Guestbook Archive 2000
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I served aboard the SC 664, decommissioned off Samar in early 1946. Anyone who was there and remembers, e-mail me,SC3/C
My dad was on SC1301 9/43-'45 as a Ltjg. We had a great time going over your web page. Well Done!
MADE A TYPING ERROR IN MY PRIOR MESSAGE.. MY SHIP WAS THE SC1358 NOT THE SC1356...SORRY. ANY ONE WITH ANY INFO ON HER OR HER CREW WOULD BE APPRECIATED...THANKS
I am interested in the restoration of SC 1057. My father served on her from May 1945 till October 1945. He lives in Bushnell, Florida and I’m sure he would like to see her. Also, how can one assist (financially or otherwise) with the restoration project?
I served on SC653 from 1943 till my discharge at end of war. I left her in Staten Island NY.If any of the old crew are still with us I sure would like to hear from you. Does anyone know what happened to the SC653?
Anyone still alive that was onboard the “might five one two? ”salty" Saulton,Tuck Tinsley,Greenblatt,Ballard,Largent,Gibbons just a few?
Anyone still alive that was onboard the "might five one two?
My father William Mason Beasley attended SCTC in Miami,Fl.
1943. Would like to find someone who remembered him or any info on this school. My dad was assigned to the Uss Conklin
DE 439 after SCTC.
ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ON SC1356... I WAS A SONARMAN ON HER DURING WWII...THANKS
RICK
JUST FOUND YOUR WEB SITE AFTER READING AN ARTICLE IN THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE ABOUT FINDING A WWI SUB CHASER OFF OF ZION IN LAKE MICHAGAN. I SERVED ON THE SC1356 DURING WWII. WE WERE ALSO OFF THE NORMANDY COAST ON D-DAY. GREAT WEB SITE...WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM ANY SHIPMATES THAT MAY STILL BE AROUND.
MY FATHER JAMES L FEENEY EM2/C SERVED ABOARD THE USS SC748, AND THE USS SC738 ALL THROUGH THE PACIFIC
DURING WWII. HE ALWAYS SAID THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO MAKE THAT TRIP AGAIN, BUT TIME AND TIDE WAIT FOR NO MAN.
AND HE PASSED AWAY IN 1968.I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM ANYONE THAT SERVED WITH HIM
Forgot to ask above if anyone might have known my dad (Jimmy Smith) or the SC he was on.
Great site - my dad, James P. Smith was one of those 90 day wonders that captained an SC during WWII and participated in the invasion of Normandy. My son Philip just joined
the Coast Guard and is stationed on the cutter “Courageous” out of Panama City, Florida. Your web site will give him a great perspective on what his grandfather did.
Came back for another look, and was pleased to find that the site has gotten even better, and that I had a response to my earlier query about my late Dad, Glen Erdman’s service in the war aboard SC 726. Please be advised that my e-mail address has changed from my earlier entry. This one is current!
"Outstanding" Web Site! My dad, Robert M. Smith was abroad the SC453 during WWII. Asked to find out if any reunion’s were happening in 2001? Keep up the Great work.
I would like to hear from any crew members that were aboard SC 538. If interested, call 810-564-0840 or send email to
Great site Ted! We worked together for some time during the late 1970s and the 1980s. I’m looking forward to reading your book. You were always interesting and I enjoyed your company. I hope you’re doing well and I wish you the best. Alice says hello.
Dave
Really enjoyed your site. Did not know these boats existed. I am a Fairmile B lover as dad worked on one for 25 years on one used as a ferry. I have added your sit
Another ferry in Perth W.A. was ex-war surplus from the US, Believe she had twin or triple Packards in her when new. If I send an image perhaps you could identify the class of vessel. Will keep in touch.
Tony Maxfield
Perth, Western Australia.
I saw this sight while looking for some info on the boat I was on. It was the PC 619. We were based out of Le Harve France; European Theatre of War 1944 WWII. If you have any information please let me know. I truly found an entire new world on this site. Thank you very much.
SC-1355 was registered from 1949 to 1981 as “Chief”, owned by the W&W Fishing Enterprises Inc., 2971 N. Jerusalem Rd., Levitown, NY 11756. 1981 was the last year it shows up in the U.S. Coast Guard’s “Merchant Vessels of the U.S.”, and the official number given “Chief” was 255487. “Merchant Vessels of the U.S.” is the primary source of information on post-war SCs, although there are a couple of other sources, most notably Lloyds Registry. These sources are only good if the vessel was registered, and many post-war SCs were not registered (particulary those in other countries, e.g., Canada).
I had some bad information, I requested info on SC1351 it should be SC1355 also know as Airtern. Stationed off the coast of NC.
