6 October 1944

World War II Today: October 6

1939
After a 2 day battle against Soviet tanks and planes and then a 5-day fight against the Germans.

The last remaining Polish troops (17,000 men) surrender to German forces at Kock and Lublin.

Hitler in a speech to the Reichstag announces the victorious conclusion of the Polish campaign and calls upon Britain and France to cease hostilities and come to terms with Germany. This is rejected by both the British and French government’s.

The Japanese abandon Changsha after stiff Chinese defense.

Proclamation by Hitler on the isolation of Jews.

1941
Churchill gives a personal undertaking to Stalin to send a convoy every ten days to Russia’s northern ports.

1942
The setting up of a UN commission to investigate war crimes is announced in Washington.

The III Panzer Corps captures Malgobek at the bend of the Terek river in the Caucasus.

Montgomery issues the final plan to senior commanders for the Second battle of El Alamein.

1943
The U.S. Fifth Army takes Capua and Caserta.

Two Russian armies take Nevel on the boundary between Army Groups North and Centre.

1944
The Canadian 3rd Division attacks the Breskena Pocket, South of the Scheldt.

A Russian offensive by 64 divisions, 750 tanks and 1,100 aircraft commences near Arad in Hungary, with the aim of destroying Army Group South.

US General Joseph Stilwell recalled from position as Chiang Kai-shek’s chief of staff, maintains command over troops in Burma.

1945
General George Patton prepares to turn over command of the Third Army to General Lucian K. Truscott. Patton is relieved of the command because he is believed to be favorably inclined toward the Germans, as well as anti-Semitic. Patton later claims he was “done to death by slanderous tongues”.

Today in World War II History—October 6, 1939 & 1944

80 Years Ago—October 6, 1939: Hitler calls for peace talks with Britain and France.

Japanese abandon Changsha due to strong Chinese counterattack.

Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Paul Whiteman, and Fred Waring perform at Carnegie Hall.

Gen. Joseph Stilwell and Maj. Gen. Curtis LeMay at a US airfield in China, 11 October 1944 (US Library of Congress: LC-USZ62-132808)

75 Years Ago—Oct. 6, 1944: US First Army enters the Hürtgen Forest in Germany.

US Gen. Joseph Stilwell is recalled from his position as Chiang Kai-shek’s chief of staff, but he maintains command over troops in Burma.

6 October 1944 - History

Casualty Lists of the Royal Navy and Dominion Navies, World War 2
Researched & compiled by Don Kindell, all rights reserved

1st - 31st OCTOBER 1944 - in date, ship/unit & name order

Edited by Gordon Smith, Naval-History.Net

HMS Caradoc, light cruiser

( NP/Mark Teadham, click photographs for enlargements)

Notes:

(1) Casualty information in order - Surname, First name, Initial(s), Rank and part of the Service other than RN (RNR, RNVR, RFR etc), Service Number (ratings only, also if Dominion or Indian Navies), (on the books of another ship/shore establishment, O/P &ndash on passage), Fate

(2) Click for abbreviations

(3) Link to Commonwealth War Graves Commission

(4) More information may be found in the Name Lists

Background Events - September-December 1944

Western Allies cross into Germany, U-boat's British Inshore campaign, V.2's hit London, Russians reach Eastern Europe, Battles of Leyte Gulf

Sunday, 1 October 1944

Bhadravati (RIN)

RAFAEL, A (initial only), Motor Engineer 1c, 77211 (RIN), died

Caradoc

DURRANT, Ernest A, Able Seaman, C/JX 133814, died

Cerberus (RAN), accident

GANNELL, Edwin A, Leading Steward, 17752 (RAN), killed

Copra, explosion

PITHERS, Reginald A, Lieutenant Commander, RNVR, killed

FAA, 828 Sqn, Implacable , air crash

DOUGLAS, James, Ty/Act/Petty Officer Airman, FAA/FX 86988, killed

Gamtoos

BRAND, Daniel G, Petty Officer Cook, 67086 V (SANF), died

Hamla (RIN)

JAYPAUL, J (initial only), Stoker 2c, 18864 (RIN), died

Jupiter, as POW

PITT, James C, Able Seaman, P/JX 162422, died

LCA.665

BEBBINGTON, George R, Able Seaman, P/JX 326877, DOWS

MTB .360, ship loss

CHILTON, Arthur S, Able Seaman, P/JX 518867, MPK

COOPER, Thomas P, Able Seaman, P/JX 326623, MPK

CUMMING, Alexander, Telegraphist, D/JX 206782, MPK

ELLIOTT, John, Able Seaman, D/JX 416531, MPK

GILES, Thomas M, Telegraphist, P/JX 624408, MPK

HOBBS , William P, Able Seaman, C/JX 545789, MPK

JAMES, Dennis N, Stoker 1c, P/KX 164552, MPK

KEEM, Clarence C, Ty/Petty Officer, C/JX 607977, killed

WILTSHIRE, George E, Ty/Sub Lieutenant, RNVR, MPK

Penghambat

TALIB, Bin A T, Able Seaman, RN (Malay Section), died

Restigouche ( RCN )

HAMILTON, Delmar, Petty Officer Supply, V/6457 (RCNVR), died

RN College Greenwich, explosion

GRIGOR, James MacL, Ty/Sub Lieutenant (A), RNVR, (Odyssey), killed

St George, illness

SHEARS, Maurice H, Boy 2c, P/JX 712489, died

Tormentor, illness

GILES, Frederick C, Able Seaman, P/221174, died

Monday, 2 October 1944

Ameer , illness

CROOK, Cyril B, Air Fitter (E), FAA/FX 82299, died

Dalhousie (RIN)

PHATAK, B (initial only) P, Able Seaman, 17654 (RIN), died

Devon City , illness

NIDD, Herbert T, Ty/Paymaster Lieutenant, RNR , died

Drake, illness

BATESON, John C, Leading Sick Berth Attendant, D/MX 83951, died

FAA, 1843 Sqn, Gannet, air crash

BAKER, Ivor J, Ty/Sub Lieutenant (A), RNVR, MPK

ML.281, drowning

WOODS, Herbert G, Sub Lieutenant, RNVR, died

Odyssey

JOHNSON, Arthur, Signalman, C/JX 342517, DOWS

Paragon, illness

WILLIS, Robert H, Commissioned Engineer, died

President, illness

GOSSAGE, Ralph B, Act/Captain, died

St Angelo

COLE, Reginald G L, Writer, C/MX 698188, illness, died

MIZZI, Francis G A P D, Able Seaman, E/JX 583827, killed

Tuesday, 3 October 1944

BYMS.2154, mining

BUTLER , John E, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 280226, killed

MIALL, Arthur S, Chief Engineman, RNPS, LT/KX 98760, killed

Eland

HARDAKER, Maurice, Ordinary Seaman, C/JX 355290, DOWS

FAA, 761 Sqn, Argus , air crash

WHITEHEAD, George H, Ty/Lieutenant (A), RNVR, killed

FAA, 800 Sqn, Emperor , air operations

WILSON, Keith F, Ty/Act/Sub Lieutenant (A), RNVR, MPK

Jupiter, as POW

MOORE, Thomas, Ty/Act/Ty/Stoker Petty Officer, D/KX 97330, died

PERRYER, Harold J, Chief Engine Room Artificer, D/MX 46556, died

ROCKETT, Ronald W, Ordinary Signalman, D/JX 234234, died

SHINNER, Raymond C, Stoker 2c, D/KX 98106, died

LCT.377, ship loss

NIMMO, James B, Able Seaman, C/JX 316082, MPK

Wednesday, 4 October 1944

Chebogue ( RCN ), torpedoed

CARL, Charles G, Signalman, V/54340 (RCNVR), MPK

FISH, George H, Cook, V/49455 (RCNVR), MPK

GAAL, Joseph, Able Seaman, V/31242 (RCNVR), killed

REID, Daniel MacF McL, Leading Seaman, 3611 ( RCN ), MPK

SMITH, Larry D, Engine Room Artificer, V/70453 (RCNVR), MPK

SMITH, Richard A, Stoker, V/27489 (RCNVR), MPK

STODDART, Charles J, Stoker, V/59418 (RCNVR), MPK

Drake

LUKE, Ronald, Able Seaman, D/SR 8641, DOWS

Gambia , road accident

PYE, John, Able Seaman, P/JX 304168, killed

LCT.377, ship loss

ADAMS , Bernard E, Able Seaman, P/JX 270929, MPK

BAINES, Victor H, Act/Petty Officer Wireman, D/MX 102257, MPK

BARBER, Cecil L, Ty/Skipper, RNR , MPK

BRYER, Kerrigan J, Ty/Midshipman, RNVR, MPK

DALTON , James, Able Seaman, P/JX 383280, MPK

MARSLAND, Clifford, Ty/Act/Leading Seaman, D/JX 204170, MPK

MARTIN, Alfred J, Stoker 1c, P/KX 111608, MPK

RAWLING, Eric, Stoker 1c, D/ SKX 920, MPK

RIDOUT, William A, Able Seaman, D/JX 346615, MPK

ROBB, William, Wireman, D/MX 96719, MPK

TAYLOR , Charles W, Petty Officer Motor Mechanic, C/MX 68114, MPK

WOODCOCK, Leslie S, Act/Able Seaman, C/JX 374960, MPK

WOODWARD, Harold J H, Able Seaman, D/JX 364424, MPK

Protector ( RCN )

BURTON , George A, Commander, RCNR, died

Restigouche ( RCN )

JEWETT, George S, Chief Petty Officer, 2227 ( RCN ), MPK

Shrapnel

REID, Duncan McK, Surgeon Lieutenant Commander, RNVR, died

Thursday, 5 October 1944

Aurora

DODIMEAD, Frederick L, Ty/Corporal, RM, PO /X 2919, killed

Biter , illness

HANCOCK, John G, Ordinary Seaman, D/JX 570327, died

Cornwallis ( RCN )

SIGURDSON, John, Ordinary Seaman, V/88746 (RCNVR), died

Dalhousie (RIN)

