brain scholastic subjects focus on logical thinking, analysis, and accuracy. Right-brained subjects, on the other hand, focus on aesthetics, feeling, and creativity.

so you see part of you has only watched my stat as a whole and appreciated synthesizing of my stats and found them really intuitive as well as the random presentation while the other part looks at each part of the stats and appreciated the logical analytical nature of my stats as well as my rational thinking.

but i have to take into consideration other factors that lead to non caring, factors like GFY and that's where the rest of the whole comes in. you see, part of you likes something part of you likes something else and part of you just thinks WTF? GFY!.

Just read paragraph nr 2.

can someone open a window, it smells in here...

rebelman wrote:nice read thanks robin

Thanks for the compliment...

My guest contribution to your thread. Enjoy

Robinette wrote:..."Give the child a gold star".... (ahem) sorry... "Give the MAN a CCC-GAR"

Why thank'ya, pilgrim.

Since we're working through the components of a fine risk game, let's not forget psychology.

Every data bit you feed to your enemy should drive him towards your ultimate victory.

Everything comes into play, and every look unique. It's the -art- of the game.



Johnson's Revenge

A pod of dolphins kept pace eighty yards to starboard as we continued our slow patrol somewhere in the south Pacific. (Yes, I know exactly where. No, I can't tell you.)

Their dorsals happened to be cutting arcs through the reflection of the full moon. The picture-perfect scene continued for half a minute or so while I quickly considered and rejected the mad dash to cabin for camera. Instead I just stood there and stored the image for future reflection and enhancement in the files of my mind.

The scene passed so I continued the third turn of my watch, coming around the bow to the port side, where I saw Johnny leaning against the rail blowing smoke rings into the still night air.

Here's the second oddity of the night: We were making about six knots with a very steady six-knot following breeze. It happens often enough, but tonight the breeze had an amazing steadiness allowing the smoke clouds to drift lazily over the fore deck. This time I considered the mad-dash for camera a bit longer until the thought was shoved aside by the realization that tonight's poker game must be over, or Johnny wouldn't be top-deck.

I extracted my own smoke as I approached and was again amazed at how my unguarded match easily stayed lit in the following breeze. "You look happy, must be a winner tonight?" I exhaled with my first lung full, and finished by snapping off a couple smoke rings which slowly drifted in the breeze . . . amazing.

"Yep, I've been working this game for a month setting these guys up, and tonight I sprung my trap."

"Really? do tell!"

"well, it's like this . . . "


-continued-

stringybeany wrote:Since we're working through the components of a fine risk game, let's not forget psychology....
... It's the -art- of the game.

Johnson's Revenge (Chapter 2)

This victory, like so many others, was easy for Johnny, like taking candy from babies. And yet, something was different. For the first time he felt the other players noticing him, suspicious and watchful of his every move. Of course, they couldn't make sense of his strategy so the victory was still sure and swift, something Johnny has become accustomed to, so perhaps this funny feeling had more to do with the cooks stew than anything else.

Brushing off these thoughts, Johnny, still savoring the sweetness of another victory, ponders the challenge that awaits him if he can ever get himself to Honolulu. Ah yes, Honolulu, he says softly under his breath, where the best of the best gather. Surely he would rise to the top quickly if given the chance to get off this freighter. Of course Johnny had no way of knowing that the game is played differently in Honolulu. The professionalism, the training, the focus, it's all different there. Johnny watches as the dolphins veer off towards the other Liberty ship, and notices that the sea has just become smooth like velvet, and the air has suddenly become warmer. Maybe this is how it will be in Honolulu, he ponders.

For those of you that enjoy a read about what happens here i would recommend you have a read of my story in the point grabbers 4 tourny:

http://www.conquerclub.com/forum/viewto ... &start=120

June 29, 1943 - Depart Suva

After loading fresh supplies from Suva, we set sail for Noumea. The weather during the crossing was fairly calm and most of the guys spent time on deck playing cards. Seaman Staines had a RISK board. Master Bates and Roger the cabin boy seemed to know their way around Kamchatka and we all soon became proficient in the game. The long hot days passed by quickly and we were just 80 miles from our destination when things took a turn for the worse.

Pedronicus wrote:June 29, 1943 - Depart Suva

After loading fresh supplies from Suva, we set sail for Noumea. The weather during the crossing was fairly calm and most of the guys spent time on deck playing cards. Seaman Staines had a RISK board. Master Bates and Roger the cabin boy seemed to know their way around Kamchatka and we all soon became proficient in the game. The long hot days passed by quickly and we were just 80 miles from our destination when things took a turn for the worse.

no no no NO NO!!

this is ALL wrong... Risk wasn't invented till 1959...
Now just MAYBE since they are going to a french island, you could be introducing the french inventor of the game, having him bring out his not fully developed game to share... but then, it wouldn't have been called Risk, now would it.... mais non... it was 'Le Conquete du Monde'

Robinette wrote:The Escalating Story, as told by a single reinforcement.

