History of the U.S.S. Leviathan, cruiser and transport forces, United States Atlantic fleet: Compiled from the ship's log and data gathered by the history committee on board the shipU.S.S. Leviathan History Committee
History
History of the U.S.S. Leviathan, cruiser and transport forces, United States Atlantic fleet: Compiled from the ship's log and data gathered by the history committee on board the ship
U.S.S. Leviathan History Committee
Leviathan (Steamship); Vaterland (Steamship); World War, 1914-1918 -- Naval operations, American
The violent seas broke over our fo’castle, throwing the spray as high as
the flying bridge, 100 feet above the water. It tore gun rails apart,
lifted lifeboats from their fastenings, opened shell cases and did
considerable all-around damage. Some good came of it—the first division
men found no reason to wash down decks for some time to come.
The destroyers were unable to keep up with us, and it is remarkable that
they stayed with us as long as they did. The sea proved too much for
them. When caught in the trough formed by two high waves, hardly more
than the top of their stacks and masts was discernible. They trailed
behind us the entire next day, within radio call, and turned back upon
receiving word from us that we were out of the danger zone. The danger
from submarines was rather slight when it is considered how difficult a
matter it would be for them to launch a torpedo accurately in a heavy sea.
We continued upon our course without event until off the Grand Banks of
Newfoundland. Here we ran into a fog so thick that it was impossible to
see our bow from the bridge, and every minute for eight hours of this
day our steam fog whistle blew steadily, warning all nearby ships of our
approach.
Nantucket Lightship, the first indication of land, was reported by
one of the signal boys on the night of February 18th. Montauk Point
and Shinnecock Lights soon followed and the next morning found us at
the entrance to New York Harbor, our first overseas trip successfully
completed.
The ship was brought up the river to the dock in the thickest fog seen
for years. Capt. W. S. McLaughlin gauged the turn nicely and Capt. W. J.
Bernard had a tug stationed at the end of Pier 4 to guide the _Leviathan_
in by whistle signal. It was a highly creditable performance.
_Second Trip to Liverpool_
After a stay of thirteen days in New York, during which time our supplies
were replenished and minor repairs and alterations were made, we steamed
out of New York Harbor on March 4th, for our second trip overseas. On
board we had 8,242 troops, with the following organizations:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account