KHAN, Zaman, Ordinary Seaman, 19890 (RIN), died

FAA, 759 Sqn, Heron, air crash

ACHESON, Michael E B, Sub Lieutenant, killed

Nairana , illness

WIGGERHAM, Herbert L, Ty/Act/Leading Seaman, RNVR, C/LD/X 2313, DOWS

Savage

HAYDEN, Percy C, Able Seaman, C/JX 444962, MPK

Victory, illness

SHAW, William, Ordinary Seaman, P/JX 503350, died

Friday, 6 October 1944

Adamant, enemy action

ADAMS, Dennis J, Lieutenant, DOW

Afrikander, drowning

MILLER, James J, Chief Petty Officer Steward, C/LX 28006, died

Bermuda , illness

SPARHAM, Malcolm H, Ordinary Signalman, D/JX 612284, died

Bonito

MARSHALL , James, Stoker, RNPS, LT/KX 160223, MPK

Eaglet, drowning

ROBERTS, John W, Able Seaman, D/JX 284771, died

Electra, as POW

PEACEFUL, James G E, Able Seaman, C/SSX 17734, died

FAA, 1820 Sqn, Nightjar, air crash

NEVILLE, Alan E, Ty/Sub Lieutenant (A), RNVR, killed

Naden ( RCN )

WRAGG, George F, Electrical Lieutenant, RCN , died

Ringtail

TURNER, Frank T, Assistant Steward, C/LX 613540, killed

RM Plymouth Division, illness

MAJOR, Cyril H, Ty/Act/Captain, RM, died

Saturday, 7 October 1944

FAA, 807 Sqn, Hunter , air operations

STEWART, Donald, Ty/Sub Lieutenant (A), RNVR, MPK

FAA, 809 Sqn, Stalker , air operations

PERRY, Anthony D, Ty/Sub Lieutenant (A), RNVR, MPK

LCI( L).290, friendly surface action

BOUCHER, Frederick G, Able Seaman, D/JX 367662, killed

ML.1118 (RIN), friendly air attack

APPACHAN, A (initial only) A, Able Seaman, 8116 (RIN), killed

GOPAL, Krishan R, Ordinary Signalman, 14176 (RIN), (temporarily assigned from ML.1120), killed

JOSHUA, D (initial only), Motor Engineer 1c, 77213 (RIN), (temporarily assigned from ML.1120), killed

SEN , S (initial only) K, Sub Lieutenant, RINVR, killed

ML.1119 (RIN), friendly air attack, ship loss

ABDUL, Majid, Able Seaman, 13702 (RIN), killed

FERNANDES, R (initial only), Able Seaman, 19621 (RIN), killed

MUHAMMAD, Yusuf, Leading Seaman, 4952 (RIN), killed

VED, Prakash, Ordinary Telegraphist, 9811 (RIN), killed

ML.1299

BURGESS, David K, Stoker, RNPS, LT/KX 154495, DOWS

MMS .106

RAMAGE, John, Signalman, RNPS, LT/JX 204090, DOWS

Vidonia, ship loss

AYTON, Hugh S, Stoker, RNPS, LT/KX 131759, MPK

DAVIES, Wilfred E, Stoker, RNPS, LT/KX 108142, killed

DICK, John G, Engineman, RNR (PS), LT/X 4069 T, MPK

GREGORY, Ivor J, Cook, RNPS, LT/MX 109491, MPK

JARVIS, Edward, Stoker, RNPS, LT/KX 695932, killed

KERRIDGE, Ralph, Petty Officer, RNPS, LT/JX 196995, MPK

MACDONALD, Donald J, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 400447, MPK

WELTON, Edwin H, Ordinary Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 662418, MPK

Sunday, 8 October 1944

Easton

MACKENZIE, James S, Leading Seaman, RNR , P/X 20956 A, died

FAA, 826 Sqn, Slinger , air crash

ROSE, Brian W, Ty/Lieutenant (A), RNVR, killed

Lonsdale (RAN)

HABERSBERGER, Frank C, Electrical Artificer, 16959 (RAN), killed

MGB.642, surface action

PHILLIPS, Patrick, Stoker 1c, P/KX 155244, killed

MMS .1031

VANCE, William G, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 532174, DOWS

MTB .727

MCCALLUM, Lothrop, Leading Seaman, V/18126 (RCNVR), killed

Nonsuch ( RCN )

SUTHERLAND, Jackson R, Ordinary Seaman, V/91354 (RCNVR), died

Valiant

BROWN, John J, Able Seaman, P/JX 186338, DOWS

Westminster

BINNS, Arnold , Act/Leading Stoker, P/K 60841, DOWS

Monday, 9 October 1944

FAA, 807 Sqn, Cormorant II, air crash

LITLER, John A, Ty/Sub Lieutenant (A), RNVR, MPK

Kongoni

KEMP, George A, Marine, RME 10420, DOWS

Libra, illness

HOLE, William H, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 288899, died

MTB .467, surface action

JONES, Edward, Able Seaman, C/JX 406920, killed

Nile

COLLINS, William, Ty/Leading Cook (S), C/MX 106613, DOWS

Norfolk

SHEARER, Thomas, Ordinary Seaman, D/JX 568272, DOWS

RM 40 Commando , Albania

BAIN, James S, Ty/Act/Company Sergeant Major, RM, PLY /X 764, killed

HILES, William J, Ty/Act/Captain, RM, killed

MACPHERSON, Michael S, Ty/Act/Captain, RM, killed

PRATT, George S, Marine, CH/X 3203, killed

SALT, James V, Marine, PO/X 114584, killed

ST ANGE, William J, Marine, PO /X 114352, killed

RM Portsmouth Division, illness

HAYWOOD, George, Marine, PO /X 104906, died

Squid, illness

AMBROSE, James H, Able Seaman, D/JX 418780, died

Tuesday, 10 October 1944

Drake

ABBOTT, Albert E, Petty Officer Steward, D/LX 22964, DOWS

FAA, 841 Sqn, Implacable , air crash

MAITLAND, Philip W, Ty/Act/Petty Officer Airman, RNVR, FAA/LD/X 5350, MPK

FAA, 1843 Sqn, Gannet, air crash

MCHAFFIE, Richard J, Ty/Act/Sub Lieutenant (A), RNVR, killed

Landing Craft No.767 (reported as LCI.767, but neither LCI( L).767 nor LCI(S).767 were built. Possibly LCA.767)

MURPHY, Edward J, Leading Seaman, D/JX 226840, DOWS

Malayan RNVR

YUSUF, Bin A, Leading Seaman, SE/X 83 (Malayan RNVR), MPK

MGB.663, ship loss

ROWLEY, James, Able Seaman, P/JX 369763, MPK

SYKES, Reginald G, Leading Motor Mechanic, P/MX 634490, MPK

THACKRAY, George E, Ty/Act/Leading Stoker, C/KX 136197, MPK

RM 40 Commando

PINCHER, Ronald, Marine, PLY /X 113394, killed in Albania

WHITE, Charles H P, Ty/Corporal, RM, CH/X 2124, DOWS in Italy

Wednesday, 11 October 1944

FAA, 800 Sqn, Emperor , air operations

SPENCER, Charles D, Ty/Sub Lieutenant (A), RNZNVR, killed

FAA, 804 Sqn, Malagas, air crash

CARR, Wilfred, Ty/Sub Lieutenant (A), RNVR, MPK

FAA, 808 Sqn, Corncrake, air crash

BROOKES, Alfred C, Ty/Sub Lieutenant (A), RNVR, killed

MGB.662, surface action

CLARKE, Alan, Able Seaman, C/JX 375105, killed

Pamela, steamship

BRANT, Gerald R, Act/Able Seaman (DEMS), P/JX 556948, (President III , O/P), MPK

QUINN, Francis O, Act/Able Seaman (DEMS), D/JX 346080, (President III , O/P), MPK

RM 41 Commando

HAMMOND , James F, Ty/Act/Sergeant, RM, CH/X 104459, DOWS

Saker, air crash

NEWMAN, Derek, Act/Leading Airman, FAA/FX 705115, killed

Terpsichore

HOLDSWORTH, Jack, Act/Stoker 1c, P/KX 164707, killed

Thursday, 12 October 1944

Active

LAYTON , Peter, Able Seaman, D/JX 365789, MPK

Jupiter, as POW

LINDSAY, James, Able Seaman, D/JX 155802, died

Marshal Soult

FRYER, James A, Leading Seaman, RNR (PS), LT/X 19892 A, DOWS

ML.1119, friendly air attack

DONALD, Timothy H, Sub Lieutenant, RINVR, DOW

MMS .170, ship loss

BROWN, Alan R, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 202355, MPK

CASEY, Eric A, Telegraphist, RNPS, LT/JX 323086, MPK

MACKAY, Ian, Stoker, RNPS, LT/KX 160796, MPK

NOBLE, George W, Engineman, RNPS, LT/KX 12673, MPK

SAVAGE, Robert H F, Ty/Lieutenant, RNVR, MPK

WHEELER, Alfred, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 205669, MPK

YOUNG, James S, 2nd Hand, RNPS, LT/JX 190165, MPK

Pembroke, accident

HARDING, Alfred, Supply Assistant, C/MX 122085, died

RM 47 Commando

NUTTALL, James H, Marine, CH/X 109156, DOWS

Victory IV

PICKWELL, Claude J, Lieutenant, RNVR, died

Friday, 13 October 1944

Dalhousie (RIN)

