As we head through the Fourth of July weekend, it's a good time to reflect on the holidays as observed on a chaser in and shortly after WWI.
The U.S. submarine chaser crews spend the fourth in some interesting places, from Corfu, Greece to Archangel, Russia. In the case of the chasers that first reached Base 25 in 1918, it would have been their first Independence Day overseas, at a brand new and fairly isolated base. The following year, these chasers were scattered all over. This photo shows SC 338 in Spalato (Split). Others would have been in ports in France or thereabouts, while a few were celebrating the holiday with festivities on Kego Island in the White Sea.
Best wishes to everyone for a Happy Fourth of July, wherever you may be, this year.
--Todd Woofenden, editor
Recently Added to the Hull Numbers Collection
And, new photos added to existing hull number pages:
Ideal Chaser Model images
The Ideal Aeroplane & Supply Company's submarine chaser model, produced in the mid to late 1930s, is featured on this page: http://www.subchaser.org/kit-ideal. Recently added are detail photos showing the components.
Photos from the Collection of Benjamin Gray
Two photos are shown, from the collection of subchaser crewman Benjamin Gray. One is a rare "below decks" shot, either on a chaser or possibly on a torpedo boat.
Photos from the Collection of William Neurath
William Neurath, USNRF, served on submarine chaser SC 236. This set shows photos from his collection.