I origanally said SC1351 it should be SC1355 also callled the AIRTERN. Sorry for the confusion
Thank you for opportunity for many of us to see and go back and touch the days of the sub chasers of our fathers!
Thank you all that have come to post and share.
My father served on a sub chaser, the SC-648 he thinks. He was on detached service from the Army as a Radioman his whole service time. His name is John Conklin, he lives in upstate NY. He remembers the monkey, the birds etc mentione on board the sC-648. Dad came from Wayne NY at the time of the war.
I’ve been collecting information for my dad. We have shared some great phone conversations, and we even shared the same rate and rank. I was RM2 when I was in the USNR.
Anyone that remembers serving with my father, feel free to contact me!
Ted, could I add my email address just in case somebody would like to contact me? I wrote a book about life aboard a subchaser in the Pacific during WWII (The Splendid Five) and it’s doing well at Barnes & Noble Bookstores. My URL is and my email address is Thanks!
Trying to get info on SC1351. My dad served on SC1351 off the coast of North Carolina during WWII. Great site by the way.
Ted, this is without question the best web site on the Internet. I’ve just finished going through the glowing letters in this guestbook, and I am surprised that not a single crewmember of the old SC-995 or the four other SC’s that were converted to LCC’s in New Caledonia in 1944 has seen this. You’ve done a great job with this project, and I want to congratulate you and wish you great success with THE SPLINTER FLEET.
This web site deserves five stars for the information, about
about (SC’S)Many were used in WW I guarding the New England
Coast against submarines, Admiral Nelson was in charge.
According to research papers that I have read a German
Submarine, blew up a barge in Lynn Harbor, and a sub chaser
called the air station to report it. A plane was dispatched
and scored a direct hit, but the German U-Boat escaped, because the bomb was a dud and never exploded, This report
was written by the Captain. All Best, AL
Please see entry on my Dad, several entries above this one. Have a possible lead that my Dad’s ship may have been the SC 1326. Anybody out there serve aboard her, or remember my Dad? Thanks again to all of you WWII sailors who served your country!
My father served on a seaplane tender (USS Curtis) in WWII. He once told me about a friend of his who served on a subchaser. He said they(the sailors) had to be a special breed because they were often sitting ducks. I remember finding a plastic model kit (Monogram or Revell?)and building it. My fathin-in-law worked on subchasers in the war by installing asbestos in them in Chicago (Pullman area?)
Great website, Researching on a book regarding the sinking in Palarmo harbor of pc694 Commanded by Lt. Roger S. Robinson and pc696 on August 23,44 anyone with information lease contact his son Henry Robinson, 310 Country Club Lane Gettysburg, PA 17325 /
I think I just learned more about what my Dad’s WWII service aboard a subchaser must have been like, on your site,than I had ever hoped to know. Thanks for a great job, and thanks to you men who sailed them so bravely. Unfortunately, I have no record of WHICH SC my Dad was on, so may I ask anyone out there who might remember my Dad, Monte H. Bradford, LTJG, USNR, to contact me? I know he was stationed at the subchaser school in Miami in 1944, after graduating from midshipmen’s school at Notre Dame in the “V-12” program, and that his ship transited the Canal, and saw alot of action in late 1944, and in 1945 at Okinawa. He would have been a handsome young man from Missouri.......ring a bell, please, anybody? Thanks, Monte H. Bradford, Jr. Email me at
Alright Splinter Fleet men, get Ted Treadwell’s book. Herein find great text, the final destination o
of all the SCs, and fine photos. See the subchaser with a bone in her teeth; see the ragamuffin
crews. Here are the great memories.
Bill Thomson, USS SC 732
What a great site. My father was a Lt. JG on a subchaser in the Med. My brothers and I grew up listening to his tales and enjoyed every one of them. Thanks for putting up this site on the web for everyone to enjoy.
Enjoyed reading all the information about subchasers. My dad was SC1050 in 1944. Because of this site I will be asking my dad all kinds of questions about his SC navy experience. Hope to learn more about subchaser’s and thier courageous sailor’s.
This site is fantastic. I served on the SC-726 in the Pacific for two years. We were converted to a Landing Craft
Director Ship, and participated in the invasions of Peleliu, Palau; Leyte, Philippines; Ormoc Bay, Philippines.
Our ship was involved in much air action and was credited with shooting down three Jap planes.
Thank you for all the info. My father Glen Dymond served on the USS SC 675. If anyone has info pertaining it please email me.