QADIR, Muhammad, Ordinary Seaman, 73793 (RIN), died

FAA, 785 Sqn, Jackdaw, air crash

MCFEE, James, Ty/Act/Petty Officer Airman, FAA/FX 114987, MPK

FAA, 793 Sqn, Goshawk, air crash

HAYNES, Thomas, Naval Airman 1c, FAA/FX 94574, MPK

(FAA), 9th Pilot Advanced Flying Unit, RAF course, air crash

WEBBER, Maurice R W, Midshipman (A), (Macaw), killed

Indomitable

FRY, Anthony A, Air Mechanic (L) 1c, FAA/FX 114627, DOWS

LCT( A).2454, ship loss

CHARMAN, Peter A, Able Seaman, P/JX 365848, killed

COCHRANE, Thomas J, Able Seaman, C/JX 375555, MPK

COCKING, Harold, Act/Able Seaman, D/JX 421343, MPK

COHEN, Raymond M G, Stoker 1c, P/KX 146460, killed

COTTON, Gordon O, Wireman, D/MX 534797, MPK

HOOD, Leonard W, Ty/Sub Lieutenant, RNVR, MPK

MURRAY , Peter McG, Ordinary Seaman, C/JX 657520, MPK

PENNEY, William C, Stoker 1c, D/KX 163238, MPK

LCT(R).484, accident

ROBERTSON, Ewan, Telegraphist, P/JX 342379, died

ML.1057

WILSON, Robert W J, Leading Seaman, P/JX 160843, MPK

Pembroke

SIMPSON, Hugh, Able Seaman, C/JX 696416, died

RM 1st Heavy AA Brigade

WILLIAMSON, George H, Ty/Act/Sergeant, RM, CH/X 192, killed

RM 40 Commando

FANTHAM, Maurice, Marine, PO /X 114817, DOWS

RM 5th AA Brigade

MCKEOWN, John, Ty/Corporal, RM, EX/5463, killed

Saturday, 14 October 1944

BYMS.2155, boat accident

BOOTH, John A, Ty/Act/Lieutenant Commander, RNR , killed

George W Mcknight, steamship

LANG, Eric W, Act/Able Seaman (DEMS), C/JX 335418, (President III , O/P), MPK

MCGUIGAN, Robert N, Ty/Act/Leading Seaman (DEMS), C/JX 283173, (President III , O/P), MPK

Magog ( RCN ), torpedoed

DAVIES, Thomas E, Petty Officer, V 22485 (RCNVR), killed

ELLIOTT, Gordon T, Ordinary Seaman, V/69859 (RCNVR), killed

KELLY, Kenneth J, Able Seaman, V/47918 (RCNVR), MPK

Palisade

STANSBIE, Joseph J, Able Seaman, R/JX 554382, DOWS

Rajah , drowning

FREER, Harry, Able Seaman, C/JX 259471, died

Scott, minesweeping sloop, drowning

DANSIE, Charles B, Lieutenant, killed in rescue attempt

EDWARDS, Ronald C, Marine, CH/X 101993 (RN Naval Party 1503), killed

FLYNN, John J J, Stoker 1c, C/KX 143595, killed

NICHOLSON, John J, Marine, CH/X 106325, killed

PECKITT, Thomas, Ty/Leading Seaman, C/SSX 33242, MPK

RICHARDS, Leslie F, Act/Able Seaman, C/JX 548878, killed

WHITMORE, Walter J, Ty/Petty Officer, C/JX 144194, killed

Sphinx

SIMPSON, William J, Able Seaman, P/JX 427338, DOWS

Tana, illness

HARRISON , Thomas, Cook (S), P/MX 83086, DOWS

Victory, illness

COOK, Cyril, Ty/Chaplain, RNVR, died

Z Special Unit, SOE &ldquoRimau&rdquo Commando Operation, second canoe attack on Singapore Harbour

DAVIDSON, Donald M N, Lieutenant Commander, RNVR (Moreton (RAN)), killed

Sunday, 15 October 1944

3 Maritime Regt, RA

RODDEN, James R, Gunner, RA, 11422066, MPK

Cedric

SLESSOR, James D, Engineman, LT/KX 124828, DOWS

Cormorant, illness

FARAGHER, Lawrence H, Act/Commander, RNR , died

Lanka, illness

FOSTER, James G, Warrant Air Officer, died

Larne, mined

KEW , Ivor M, Stoker Petty Officer, P/KX 75186, killed

MUNRO, William, Stoker 2c, P/KX 638968, killed

MFV.117, ship loss

BLACK, John W, Act/Leading Stoker, P/KX 103384, MPK

CONNELL, Terence W, Able Seaman, C/JX 375243, MPK

FOREMAN, Thomas E, Able Seaman, P/JX 426957, MPK

WOODS, Donald C, Stoker 1c, RNPS, LT/KX 160920, MPK

ML.870, ship loss

CAHILL, Joseph W J, Ty/Lieutenant, RNVR, killed

EBBUTT, Reginald T, Able Seaman, C/JX 316812, killed

MOORE , Norman , Act/Able Seaman, C/JX 573142, DOW

ROGERS, Samuel F, Ordinary Telegraphist, RNPS, LT/JX 330191, killed

Odyssey

CAVE, George H, Marine, EX 5137, DOWS

Petronella, steamship

HEALD, Sydney, Ty/Act/Leading Seaman (DEMS), D/JX 254383, (President III , O/P), MPK

MANSBRIDGE, John G, Act/Able Seaman (DEMS), C/JX 278302, (President III , O/P), MPK

MATKIN, Richard J, Act/Able Seaman (DEMS), P/JX 399990, (President III , O/P), MPK

Royalist

HAY, George E, Marine, PO /X 100080, DOWS

South African Naval Force

WATSON, George, Lieutenant, SANF, died

Monday, 16 October 1944

FAA, 1840 Sqn, Sparrowhawk, air crash

COCKBURN, Hugh, Ty/Sub Lieutenant (A), RNVR, killed

RM 48 Commando

PUGH, Harold, Marine, PO /X 112224, DOWS

Tuesday, 17 October 1944

Defiance , illness

JONES, Catherine P, WRNS, PLY /WRNS 48234, died

FAA, 815 Sqn, Indomitable , air operations and crash

DEARNLEY, Brian P, Ty/Sub Lieutenant (A), RNVR, killed

FARMELO, Christopher B, Ty/Sub Lieutenant (A), RNVR, killed

JENNER, Kenneth W, Ty/Act/Petty Officer Airman, FAA/FX 90676, killed

FAA, 1834 Sqn, Victorious , air operations

CHANDLER , John O, Ty/Lieutenant (A), RNVR, MPK

FAA, 1836 Sqn, Victorious , air operations

HILL, Eric, Ty/Sub Lieutenant (A), RNVR, killed

FAA, 1839 Sqn, Indomitable , air operations

MACKENZIE, Donald M, Ty/Sub Lieutenant (A), RNVR, MPK

Hooghley (RIN)