USS Catalapa
At Sea
Sunday May 24, 1942

This is the beginning of the war for me, the beginning of a "cruise". We are now standing out to sea. We do not know where we are going, or how long we shall be gone. There are many rumors and guesses - some say New Zealand. At any rate, it seems definitely below the equator wherever it is - probably some advance base from which we shall operate and lay submarine nets. It may be an out-of-the-way place, and a small place, as we are accompanied by a freighter which is apparently loaded with net-laying gear. The USS Ebony is also going with us. We are unescorted, we are not traveling with a convoy, and may run into difficultly, although none of the officers or crew show any apprehension...

Monday May 25, 1942

We saw the last lights of San Francisco last night at about 10 pm. From then on, until now (6:30 pm), it has been pretty rough going. It was difficult to sleep as there are many noises of sliding objects (food supplies and various kinds of gear which had not been properly secured due to our hurried departure), and in addition there was the sound of the engines, the tossing of the ship, and the movements of the crew, all of which was new to me as I had come aboard Sunday morning at Tiburon (the Naval Net Depot) and had not slept aboard before.
Water leaked into the forward compartment where I, and eight other petty officers are bunking, and ran around the deck following the movement of the ship. When I got up this morning I had the quaint pleasure of putting on a pair of wet shoes, and thought to myself: "so this is La Guerre!" Later, la guerre proved even more adventurous - we were all seasick! Yes, quite an adventure! We have taken our meals today standing up, holding on, with one hand to a mess table, and eating with the other when it seemed safe...

Tuesday May 26, 1942

8:30 pm. Just got back from General Quarters. The buzzer sounded at 7:30, so all hands were at their battle stations for 1 hour. This morning General Quarters stations were assumed at 4:30 am, and "secure" sounded at 5:30 am.
It has not been so rough today - the ground swells have been somewhat smaller, but the ship has bobbed, tossed, swayed, bucked as usual, and, as usual, we have taken our meals standing up.
There has been an indication of the presence of enemy ships. I relieved the Yeoman this evening for a while, and operated the submarine detection apparatus while he went to the topside to get some fresh air. He has heard nothing suspicious on any of his watches, he says. I suppose if you pick up an enemy sub you get the "jack pot", or perhaps the machine will play "America"...

Saturday May 30, 1942

The forward P.O.'s compartment is getting warmer everyday, and the sun is getting brighter and hotter. Couldn't use the blankets until the early morning hours. I don't believe we will use them at all any more, except maybe for sleeping on the topside. We should reach the equator in about two more days. Tomorrow will be one week since we left San Francisco...

Wednesday June 3, 1942

The "Liberty Ship" Frank Knox is having trouble with one of their guns - apparently a 3". They lowered a boat today, and rowed over to pick up our Gunner's Mate, Hurley, to see if he could repair the gun. It's 7:00 pm (after dark) and Hurley is still not back. We heard him firing some of their machine guns, so apparently they are on the fritz too. I certainly hope he can fix all their guns. It will make him feel pretty good. Come to think of it, I remember his saying before he left that he hoped he could fix the guns, and that he hoped their Gunner's Mate was "Regular Navy". Of course Hurley is a Reservist who was called to active duty after the war, or shortly before. I don't much blame him for feeling the way he does, not really, because the men of the regular navy, generally speaking, are rather bitter about the reserves, and refer to them as "Feathermerchants", and all sorts of un-complimentary terms are used. For instance, the day before we sailed I took my own car and drove to Mare Island to get some medical supplies from the Medical Supply Depot in the Navy Yard there. The ship did not have an allotment, and as it had been attached to, and operating from the Naval Net Depot, the officers at the Supply Depot felt that it was up to the Tiburon Dispensary to issue supplies to us. I had already been to Tiburon, and they were unable to give us half what we needed. But while I was there one of the lieutenants, who felt that Tiburon was completely at fault, said: "What have they got over there - a bunch of God-damned Reserves?" That is rather typical of the attitude of the "Regular Navy" towards the reserve...

Thursday June 4, 1942

The "news" today centers around Alaska. Dutch Harbor, where a Naval Air Station is located, is said to have been bombed three times today by the Japanese. So far, we have received none of the details.

Friday June 5, 1942

Now we have a rumor to the effect that Midway has been attacked by the Japs. Maybe we'll get the details when we get to Suva.
Some of the men on watch on the machine gun deck swear they saw a ship, and two planes last night at sunset. They must have been ours, or else they didn't see us, as we have had a very peaceful day.
We flew a kite today, and we all had a crack at firing at it with the 50 Cal. Machine guns but no one brought it down...

Sunday Evening (11:00 pm)

Just got back from a tour of Suva. The city is full of New Zealanders, plus the crew of a British Cruiser, and the Army transport President Coolidge. Apparently our Army and Navy is taking over, as the British and the New Zealanders expect to leave shortly. There is also two American destroyers here. I doubt very much if they will stay, however...