Thank you
What a great site!! I started in Florida in Ft Lauderdale at SCTC around July 1942 and served on SC 745 from then until November 1944 ...made almost all landings in New Guinea, New Britain and got to Leyte at Tacloben Harbor right after the sea battle and landed there. Anyone who knows of any of my shipmates please contact me at this e-mail [
I am glad to find a sight for the Subchasers. I served on the SC-742 in the suoth pacific and I
can say that it was one of the finest crews that I served with The 742 was built in Nyack, NY.
I also served on Destroyers and Mine Sweepers. But I can say that the small ships were a far
closer knit family then any that I served with. I did order your book " Splinter Fleet' the
wooden subchasres of WWII and was told it would be shipped to me Nov.15,2000 and am
looking forward to receiving it. Thanks again. Alan R. Auer MoMM2/c
You really should include the SC-699 in your web site as a vessel put out of commission by a jap aircraft which smashed into the SC-699 on 6-27-44 during the U.S.Army landing at Biak Island, New Guinea. Casualties were 2 dead and 8 injured. Vessel towed by fleet tug to Milne Bay, New Guinea and remaining crew were reassigned. The 699 had been attached to the 7th Amphibious Fleet (McArthur’s navy) from about May 1942 to its destruction in 1944. I was a member of the crew at that time serving as the ship’s yeoman.
My father, Robert Warner served on SC1012 during WWII. He loved to talk about it. He died last year and I wish that I remembered more of his stories. If he was as good a sailor as he was a father, he was terriific! Please contact me if you knew him.
My granda served on a ship that was converted to a sub cahser in wwii do any of you know him his name is ralph wall
??
EMAIL me if you do
TO ROGER ERDMAN;
REGARDING YOUR DAD’S SERVICE ON THE SC-726, I SERVED WITH HIM FOR TWO YEARS AND KNEW HIM WELL. I HAVE ALL THE INFORMATION ABOUT HIM AND THE SHIP YOU SEEK. PLEASE GET IN TOUCH WITH ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO LOCATE YOU.
Great Web Site, my father was an EM3 on the 1311 during WWII. He died when I was a teenager and I never really appreciated his war stories until many years later, after my service. Thank you for bringing into focus some of the vague memories of stories he told me in my youth. Although my father passed away over 25 years ago, reading your website was like getting to hear those stories again. I’m looking forward to getting and reading your new book.
Hi Ted, Thanks for linking to my site. Congratulations on publication of SPLINTER FLEET
I will order your book as soon as I can get hold of the Naval Institute. I tried this morning
but got tired of waiting.
Bill
Are there any photographs,memotos of “ American Bay ” on Corfu ?
Are there any photographs,memotos of Durrazo ?
Are there any photographs,memotos of Captain Juggy Nelson ?
Are there any photographs,memotos of Lt,Cmdr Batesedo ( spelling )
Are there any photographs,memotos of the Splinter fleet in Bermuda, Azores, Gilbrator ?
I am the son of the Medical Officer who served the flotilla, Lt. Leon Clemmer
Sept. 17 2000: I served on board SC 1066 1943-1945 from Marshall Is. through Iwo and Okinawa invasions. Last year I had the pleasure to re-meet our former skipper, Bernard Hollander in Detroit after last seeing him in 1944. Thanks for mentioning the SC boats. Ill never forget them or how rough they could be.
JUST TO LET YOU KNOW. SC635 HAS BEEN REPORTED SUNK IN HELLS GATE IN NYC. HAVE NO DETAILS.
Can anyone tell me how the resteration of SC-1057 is coming along. I use to fish on her out of Manhattan when she sailed as the Palace
My father Mel Hayes serve onthe SC746 in WWII. Can anyone give use any info on the history of the ship.
Informative site. Have enjoyed the guestbbok entries.Served on PC 1172 later named the USS Olney in 1954-55 in the Pacific --mostly on Sea Air Rescue Duty in the Marshall Islands. We PC sailors can appreciate what the Sub Chasers were about. R.G. Floyd Lt. USNR-R
Hi Ted,
I’m visiting Ezra and he showed me this wonderful site. I sure am looking forward to ordering my copy of your new book and will do so when I get home. Best wishes for continued success in your publishing and research.
George
Ted, Thanks so much for your wonderful and informative site. I have been searching the web for info on the splinter ships, specifically the SC-290 from WW-I. My grandfather, James H. Todd II was commanding officer of the SC-290 and I am in possession of the ships bell which I was hoping to hang with a plaque with commissioning/decommissioning info etc. Thanks for your help.
I justfor the S&S SC LOA. They were 111 ft. 6 3/4 in. The dimension was taken from an S&S docking plan.
Greetings Ted:
I finally found the time to visit the splinterfleet site. Nice job. Only one error and that is the LOA of most of the SCs. only the Luders designed SC 449 class were 110 ft. and they were only about 30 in number. The rest were of the SC 497 Class designed by Sparkman & Stephens comprised the greatest number and they were 111 ft. and about 6 in. The LOA will have to remain unspecified until I can find my S&S docking Plan which specifed the LOA.