BANNERJEE, S (initial only) M, Lieutenant, RINVR, died

ML.584, illness

PARKINSON, Joseph H, Ordinary Seaman, P/JX 427728, died

MTB .397

HINKINS, John R, Able Seaman, C/JX 397171, killed

MTB .399

YOUNG, Roy G C, Ordinary Seaman, P/JX 429619, DOWS

Rawalpindi , as POW

THOMAS, Ernest W, Fireman, T.124, died

Wednesday, 18 October 1944

Allington Castle , lost overboard

BARNES, Douglas , Ordinary Seaman, C/JX 549647, MPK

Atalanta

DORWARD, John, Petty Officer, RNVR, R/X 7382 C, DOWS

Frisky

REVILL, John, Fireman, 319177 NAP , MPK

LCT.488, foundered, stress of weather, Lands End, ship loss, 18th-19th

HOWARD, Edward G, Able Seaman, P/JX 387399, MPK

HOWARD, Roy W, Stoker 1c, D/KX 158239, MPK

MCCOLL, James, Act/Able Seaman, D/JX 227963, MPK

LCT.494, foundered, stress of weather, Lands End, ship loss, 18th-19th

BAYFORD, Charles, Leading Motor Mechanic, C/MX 125979, MPK

BERRY , John D G, Stoker 1c, C/KX 140548, MPK

BUSUTTIL, John J, Act/Able Seaman, C/JX 408048, MPK

DICKINSON , Ronald V, Act/Leading Stoker, P/KX 146595, MPK

DONALDSON, Andrew, Ordinary Seaman, C/JX 409670, MPK

EAGER, Leonard A C, Ty/Act/Leading Seaman, C/JX 351717, MPK

ELLINGWORTH, Peter, Ty/Midshipman, RNVR, MPK

FITZSIMON, Barry S, Act/Leading Seaman, P/JX 327463, MPK

FRASER, Alistair, Wireman, D/MX 615703, MPK

GILMOUR, Roland J, Ty/Act/Sub Lieutenant, RNZNVR, MPK

HARTLEY, Edward C, Ordinary Seaman, D/JX 421185, MPK

JAMES, Arthur S, Stoker 1c, D/KX 163293, MPK

KILLINGBACK, Kenneth, Ordinary Seaman, D/JX 640249, MPK

MCCUNNELL, William H, Wireman, D/MX 658129, MPK

MURTS, John, Ty/Lieutenant, RNVR, MPK

SHIPSTON, John, Telegraphist, C/JX 343262, MPK

SMITH, George, Able Seaman, C/JX 351355, MPK

LCT.7014, foundered, stress of weather, Lands End, ship loss, 18th-19th

DAWSON, Leslie, Leading Stoker, P/KX 116656, MPK

DIXON , Edward G, Stoker 2c, P/KX 526160, MPK

FAIRHEAD, Alan H G, Telegraphist, C/JX 677000, killed

FARRELL, James, Ty/Sub Lieutenant, RNVR, MPK

FIRTH, Parker, Leading Seaman, P/JX 231331, MPK

HOLT , Jack W, Able Seaman, P/JX 416613, MPK

PRATT, Donald W, Stoker 1c, P/KX 162280, MPK

REGAN, James, Able Seaman, C/JX 188625, MPK

WESTCOTT, Robert C, Motor Mechanic, C/MX 623901, MPK

LCT.7015, foundered, stress of weather, Lands End, ship loss, 18th-19th

CONDICK, Dennis H, Ty/Sub Lieutenant, RNVR, killed

CONNOLLY, John, Ordnance Artificer 4c, D/MX 90406, MPK

GERNER, Christian A, Act/Leading Stoker, P/KX 127662, MPK

GLEADALL, Horace, Stoker 1c, P/KX 140446, MPK

HAIGH, Geoffrey J, Able Seaman, D/JX 362563, MPK

HANNAN, George, Telegraphist, C/JX 579916, MPK

HARDAKER, Kenneth, Leading Motor Mechanic, C/MX 691177, MPK

HAVELOCK , Leonard, Able Seaman, C/JX 372400, MPK

HAYWARD , Humphrey M, Ty/Sub Lieutenant, RNVR, MPK

JONES, Park K, Act/Petty Officer, P/JX 159796, MPK

KELYNACK, William, Ty/Act/Sub Lieutenant, RNVR, MPK

LORIMER, James W, Stoker 1c, P/KX 525156, MPK

ORAM, Bertram W J, Able Seaman, P/JX 325605, MPK

POWELL, Rhys W, Wireman, D/MX 619718, MPK

SINGER, Leslie C, Able Seaman, P/JX 383916, MPK

TAYLOR , John M, Act/Able Seaman, C/JX 397191, MPK

TONGE, Peter, Act/Able Seaman, C/JX 542284, MPK

WARRINGTON , Clement S, Able Seaman, P/JX 328995, MPK

LCT.7023

ARCHIBALD, James, Act/Able Seaman, D/JX 367179, MPK

Meadowsweet

RAINFORD, Cyril, Telegraphist, P/JX 634970, DOWS

Thursday, 19 October 1944

Drake, illness

GILL, Ernest, Leading Cook, D/MX 90463, died

Elissa

SMITH, Leslie C, Signalman, P/JX 204657, DOWS

FAA, 1844 Sqn, Indomitable , air operations

GRINHAM, Dennis F, Ty/Sub Lieutenant (A), RNVR, MPK

FAA, 711 Sqn, Jackdaw, air crash

MABON, John W R, Ty/Sub Lieutenant (A), RNVR, DOI,

FAA, 841 Sqn, Implacable , air operations

GOODFELLOW, Richard M, Ty/Lieutenant (A), RNZNVR, MPK

HALL , George A, Ty/Sub Lieutenant (A), RNVR, MPK

Findhorn, steamship

PHILLIPS, Raymond W G, Act/Able Seaman, D/JX 337179, (President III , O/P), MPK

Iroquois ( RCN )

COUGHLIN, Clifton R F, Lieutenant Commander, RCNVR, died

Jupiter, as POW

QUINN, Patrick, Able Seaman, D/SSX 29386, died

LCT.488, foundered, stress of weather, Lands End, ship loss ,18th -19th

ARMSTEAD, Stanley, Leading Wireman, D/MX 510022, MPK

BELL , Peter G, Ty/Sub Lieutenant, RNZNVR, MPK

COCKBILL, Alfred C, Wireman, D/MX 630047, MPK

GLADMAN, Reginald J, Telegraphist, C/JX 616299, MPK

LONG, Martin, Petty Officer Motor Mechanic, C/MX 126648, MPK

THOMAS, Arthur P P, Ty/Sub Lieutenant, RNVR, MPK

LCT.491, foundered, stress of weather, Lands End, ship loss, 18th-19th

EDWARDS, Charles J, Able Seaman, P/JX 328647, MPK

Pembroke, illness

RICHARDS, Edgar E, Commissioned Gunner, died

Roberts , illness

WALKER, Gilbert G, Able Seaman, D/JX 563901, died

Sultan, as POW

WATERS, Ronald G M, Act/Petty Officer, D/J 114822, died

Thorough, illness

WINGROVE, Robert H, Able Seaman, P/JX 381946, died

Friday, 20 October 1944

Chaleur II ( RCN )

GRENIER, Joseph O A, Able Seaman, V/3502 (RCNVR), died

Collingwood

SULLIVAN, Arthur S, Leading Sick Berth Attendant, P/MX 73232, DOWS

FAA, 745 Sqn, Seaborn, air crash

BENNETT, John A, Ty/Act/Leading Airman, FAA/FX 606923, killed

BROOKES, Albert D, Ty/Act/Leading Airman, FAA/FX 605894, killed

STANIER, Raymond E, Ty/Act/Leading Airman, FAA/FX 605203, killed

TAYLOR, Henry, Ty/Act/Leading Airman, FAA/FX 614771, killed

Kuttabul II, illness

HAMPTON, Thomas G, Constable, NDP, 775 (NDP), died

Lanka

LANE, George E, Leading Stores Assistant, C/MX 95908, DOWS

LCF.26, ex-LCT.806

HODGKINSON, Thomas, Stoker 1c, P/KX 104606, died

LST.413, drowning

WOODS, Leslie H, Act/Leading Stoker, P/KX 158595, DOW

Pembroke, illness

HAWGOOD, Edwin, Shipwright 1c, C/MX 45751, died

RM 27th Battalion

HIGGIN, Robert M, Marine, PO /X 114835, DOWS

Spartiate

MOIR, John, Able Seaman, P/JX 307044, DOWS

Copra, USN VF Sqn, Officer Training Unit, air crash

STATMAN, Montague, Ty/Act/Sub Lieutenant (A), RNVR, killed

Saturday, 21 October 1944

6 Maritime Regt, RA

BAKER, Maurice, Gunner, RA, 984055, MPK

Australia (RAN), Kamikaze attack

BAYLEY, Henry B, Lieutenant, RANR (S), killed

BUCKLAND, Max, Able Seaman, PM 6014 (RANR), DOW

CORNISH, Robert J, Act/Leading Seaman, 23732 (RAN), killed

DE LA FONTAINE, Eric S, Able Seaman, PM 4828 (RANR), DOW

DEBENHAM, Ian K, Sub Lieutenant, RANVR, DOW

DECHAINEUX, Frank E V, Captain, RAN, DOW

ELLER, Henry P, Able Seaman, 14621 (RAN), killed

ERWIN, John N, Able Seaman, S 6904 (RANR), DOW

FENTON, Gordon K, Able Seaman, H 2118 (RANR), DOW

GERRETT, Harrie B, Lieutenant Commander, RAN, DOW

GREIG, Graham J, Lieutenant, RAN, DOW

HANSEN, Vincent L, Able Seaman, S 7238 (RANR), DOW

HOCKING, John W, Able Seaman, PM 6289 (RANR), DOW

HOCKING, Ronald, Ordinary Seaman, PA 4406 (RANR), killed

HOOKINS, Richard S, Ordinary Seaman, PM 7168 (RANR), DOW

HUTCHISON, George F, Chief Petty Officer, 13263 (RAN), killed

IRVINE , Raymond, Able Seaman, S 8206 (RANR), MPK

JONES, Ivor M, Lieutenant, RANVR, killed

MAUNSELL, Allan R, Able Seaman, S 5801 (RANR), DOW

MILLER, Francis G, Able Seaman, 18125 (RAN), killed

PARKINSON, Richard J, Able Seaman, PM 2686 (RANR), DOW

PERRIN, Frederick P, Able Seaman, 14288 (RAN), DOW

PITTENDRIGH, Donald, Leading Seaman, F 3746 (RANR), DOW

POTTER, Christopher P, Ordinary Seaman, PM 7170 (RANR), DOW

RATTRAY, Noel A, Able Seaman, 24493 (RAN), killed

RAYMENT, John F, Act/Commander, RAN, DOW

SHARPE, Ronald H, Ordinary Seaman, F 5175 (RANR), DOW

SPURR, Francis F, Able Seaman, S 6949 (RANR), DOW

STEELE, Robert M, Able Seaman, PA 2854 (RANR), DOW

STEPHENSON, Frederick G, Able Seaman, B 3634 (RANR), DOW

Coriolanus, illness

CARPENTER, George E, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 437334, died

Daedalus, illness

BIDDLECOMBE, Diana S, WRNS, P/WRNS 4760, died

Pembroke, illness

WILLIAMS, Kenneth E, Leading Motor Mechanic, C/MX 551475, DOWS

Penguin (RAN), illness

OWENS, John E, Lieutenant (E), RAN, died

Rhyl

LAIDLAW, Leslie, Able Seaman, P/JX 624917, MPK

RM 41 Commando, Belgian operations

CARR, Thomas E, Ty/Act/Sergeant, RM, CH/X 103923, killed

HOLT , Harry, Marine, PO /X 111449, killed

PRICE, John A W, Marine, PLY /X 111922, DOWS

St Angelo

SHERBORNE, Gordon P, Corporal, RM, PLY /X 1337, DOWS

Sunday, 22 October 1944

Dalhousie (RIN)

JOSEPH, (None), Cook (S), 19796 (RIN), died

Drake, illness

REA, Basil S, Commander (S), died

Greenwich , illness

PIPE, John A, Commander, died

Impregnable, road accident

KEAST, Maurice J E, Canteen Assistant, C/NX 703999, died

New Waterford ( RCN )

LEWIS, John C L, Paymaster Lieutenant, RCNVR, died

Sphinx, accident

WOOD, Robert W, Able Seaman, P/JX 518370, DOWS

Monday, 23 October 1944

Banff

FREEMAN, Edward G, Act/Leading Stoker, P/KX 100048, DOWS

Byrsa

SMITH, Robert, Joiner 4c, D/MX 510751, DOW

Daedalus, road accident

DAVIS, Frederick K K, Petty Officer Airman, FAA/FX 76553, killed

Striker

BOND, Albert C, Able Seaman, P/JX 194522, DOWS

Whittington

COCKROFT, John W, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 373896, MPK=

Tuesday, 24 October 1944

RM Chatham Division, illness

HALL , Warwick J, Sergeant, RM, CH/14015, died

RN (Malay Section), as POW

ABDUL, Rahman B E, Able Seaman, MN 415 (Malay Section), died

Saunders, illness

HAWKINS, Arthur C, Leading Stoker, C/KX 116955, died

Stoic, surface action

CLOWREY, Frederick P, Able Seaman, D/SSX 21453, MPK

Wednesday, 25 October 1944

BYMS.2077, ship loss

BAXANDALE, Edward, Stoker, RNPS, LT/KX 157627, MPK

BREMNER, John W, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 170565, MPK