Monday June 29, 1942

The S.S. Coolidge is in again - brought in another load of soldiers and supplies. American soldiers, trucks, Jeeps are swarming all over the island. And another Liberty ship is laying-to in the harbor. The two American destroyers are back - they went to Auckland, New Zealand, and think they are now headed back home. I saw the Chief Pharmacist's Mate off the Cummings ashore, and when he told me where they had been, I asked him how it was. He replied" "terrible - Scotch costs $15 a quart - the liquor situation is much worse than here in Suva"...

June 5, 1943 - Suva

Things have seemed rather quiet lately - since the Germans were driven out of Africa, but I suppose it's the "quiet before the storm". Will the European Continent be invaded now? I shouldn't be at all surprised. Italy is reported as "tense", etc., but everything looks suspicious in connection with Spain. Recently the American ambassador praised Franco and his government... what does it mean? Does it mean we fear a Spanish attack through Morroco? Are we "playing ball" with them for that reason? Or could it mean we are trying to use Spain in connection with a Continental invasion of Europe? I don't know, but meanwhile Spain's "Blue Legion" is fighting with the Germans in Russia, and Joseph Stalin recently stated that Spain is an enemy of Russia, and called attention to the fact that Franco's soldiers are on Russian soil...
Most promising news just now I believe is the story out of China. We have long heard of the years of terror, retreat, and starvation for the Chinese, and now suddenly comes the glorious news that the Japanese are in full retreat along the upper Yangtze in Hupeh Province, and that the Chinese counter offensive is sweeping the Japs back. American Airmen are reported to be engaged in the offensive. This may prove to be just the shot in the arm the Chinese need, like Joan of Arc coming at the 11th hour in France. A few victories now may kindle China into a blazing fire of determination which will prove too hot for the Japanese...

Final entry...

Yesterday Jack Walsh, formerly of the Philadelphia Record, and now a Marine Corps Correspondent here, was out to dinner. I met him on the beach, and brought him back to the ship with me. Seems to be a nice fellow, I think he's coming out again Sunday, and is going to bring his partner, Neil Gilespie, who is the photographer who works with him.
This morning Mr. Heimer was down at the sick bay, and somehow the conversation touched on how much crumbier the ship used to be. He said he had nothing to do with discipline then, and that it was the fault of the chiefs! Wouldn't I like to hear him tell an admiral that!... I'm afraid his answer wouldn't satisfy an admiral. The admiral would say (unless he was so disgusted he'd just tear his hair out and leave the ship) that, if the chiefs are not on the job, it is the duty of an officer to see that they are. Every Naval Officer is responsible for discipline. I'm sure I've seen some pretty rotten officers but this crowd takes the cake. It would take 40 volumes to tell what's wrong with them.
Someday the war will be over! I hope it's before I have to fill up my second diary, which is just like this one. There are so many things I should have written here. Maybe the letters to Marian will add some details. RCR

AAFitz wrote:

Robinette wrote:

Rocketry wrote:reckon you could condense this to bullet points and PM it to me?

Rocketry

1) reckon you could avoid using the "quote" button on the whole story?

2) to answer your question, I'll repeat an earlier statement...
"just read 1 paragraph and if you're not hooked, stop reading..."

3) and if you do keep reading it, it will last only 5 minutes... just think, that's less time than you waste during 2 commercial TV breaks...

1. actually, im glad he did, its actually easier to read it as a quote

2. I read it, more based on Robinettes history of intriguing posts

3. I dont read as quickly, I actually sped up once I realized I was falling behind the 5 minute mark. But what is this comercial break you speak of? I have a DVR, I havent watched a commercial in 3 years. Not at full speed anyways.


Oh and one more thing....and this is for happy. My posts arent this long, and when they are, its all original. I leave at least one quotable line, which invariably you pick up on, and many others, that just dont make the grade. Once ive decided to make it long, I pretty much just let loose, and hope the sheer volume of words will somehow make my point for me, or be long enough for most to skip the middle, and read my point in the beginning and the end, and assume the middle supports said point, and then it therefore makes it. Sure im careful not to just post gibberish in the middle, devoid of any real meaning, so that the few that read, dont quote that part of it and blow the whole illusion, but mostly, I enjoy over-describing any situation, with far too many words, and have no sense of when to stop. (hint) So I take offense to your suggesting my posts are too long. I think they are just fine for the points im trying to make. Also, there is some satisfaction to knowing that someone actually will probably read the whole thing, and realize by the end, that I cant possibly care about it as much as I seem to do about whatever it is I happen to be posting about. Especially since at the end of every one of them, I usually try to post a one liner. Or a smiley, if a joke doesnt present itself.


disclaimer: this is all BS...just trying to live up to expectations

i had to quote these two to be able to read it on the crapper... thanks!-0

Was it worth it?