CALL, Frederick J, Ty/Act/Lieutenant Commander, RNR , DOW

CAMPBELL , Andrew D, Stoker, RNPS, LT/KX 527201, MPK

COCKERILL, Victor J, Steward, RNPS, LT/LX 31344, MPK

CURRIE, James, Engineman, RNPS, LT/KX 148979, MPK

DAVIES, John J, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 373139, MPK

DERAIMO, Norman P, Stoker, RNPS, LT/KX 154703, MPK

GLEED, Robert G, Ordinary Signalman, RNPS, LT/JX 322654, MPK

GREEN, Alfred W G, Engineman, LT/KX 135857, killed

JAMESON, Henry J, Signalman, RNPS, LT/JX 344525, MPK

JONES, Ivor W, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 428513, MPK

MACKIE, James, Engineman, RNPS, LT/KX 114173, MPK

MALLETT, James M, Stoker, RNPS, LT/KX 532617, MPK

PACKWOOD, Harold, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 299618, MPK

RUTHERFORD , George, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 354943, MPK

SMITH, Horace C, Ty/Sub Lieutenant, RNVR, MPK

SPARKES, Victor M, Engineman, RNPS, LT/KX 124782, MPK

WEBSTER, Frederick J, Stoker, RNPS, LT/KX 156122, MPK

WETHERILL, Samuel, Telegraphist, RNPS, LT/JX 269428, MPK

RM 375th Engineers Detachment

COX , Alfred, Marine, RME 10639, died

Skeena ( RCN ), ship loss

APOSTOLOS, Archie, Steward, V/44615 (RCNVR), killed

BLAIS, Joseph F A, Leading Seaman, V/4777 (RCNVR), MPK

COOK, Desmond B W, Cook (S), V/51070 (RCNVR), killed

DAVIDSON, Gordon, Able Seaman, V/55130 (RCNVR), killed

ELLIS, Melvin N, Able Seaman, V/50983 (RCNVR), killed

GABOUREL, Lloyd A, Able Seaman, V/63956 (RCNVR), killed

HANCOCK, Ralph G, Leading Signalman, V/13220 (RCNVR), killed

JANOS, Joseph F, Able Seaman, 4408 ( RCN ), killed

JOHNSTON, Joseph N, Able Seaman, V/44249 (RCNVR), killed

PRESSNER, Edward J, Steward, V/45330 (RCNVR), killed

SEATH, Richie O, Coder, V/23611 (RCNVR), killed

SILK, James E, Leading Seaman, V/19493 (RCNVR), killed

STEWART, Kenneth W, Able Seaman, V/36475 (RCNVR), killed

UNGER, Abraham, Able Seaman, V/39733 (RCNVR), killed

WATSON, Leonard, Able Seaman, V/46243 (RCNVR), killed

Vatersay, accident

BOSANQUET, Samuel J A, Ty/Lieutenant, RNVR, killed

Thursday, 26 October 1944

BYMS.2006, lost overboard

CLAXTON, Leonard, Ty/Act/Skipper Lieutenant, RNR , killed

FAA, 717 Sqn, Owl, air crash

HIRST, Stanley W, Ty/Sub Lieutenant (A), RNVR, killed

FAA, 828 Sqn, Implacable , air crash

BONE, John W, Ty/Act/Petty Officer Airman, FAA/FX 87060, killed

FAA, 1770 Sqn, Wagtail, air crash

FAIRCLOUGH, James H, Ty/Sub Lieutenant (A), RNVR, killed

KING, Anthony J, Ty/Sub Lieutenant (A), RNVR, killed

FAA, 1771 Sqn, Implacable , air operations

SHAW, Raymond M, Ty/Lieutenant (A), RNZNVR, killed

Jupiter, as POW

SHIELDS, Douglas W, Able Seaman, D/SSX 29267, died

Nile , illness

MONKS, Eva, Leading WRNS, WA/WRNS 32516, died

RM 40 Commando , Greece

MCKENNA, George, Ty/Corporal, RM, EX/3363, DOWS

Royalist

SPICER, Paul G, Marine, PO/X 5232, DOW

Saker (Admiralty Ledger) or Indomitable (CWGC)

LAVINGTON, Walter N, Able Seaman, P/JX 194771 (Saker), illness, DOWS

Stadacona ( RCN )

SAMPSON, Michael C, Petty Officer Stoker, A/871 (RCNR), died

Victory, illness

MOSSCROP, Phillip, Lieutenant, RNVR, died

Friday, 27 October 1944

Argonaut

DUGAY, Douglas F W, Able Seaman, P/JX 625717, DOWS

Copra

FARMER, Andrew, Able Seaman, C/JX 375379, DOWS

FAA, 776 Sqn, Blackcap, air crash

PATON, Robert S, Ty/Sub Lieutenant (A), RNVR, killed

FAA, 1771 Sqn, I mplacable , air operations

WATERS, Samuel A W, Ty/Sub Lieutenant (A), RNVR, MPK

Kestrel, illness

JACKSON, William, Leading Seaman, D/JX 165721, died

Nile , illness

SCOTT, Richard D, Sub Lieutenant, RNVR, died

RM 24th Light AA Reg, illness

MORREY, Fred R, Marine, CH/X 102516, DOWS

RM Deal, illness

VICKERY, Alfred F, Captain, RM, died

Saturday, 28 October 1944

Braganza

COOKE, Frank T, Act/Leading Seaman, P/JX 394307, DOWS

Electra, as POW

PALMER, Charles H, Leading Seaman, C/JX 126168, died

FAA, 811 Sqn, Vindex , air operations

CARR, William E, Ty/Sub Lieutenant (A), RNVR, MPK

WALSH, David L, Ty/Sub Lieutenant (A), RNVR, MPK

FAA, 894 Sqn, Implacable , air crash

BARROW, Edward, Ty/Act/Petty Officer Airman, FAA/FX 91444, killed

Fabius, road accident

WOOD, George W, Marine, PLY /X 1790, died

ML.1239

HAUGHTON, Daniel, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 281610, DOWS

RM 47 Commando

ASHCROFT, Victor, Marine, PLY /X 112790, DOWS

Stadacona ( RCN )

RIDDELL, Lyle C, Chief Engine Room Artificer, V/69086 (RCNVR), died

Sunday, 29 October 1944

Barracuda (RIN)

RAM , Das, Motor Engineer 1c, 78046 (RIN), died

Glasgow

SHERMAN, Walter C, Cook (O), P/MX 101180, DOWS

Marshal Soult

SWALLOW, George T, Seaman, RNPS, LT /JX 177602, DOWS

Pallas (French), illness

THORNTON, John R, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 410195, died

Tyne , illness

EVANS, Charles H, Warrant Ordnance Officer, died

Monday, 30 October 1944

Baron Semple, steamship

BREWSTER, Robert, Act/Able Seaman, P/JX 312945, (President III , O/P), MPK

Consul Shipping Advisor, Iskenderen, illness

JONES, Gerald H L, Act/Captain, RNR , died

Diomede

SHIRLEY, Derrick A, Able Seaman, P/JX 429547, DOWS

Exmouth, illness

HOLMES, Lawrence F, Leading Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 242876, died

Exponent

MACDONALD, William J, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 400176, died

Northney

KELLY, Thomas, Able Seaman, D/JX 312120, illness, died

Seabelle

STEPNEY, John T, Able Seaman, P/JX 516047, illness, died

Swale

HENDERSON, James M, Ordinary Seaman, P/JX 626635, killed

Tuesday, 31 October 1944

Daedalus

DAVIES, Kevin, Naval Airman 2c, FAA/FX 705234, killed

Duke of York

DART, William L, Boatswain, illness, died

RM Lympstone

BROWN, George, Marine, PO /X 116050, illness, died

RN (Malay Section)

MUHAMMAD, Bin Q, Stoker, MN 100 (Malay Section), MPK

Today in World War II History—October 6, 1939 & 1944

80 Years Ago—October 6, 1939: Hitler calls for peace talks with Britain and France.

Japanese abandon Changsha due to strong Chinese counterattack.

Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Paul Whiteman, and Fred Waring perform at Carnegie Hall.

Gen. Joseph Stilwell and Maj. Gen. Curtis LeMay at a US airfield in China, 11 October 1944 (US Library of Congress: LC-USZ62-132808)

75 Years Ago—Oct. 6, 1944: US First Army enters the Hürtgen Forest in Germany.

US Gen. Joseph Stilwell is recalled from his position as Chiang Kai-shek’s chief of staff, but he maintains command over troops in Burma.

Battle of Leyte Gulf Conclusions

The tactical result of the Battle of Leyte Gulf was that the beacheads of the United States Sixth Army on Leyte Island were finally secure from Japanese attack from the sea. It would take several months of bitter land fighting however, until the island was considered to be fully under control by the end of December 1944. Strategically, the Battle of Leyte Gulf concluded with the complete destruction of the Imperial Navy’s aircraft carriers operating under Ozawa’s Northern Force. With this destruction was the end of Japan as a naval power during World War 2. After the battle, the Imperial Navy would not meet the American navy in major action throughout the remainder of the war.

6 October 1944 - History

Organization | History of 318th Infantry | Photos

Organization of the 80th Division AEF

The 80th Division, a National Army Division, was organized at Camp Lee, near Petersburg, Virginia in September 1917, with Major-General Adelbert Cronkhite, commanding. The Division was organized as follows:

159th Infantry Brigade: 317th Infantry Regiment, 318th Infantry Regiment, 313th Machine Gun Battalion.

160th Infantry Brigade: 319th Infantry Regiment, 320th Infantry Regiment, 315th Machine Gun Battalion.

155th Field Artillery Brigade: 313th Field Artillery Regiment (75mm), 314th Field Artillery Regiment (75mm), 315th Field Artillery Regiment (155mm), 305th Trench Mortar Battery.

Divisional Troops: 314th Machine Gun Battalion, 305th Engineer Regiment, 305th Field Signal Battalion, 305th Train Headquarters and MP, 305th Ammunition Train, 305th Supply Train, 305th Engineer Train, 305th Sanitary Train (Ambulance Companies & Field Hospitals 317, 318, 319, 320).

The enlisted personnel of the 80th Division were draftees drawn from Virginia, West Virginia and the western counties of Pennsylvania, giving the division the name of "The Blue Ridge Division."

The Division suffered 1,241 men killed in action 4,788 men wounded in action 100 men as prisoners of war or missing in action. There were 4,495 men received as replacements. The Division advanced a total of 24 miles and captured a total of 1,813 German prisoners of war.

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Summary History of the 318th Infantry Regiment

Co. A., 318th Infantry, April 1918
From the collection of Vincent Petty

From the start the 159th Infantry Brigade was known as a Virginia organization as all of its original enlisted personnel were drawn from the Commonwealth. The men of the 317th Infantry were drawn from the western counties of Virginia while the men of the 318th were drawn from the eastern counties of Virginia.

The 318th Infantry Regiment was organized September 5, 1917 at Camp Lee near Petersburg, Virginia. The men arrived in allotments until full strength was achieved. Five percent the first week, 15% the second, 25% the third week and the remainder the forth week. By October 1917 the 318th Infantry was at full strength. Company A was the first to be mustered into service followed by Company E. In November 1917 to bring divisions, about to leave for France, up to strength, 1,000 men were taken from the 318th. About April 1, 1918 to bring the regiment back up to strength a new draft of men was received. Nearly all of these men were from Pennsylvania.

On May 20, 1918 the 318th Infantry entrained for Hoboken, New Jersey and on May 22, 1918 sailed for France on the Leviathan. The Regiment arrived at Brest on May 30 and disembarked from its transport on May 31, 1918. It camped at Pontanazen Barracks before moving to Calais and a British camp known as West Camp No. 6. Here the Regiment turned in their American rifles and bayonets and drew British rifles and bayonets, British gas masks and drew steel helmets. Auto rifle sections drew the Lewis gun. On June 7-10, 1918 the 318th moved to the Samer Area for training with the British Army, training with the 16th (Irish) and 34th Divisions BEF. July 5, 1918 the regiment moved to Candas and continued training with the 19th Battalion of the Kings Regiment, 66th Division BEF until July 22, 1918. One July 22 the regiment passed from training in the rear to finally going into the trenched with the British Army. The Regiment moved to the forward zone of Rubempre, training with the 17th Division and the 38th (Welsh) Division BEF. During this period the platoons of each battalion were fed into the lines 2nd Battalion platoons from July 27-31 3rd Battalion platoons from July 31-August 4 1st Battalion platoons from August 8-12. In this advanced training the 2nd Battalion suffered the first casualties of the Regiment with 4 killed and 5 wounded. The 3rd Battalion suffered one officer killed, one man killed and 7 men wounded. 1st Battalion suffered one officer and two men wounded. On August 12th the full 2nd Battalion when into the lines relieving the 14th Royal Welsh Fusiliers. On August 13, 1918 heavy hostile artillery fell on the 2nd Battalion resulting in casualties. The 2nd Battalion was relived on the night of August 18, 1918. Before the 3rd and 1st Battalions could enter the lines as full battalions the 318th (and 80th Division) was recalled by the American Army on August 19.

On August 19 and 20, 1918 the 318th Infantry moved to Domleger and on arrival in this area turned in their British rifles and bayonets and again drew their American ordnance. On August 21 and 22 the regiment moved to the American Sector. On August 23 and 24 the Regiment arrived with regimental and battalion headquarters at Recey-sur-Ource, Gurgy-le-Chateau and Colmiers-le-Haut, respectively. It was here that the 318th Infantry received the Chauchat auto rifle for the first time. On August 31 the Regiment marched to Dancevoir then to Latrecey. By September 7 the regiment was in the Resson area.

September 12-14 the American Army fought its offensive on St. Mihiel. During this drive the 318th Infantry and the bulk of the 80th Division were in reserve (though records indicate the 320th Infantry and 315th Machine Gun Battalion were engaged). On September 15 the Regiment embussed at Culey for Relamee Woods near Souilly. By September 25 the Regiment was in position south of Bois Bourrus on the Germonville-Vigneville Road.

September 26, 1918 the 80th Division went into action in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. The 318th Infantry was held in reserve early in the offensive but on September 29 was sent to support the 8th Infantry Brigade of the 4th Division, fighting with the 4th until the 3rd of October. On the October 3 the 2nd and 3rd Battalions of the 318th were withdrawn and returned to the 80th Division for an attack to be made on October 4, while the 1st Battalion remained in support of the 59th Infantry Regiment, 4th Division returning to the regiment on October 5. The 318th was in action as part of the 4th Division and 80th Division from September 29 until the night of October 6/7 when it was relieved. During this period the Regiment suffered 7 officers and 101 men killed, 25 officers and 807 men wounded and 2 men missing. The 2nd Battalion had lost all of its company commanders and about 60% casualties and the 3rd Battalion had suffered as heavily.

On October 7 the regiment was relieved and the day was devoted to resting and relaxing and hot meals. On October 8 the regiment moved to Bois de Montfaucon. Here several officers rejoined the regiment from various army schools and new officers joined the regiment. The regiments strength was so greatly reduced that companies were at once reorganized on the basis of three small platoons per company and a certain amount of drilling was carried out on these reduced conditions. On October 11 the Regiment moved to Bois de Hesse arriving there on the night of the 11th and remaining until the morning of October 14 when it marched to Dombasle and there embussed for the Vaubecourt area. Here the regiment received a new issue of clothing with overcoats. It was also at Vaubecourt that the regiment received the Browning Automatic Rifle. The 318th remained in this area until October 24 when it was moved to Islettes les Petites.

By the night of October 31 the regiment was in line again and on November 3 was ordered to advance, continuing the advance by battalions a total of 16 kilometers until November 6. During these three days in line the Regiment suffered 5 officers and 20 men killed, 9 officers and 84 men wounded and 1 man missing.

One the morning of November 6 the 80th Division was relieved by the 1st Division. The men of the 80th Division were shocked that they were taken out of line at this time. They never knew why they were pulled, but since that time believed that they were pulled out so that the 1st Division could be on the line when the Armistice came through.

With the Armistice the Regiment was ordered to the 15th Training Area with Division HQ in Ancy-le-Franc, reaching there on the night of November 29. During this march the Regiment received 583 replacements. The Regiment remained in this area for about four months. Throughout the winter the Regiment continued training and also competed in various horse shows. On March 26, 1919 the Division was reviewed by General Pershing. On April 3 and 4 left the 15th Training Area for Mayet an area known as the American Embarkation Center. It was at Mayet that the 318th Infantry was actually able to finish its regular rifle courses with the M1917 Rifle. On April 21 the inspectors of the Embarkation Center made their last inspections and on May 8 the entire Regiment was inspected and reviewed by Major-General Cronkhite. From May 13-15 the Regiment left Mayet for Brest and all units were in camp at Pontanezen by May 16 - Almost a year since they first arrived at Pontanezen. On May 17, 1919 the 318th Infantry embarked on USS Maui and at 4:55pm anchor was weighed. Eleven months and two weeks had been spent on French soil.

On May 27, 1919 land was sighted and by 3:00pm the ship lay anchor in Hampton Roads at Newport News, Virginia. And here we leave the Regiment, home again after a year of foreign service. When the regiment was disbanded the State of Virginia, which had given the regiment its birth, received its colors.

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This picture is of the baseball team of the 2nd Battalion, 318th Infantry Regiment which was the regimental champions with a record of 6-3.

The officer standing third from the right wearing glasses Vincent has ID'ed as Major Edward Little, who at the time was the commander of the 2nd Battalion. Because the picture is made aboard ship and there is a division patch visible Vincent strongly believes that this picture was made sometime between May 17 and 27, 1919 aboard the USS Maui as the regiment returned home.

The picture is from the collection of Vincent Petty and is a real picture post card. The picture also appears in the history of the regiment. View Photo

Photograph of Arthor J. Schaub of Pennsylvania. This picture of Schaub was according to the note on the back of the picture on April 14, 1919 in Laille, Sarthe France. The insignia of the 80th Division is visable as well as medical service collar disks on the left collar and overseas cap.

Schaub served as a Private First Class in the Field Hospital, 319th Ambulance, 305th Sanitary Train, 80th Division. According to the 80th Division Association Directory Schaub lived at 501 S. Center St., Corry, PA in 1920.

Thank you to Mr Bruce Smith for providing more information on Pfc Schaub. The picture is from the collection of Vincent Petty.

Picture of Captain John Crum, Co. F, 318th Infantry. Captian Crum commanded Company F from its inception in September 1917 until he was killed in action, September 30, 1918. Crum had been a former member of Poncho Villa's army in Mexico and came to the regiment after serving two years with the British Expeditionary Forces on the Western Front.

The picture is From the regimental history of the 318th Infantry. View Photo

The truck in the photo is labeled "This reconnaissance car of the Motor Transport Corps U.S. Army was in service of the 80th Div."

The photo is captioned: "The vehicle featured in both photos is a 1917-19 White 4x2, 1-ton, 12 passenger reconnaissance car, Model TEBO. View Photo

This photo was reprinted in Army Motors, a publication of the Military Vehicle Preservation Association.

The following six photographs were made during the First World War by James Spencer. James Spencer was the official photgrapher for the 305th Engineers, 80th Division and these six pictures are from among the several hundred made by Spencer. After the war Spencer owned a photgraphy shop and sold copies of pictures made from the negitives he made during the war. These pictures were probably bought from Spencer by another veteran of the 80th Division of the 80th Division. These pictures were bought from a Richmond, Virginia antique shop by Vincent Petty. Further research has revealed that Spencer's negitives now reside at the Army War College at Carlisle, PA. Thank you to Mr. Bruce Smith for his help in identifying these pictures.

The first two photographs are of troops soon after their arrival in France, they show troops on trains in the area of Calais on June 14, 1918. This is the period that troops of the 80th Division arrived in France and moved to their training areas with the British Army.

The fifth picture is of an uncompleted dugout bunker near Bethincourt. This photo was made on September 28, 1918. This may have been an unfinished German taken over by the AEF advance. View Photo

While the 2nd Battalion, 318th Infantry was billeted in Curgy le Chateau (late August 1918) the battalion received an old salvaged French wagon that used as a mess wagon by the battalion. On the side of the wagon was painted "Ole Virginia Never Tires" along with reference to important periods of Virginia history -- "61-65 The Peninsular" in reference to the Civil War "1607-1918" referring to the establishment of the Virginia Colony to the current date "1812 Tidewater" referring to the war of 1812 "1676" referring to Bacon's Rebellion "Southside Virginia 1898" a possible reference to the Spanish-American War. This photo of the wagon was made in October 1918 and all of the men pictured are Virginians. US Army Signal Corps picture. View Photo

Another view of the "Ole Virginia Wagon." From the regimental history of the 318th Infantry.

This picture is of the 318th Infantry Regiments homecoming parade on Capitol Square in Richmond, Virginia about June 1919. From the regimental history of the 318th Infantry. View Photo

317th Infantry Photos

317th Infantry, Co. B. MG Platoon.
Photos taken at Ft. Lee, Virginia & Newport News

Canada in the Second World War

Landry, Pierre. “The Battle of the Scheldt.” Juno Beach Centre. The Juno Beach Centre Association, 2003. [Date Accessed].

The Battle of the Scheldt

The Liberation of Coastal Ports, August 22nd – October 1st, 1944

Vehicles of the 4th Canadian Armoured Division crossing pontoon bridge over the Seine River near Elbeuf, France, August 28th, 1944.
Photo by Ken Bell. Department of National Defence / National Archives of Canada, PA-113662.

In order to progress eastwards through Europe, the Allies had to ensure a safe supply route. This meant seizing as soon as possible the seaports along the Channel so they may ship in the equipment, vehicles and supplies the men and the war machine demanded in enormous quantities.

Once the Falaise Gap was closed, General Harry Crerar received the order to move speedily towards the Seine and capture Le Havre. To the north, under command of the First Canadian Army, I British Corps was marching along the coast to Honfleur. On its flank, II Canadian Corps was headed for Rouen. On August 26th and 27th, after cleaning up a pocket of fierce resistance in the forest of the Londe, the 3rd and 4th Canadian Divisions crossed the Seine near Elbeuf and reached Rouen on the 30th.

In early September, II Canadian Corps was moving speedily through northern France. On September 1st, it was in Dieppe, where hundreds of Canadians had been killed two years earlier. Le Tréport was liberated the same day and the troops crossed the Somme River on September 3rd. The French population, in cities and throughout the countryside, greeted them with noisy enthusiasm.

I cannot possibly convey the cumulative effect of passing for hours through a liberated countryside, with the wreckage of the beaten enemy-his tanks and vehicles, his dead horses and the graves of his dead men-littering the roadside ditches, and the population, free once more, welcoming the oncoming troops with smiles and flowers and the V-sign…

The scene in a liberated town is quite extraordinary. The place, of course, is festooned with flags. They always have plenty of tricolours but the Union Jack and the Stars and Stripes are in short supply, and had to be homemade for the occasion. (I even saw some versions of the Canadian Red Ensign, which would scarcely have pleased the College of Heralds but must have pleased a good many Canadians.) Everyone seems to be in the street, and no one ever seems to tire of waving to the troops passing in their vehicles, who likewise never tire of waving back (particularly at the female population). The young people wave and laugh and shout the children yell and wave flags the mothers hold up their babies to see the troops, and wave their little paws too the old people stand by the roadside and look happy and the Army rolls through…
– Letter of a Canadian officer to his family, September 2nd, 1944.

Convoys of 2nd Canadian Infantry Division speed through Rouen, France, August 31st, 1944.
Photo by Harold G. Aikman. Department of National Defence / National Archives of Canada, PA-131346.

The Canadians were not aware that on September 4th, Hitler had ordered to shore up the defences of Calais, Boulogne, Dunkirk and the Island of Walcheren, as he viewed Allied presence in those cities as a major threat to Germany. As a result, he was ready to keep them under control at all costs.

In Boulogne, as early as September 5th, the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division faced a resolute garrison the Canadians launched their attack on the port city on the 17th after days of intensive air raids. Battle raged for six days until the remaining German soldiers surrendered on September 22nd. Some 9,517 prisoners were made.

During their four-year occupation of Calais, the Germans had built solid defences along the coast but did not consider the possibility of a terrestrial attack. The city was therefore vulnerable on the inland side and the 3rd Canadian Division approached it from that direction. After eight days, from September 25th to October 1st, 1944, the Canadians finally overwhelmed the garrison of 7,500 who defended the town.

Between Boulogne and Calais, the batteries on Cape Gris-Nez represented a serious threat to navigation with their big-calibre guns that could fire shells over a considerable distance they could even hit the British coast. The 9th Infantry Brigade attacked the position and silenced the guns on September 29th.

In September, while they were cleaning up the coast, Canadian units came across and destroyed several V-1 flying bomb bases. They were glad to eliminate that scourge which had been such a threat to Londoners, with whom over years of training and waiting in English bases, they had built many ties of friendship.

In early October 1944, the Allies controlled the harbours north of the Seine but the supply issue was not yet solved: Dieppe, Le Tréport and Ostende had been opened but could not handle the high volumes that Allied troops in Europe required. Le Havre, Boulogne and Calais were not serviceable having suffered major destructions. Further north, Antwerp had been liberated by the Allies on September 3rd, but the city was located on the Scheldt River, some 80 kilometres from the open sea and the river’s mouth was still under German control. The only way to make sure that the supplies required by the campaign in Europe could enter the continent was to capture the Scheldt. This was to be the mission of the First Canadian Army.

The Battle of the Scheldt, October 1st – November 8th, 1944

Corporal S. Kormendy covers Sergeant H.A. Marshall, a scout of the Calgary Highlanders, as he moves over open ground near Kapellen, Belgium, October 6th, 1944.
Photo by Ken Bell. Department of National Defence / National Archives of Canada, PA-131245.

The Scheldt flows to sea by a very wide mouth divided in two by a long peninsula made of three separate islands, South Beveland, North Beveland and Walcheren. Located in the Belgian-Dutch border area, this is a region of polders, low-lying fields conquered over the sea and bordered by a network of dykes and canals. The roads are built on top of the four- or five-metre high dykes. In this totally flat and wet countryside, no one can move without being spotted. This was where the First Canadian Army had to fight and dislodge the German defences, which knew nothing should be spared to protect the access to Antwerp. Walcheren Island to the north and Breskens to the south were the two most solid positions.

Lieutenant-General Guy Simonds commanded the attack of the First Canadian Army against the Scheldt, in replacement of General Harry Crerar who was recovering from a bout of dysentery. Before giving the signal for the assault by ground troops, he ordered aerial bombings to destroy the dykes and flood Walcheren and some of the lowlands south of the river’s mouth.

On October 2nd, 1944, the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division marched north from Antwerp towards the entrance to South Beveland it had to capture, and then onwards along the isthmus. The division met with unbreakable resistance near Woensdrecht and Hoogerheide. On September 8th, German troops packed beyond Korteven launched fierce counter-offensives. Woensdrecht, a strategic point since it was the key to the peninsula, remained in German hands. Bloody fighting went on until October 16th, as Canadian and German soldiers fought for the access route to the peninsula. On October 13th, the “Black Friday”, the Black Watch regiment was decimated for a second time within four months, losing 145 men and all its commanders in an especially violent and merciless engagement. On October 16th, the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, supported by the 10th Armoured regiment and the whole artillery of the division, fought its way up to the village of Woensdrecht and held the mound that overlooks it. Thus they were able to drive back counter-attacks and retain the position, again at the cost of many lives.

A company reported that they were attacked by a self-propelled gun and that 9 platoon were being shelled severely. Hand to hand fighting ensued and one of our 6-pounders section fired point blank at the enemy before the gun was hit and put out of action…
– Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, War Diary, 15-17 October 1944

A column of Alligators passing Terrepin amphibious vehicles on the Scheldt River near Terneuzen, October 13th,1944.
Photo by Donald I. Grant. Department of National Defence / National Archives of Canada, PA-114754.

Meanwhile, the 3rd Division attacked an enemy pocket that remained near Breskens. The crossing of the Leopold Canal in the night of October 6th to 7th proved a difficult task. Once they reached the side under enemy control, soldiers set up bridgeheads hardly deeper than the canal’s shores the ground was soaking wet and trenches filled up with water as soon as they were dug. The whole area was under enemy fire including shells from big-calibre coastal defence guns more than 15 kilometres away. Wounded men filled the field care station. In spite of all this, the 7th Brigade solidified its bridgehead and moved on.

During the night A and B companies crossed the LEOPOLD CANAL over a heavily shelled bridge constructed by Royal Canadian Engineers. While moving up from the bridge, 12 Platoon of B Company were sent to assist a hard pressed platoon of 1 Canadian Scottish Regiment in repelling a determined enemy counter-attack…
– Royal Winnipeg Rifles, War Diary, 6-13 October 1944

On the other side of Breskens, the 9th Brigade launched an amphibious assault during the night of October 9th. Using Alligator and Buffalo amphibious vehicles with tracks, infantry units landed beyond the Braakman cove, near Hoofdplaat, and caught the Germans unaware as they did not expect an attack from the Scheldt side. The Canadians were able to set up a solid bridgehead with mortars and heavy machine-guns before the enemy could organize a serious response. For three weeks, 3rd Division units harassed the German troops on soaked and muddy grounds. Resistance was finally broken in the Breskens pocket and on November 3rd, at 0950, the following entry was written down in the Division’s war diary: “Op Switchback now complete.” Someone added underneath “Thank God!”

Soon the beach was a hive of industry. The great motors roaring and these huge amphibious monsters crawling like great reptiles from the sea, out over the dyke and spitting flame from their exhausts…
– North Nova Scotia Highlanders, War Diary, 6-13 October 1944

The 7th Brigade is moving through a village in the vicinity of Leopold canal, October 18th, 1944.
Photo by Donald I. Grant. Department of National Defence / National Archives of Canada, PA-137188.

Woensdrecht captured, the 2nd Division undertook to clean up South Beveland. On October 24th, its units entered the isthmus linking the island with the mainland. Two days later, more troops crossed the Scheldt in amphibious Buffaloes and landing crafts. In South Beveland Canadian and British soldiers were able to move forward without meeting any serious opposition as the Germans were by then trying to leave the island. On November 2nd, both South and North Beveland were liberated.

The enemy’s last post was Walcheren Island, a real stronghold whose beaches were filled with heavy artillery batteries. There was only one road access, the Walcheren causeway, a straight road, some 40-metres wide and 12-kilometres long. The causeway carried the main road as well as a railway line with only one track left. On both sides only wide expanses of muddy marshes dotted with reeds. The road afforded no protection whatsoever. Of Walcheren Island proper, only remained the peripheral heights, the centre being completely flooded.

The battle for the causeway started on October 31st. The Black Watch, the Calgary Highlanders and the Régiment de Maisonneuve followed one another. A narrow bridgehead was finally set up in the morning of November 2nd and the Régiment de Maisonneuve held on to it desperately for several hours until relieved. The Régiment de Maisonneuve and the 5th Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, were the last Canadian units to take part in the Battle of the Scheldt. British units relieved the Canadians exhausted troops were pulled back from the battlefield to a rest area.

A gun-tractor skidded off the road on the flooded island of Beveland, October 28th, 1944.
Photo by Ken Bell. Department of National Defence / National Archives of Canada, PA-131257.

On November 1st, amphibious assaults were made on Westkapelle, Flessingue and the last pockets of German resistance fell on November 7th after some violent fighting. Walcheren Island was finally captured and, once the river mouth was cleared of mines, the Scheldt was opened to shipping. On November 28th, 1944, Antwerp harbour received the first supply shipment. Canadians were not present at the opening ceremony but the first ship of the convoy was a Canadian one, Canadian-made and bearing the historical name Fort Cataraqui.

Suggested Reading:

• Terry Copp et Robert Vogel, Maple Leaf Route: Scheldt, 1984
• C.P. Stacey, The Victory Campaign, Volume 3 of the Official History of The Canadian Army in the Second World War, 1960.
• W. Denis Whitaker et Shelagh Whitaker, Tug of Wa : The canadian Victory that Opened Antwerp, 1984

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The Battle of Leyte Gulf – October 23-26, 1944

The Battle of Leyte Gulf (75 years ago today) is often cited as the largest naval battle of World War II, and by some criteria, the largest naval battle in history. The battle was not a single engagement, but a series of scattered battles across an area of more than 100,000 square miles of sea. The four main battles involved over 200,000 naval personnel.

The Imperial Japanese Navy launched Operation Shō in a desperate attempt to stop the Allies from landing forces in the Philippines, an action which threatened to cut Japan off from its supply lines in Southeast Asia and open mainland Japan to direct attack. This response ignited the battle and chaos of the Leyte Gulf.

On October 24, at the Battle of the Sibuyan Sea (the first of the major military engagements), US carrier-based aircraft sunk the Japanese Yamato-class battleship Musashi, one of the most heavily-armed warships ever constructed. Three consecutive waves of Japanese aircraft attacked the American aircraft carriers in the sea, but most were intercepted and shot down by Hellcat fighters.

In one of the most perplexing and still-discussed decisions made during the War in the Pacific, Admiral William “Bull” Halsey ordered his 3rd fleet to pursue the Japanese Northern force, which was nothing more than a decoy (its carriers were almost entirely empty of aircraft). This allowed the relatively unscathed Japanese Center Force, whose goal was to destroy the amphibious landing force in Leyte Gulf, to turn around from their own feinted retreat and break through the San Bernardino Strait, facing only 3 US escort carrier task units in the process. It has been noted by historians that Halsey was sleep-deprived during the battle, thus impairing his decision making and command (a topic still tragically relevant to today’s Navy, see:

Meanwhile, at the Battle of Surigao Strait (Oct. 25), Japan’s “Southern Force” was soundly defeated by the US Seventh Fleet’s Bombardment and Fire-Support Group. As the Southern Force attempted to gain entry into the Leyte Gulf, it ran into a deadly trap set by the Seventh Fleet: This was the last battle ever in which one force successfully “crossed the T” of its opponent ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crossing_the_T ). In this engagement Japan lost almost all its Southern Fleet, including battleships, destroyers, and a heavy cruiser. Admiral James L. Holloway, III, a Chairman Emeritus of the Naval Historical Foundation, fought in the battle as a 22 year old officer, and recorded his reflection on that day for the Foundation in the 2014 video republished below.

The neglected Japanese Center Force that had broken out of the San Bernardino Strait set a course directly south along the Island of Samar, with the intention of fatally disrupting the American landing force. In its path were only three of the US Seventh Fleet’s escort carrier units, Taffy 1, 2, and 3 – a collection of small, lightly armored vessels. The Japanese Center Force, on the other hand, still possessed four large battleships, six heavy cruisers, two light cruisers, and twelve destroyers. The ensuing Battle off Samar on October 25 was one of the most astounding victories in the entire war – outnumbered, out-manned, and outgunned, American sailors nonetheless triumphed against all odds.

The Japanese commander, Admiral Kurita, ordered a general attack, splitting up his forces. The US force began to withdraw, while the light destroyers created a smoke screen to protect the vulnerable escort carriers. Rear Admiral Thomas Sprague ordered all carriers to launch their aircraft, no matter what they were equipped with, to harass the enemy pursuers. Poor communication and confusion among the Japanese ranks made the heavy ships easy prey for American torpedoes, which broke apart Japanese cohesion. So determined were the outnumbered American sailors that Admiral Kurita believed he was actually fighting the full force of Admiral Halsey’s fleet, not a small task force – in response, Kurita ordered his force to retreat, and the American landing forces were thus allowed to proceed unhindered.

In October 2014, twelve First Class Midshipmen of the United States Naval Academy (all History majors) attended the reunion of Taffy III in San Diego to conduct oral histories of those World War II survivors from the Battle off Samar. The above documentary reflects part of that work.

The Battle of Leyte Gulf was a devastating loss for the Japanese Navy, which was afterward incapable of mounting any further serious naval counter-attacks against the Allied forces in the Pacific.
In total the United States lost seven warships, including one light aircraft carrier, two escort carriers, two destroyers, and two destroyer escorts. Japan, however, lost twenty-six warships, including three battleships. Several other warships were also damaged beyond repair and were later scuttled. The United States suffered approximately 3,000 casualties, while Japan suffered nearly 12,500.

We commemorate the brave actions and sacrifices made by so many thousands of sailors 75 years ago, and we are looking forward to a fantastic event tomorrow morning at the Decatur House to further honor this battle, and hear from historians and family on what this battle has meant for the Navy, the country, and the world.
If you would like to learn more about the Battle, please join the Naval Historical Foundation on October 25th at the historic Decatur House in Washington, D.C.:

Next week on Thursday Tidings, we will be remembering the first time that a C-130 Hercules landed on an aircraft carrier – a unique moment in Naval Aviation history, and to this day remains the record for the largest and heaviest aircraft to successfully land on an aircraft carrier.

6 October 1944 - History

This is the prayer originally entitled "Let Our Hearts Be Stout" written by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as Allied troops were invading German-occupied Europe during World War II. The prayer was read to the Nation on radio on the evening of D-Day, June 6, 1944, while American, British and Canadian troops were fighting to establish five beach heads on the coast of Normandy in northern France.

The previous night, June 5th, the President had also been on the radio to announce that Allied troops had entered Rome. The spectacular news that Rome had been liberated was quickly superceded by news of the gigantic D-Day invasion which began at 6:30 a.m. on June 6th. By midnight, about 57,000 American and 75,000 British and Canadian soldiers had made it ashore, amid losses that included 2,500 killed and 8,500 wounded.

My Fellow Americans:

Last night, when I spoke with you about the fall of Rome, I knew at that moment that troops of the United States and our Allies were crossing the Channel in another and greater operation. It has come to pass with success thus far.

And so, in this poignant hour, I ask you to join with me in prayer:

Almighty God: Our sons, pride of our nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion, and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity.

Lead them straight and true give strength to their arms, stoutness to their hearts, steadfastness in their faith.

They will need Thy blessings. Their road will be long and hard. For the enemy is strong. He may hurl back our forces. Success may not come with rushing speed, but we shall return again and again and we know that by Thy grace, and by the righteousness of our cause, our sons will triumph.

They will be sore tried, by night and by day, without rest -- until the victory is won. The darkness will be rent by noise and flame. Men's souls will be shaken with the violences of war.

For these men are lately drawn from the ways of peace. They fight not for the lust of conquest. They fight to end conquest. They fight to liberate. They fight to let justice arise, and tolerance and goodwill among all Thy people. They yearn but for the end of battle, for their return to the haven of home.

Some will never return. Embrace these, Father, and receive them, Thy heroic servants, into Thy kingdom.

And for us at home -- fathers, mothers, children, wives, sisters, and brothers of brave men overseas, whose thoughts and prayers are ever with them -- help us, Almighty God, to rededicate ourselves in renewed faith in Thee in this hour of great sacrifice.

Many people have urged that I call the nation into a single day of special prayer. But because the road is long and the desire is great, I ask that our people devote themselves in a continuance of prayer. As we rise to each new day, and again when each day is spent, let words of prayer be on our lips, invoking Thy help to our efforts.

Give us strength, too -- strength in our daily tasks, to redouble the contributions we make in the physical and the material support of our armed forces.

And let our hearts be stout, to wait out the long travail, to bear sorrows that may come, to impart our courage unto our sons wheresoever they may be.

And, O Lord, give us faith. Give us faith in Thee faith in our sons faith in each other faith in our united crusade. Let not the keeness of our spirit ever be dulled. Let not the impacts of temporary events, of temporal matters of but fleeting moment -- let not these deter us in our unconquerable purpose.

With Thy blessing, we shall prevail over the unholy forces of our enemy. Help us to conquer the apostles of greed and racial arrogances. Lead us to the saving of our country, and with our sister nations into a world unity that will spell a sure peace -- a peace invulnerable to the schemings of unworthy men. And a peace that will let all of men live in freedom, reaping the just rewards of their honest toil.

Thy will be done, Almighty God.

Amen.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt - June 6, 1944

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