Good old SC 1013 shown above was built by Luders Marine Construction Co. of Stamford, CT. and was their Hull 490. She is still present and lives in Baltimore harbor, Owned by Capt. Bruce Keller.
I would be keen to hear from any SC sailors who may have been on Luders builds, either SCs or PCs. I have been working for about 8 years on a book about the history of Luders Marine Construction Co, to be called Ludership Means Leadership. I would also enjoy hearing from former Luders shipyard workers, any crew on luders vessels after the were sold to other navies or private industry.
Foks may reach me via snail mail at POB 468, Brownfield, ME 04010 . Tel.: 207.935.4655
Cheers to all thse who crewed Luders builds.
Could you tell me some facts concerning the subchasers used to clear the “Northern Barrage” minefield based out of Kirkwall, Orkney in 1919.
thanks a lot.
My husband Franc Jones who died in 1944 served on SC 703 as a sonorman. He came aboard in Philadelphia when it was commissioned, went to Key West and left there 2-27-43 for the South Pacific and was there until 10-2-44 when he left for leave and after leave returned to South Pacific and on board the SC 703 again from 6-3-45 until 7-16-45. Have a log he kept of both voyages and over 200 letters he wrote home to his family during this time. I did not know him until 1947 and although have had the letters for years, just recently read them! My children are very interested and I had been searching for data on the sub chasers but until I found your site, almost nothing was available. Will look forward to your book when it is published.
Glad to finally find something about sub-chasers. Thank you. Good work.
Best SC website yet. SC 1341 plankowner.
John
My father 2CGM Donald Hagins served on board the SC-1040 from late 43 through the end of war. Interested in hearing from any other SC-1040 crew members and any photos of the SC-1040 in the Pacific.
Great to find this site. My grandfather whom I am named after served in Pearl Harbor on a SC, though I need to search through my things to recall which one. Now that I have found this site I have a greater appreciation for his service compared to mine. I am currently a US Submarine Sailor. Something I find kind of ironic. I would love to post two of the stories he told me over and over, but will wait to get the info as to which ships he served on to add that detail. Thanks agian for the info you have provided.
Thank ou for the information on subchasers.I worked on a fishing-boat tender in Alaska in the summer of 1985 called the LOON. It was owned by a captain from Seattle. Maybe it’s still afloat. It was a beautiful ship and fun to work on.
WOW THIS IS GREAT. SERVED ABOARD SC525 AS SHIPS COOK. ( REMEMBER THE DEHYDRATED STUFF WE HAD TO EAT?? ) AUG 15,44 WE INVADED SOUTH OF FRANCE AND THIS WEEK WE HAD IT ROUGH. WE WERE CLEANING OUT MINEFIELDS ON FRENCH-ITALIAN BORDER. GERMANS DIDN’T LIKE THAT AND OPENED FIRE. WE TOOK OFF AND SOMETHING HAPPENED TO OUR SCREWS. HEADING IN TO A FLEET TUG WHEN WE WERE RAMMED BY A ENGLISH TANKER TOO LONG TO TELL WHOLE STORY. WE TURNED THE SHIP OVER TO THE FROGS. STILL DIDN’T GET PAYED 13.79 FOR MY GEAR. AM A MEMBER OF PCSA FOR YEARS. GOD BLESS YOU ALL. BOB C FRANKLIN SQUARE NY
I am Glenn E. Swank’s neighbor. This a great site. I love it.
I am a Tin Can Sailor. I am a Plank Owner of the USS Glennon DD840
I have the 1998 edition of Jane’s Fighting Ships of World War II published by Cresent Books a division of Ramdom House Value Publishing Inc. My 1998 edition has two pages on Subchasers, Shipyards, Hull numbers and pictures.
I was 20 yrs. old when I entered the U.S. Navy in 1942. I took my basic training at Newport, RI. I boarded my ship the SC 663 at Key West,Fl. on Dec. of 1942.
The SC 663 was a wooden type submarine chaser built by the Fisher Boat Works. The SC 663 was 110' lg. 17' w. & 6 1/2' D. Displacement was 95 tons; fully loaded it displaced 148 tons.
The SC 663 was my home away from home for 30 months. We spent over two years running conveys in the Gulf of Mexico & down to Gitmo Bay. (U.S. Navy Base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
In 1945 we took the SC 663 along with other ships to Cold Bay Aleutian (Alaska). At Cold Bay we trained Russian Sailors to operate these ships before turning them over to the Russian Navy. My top rating was MoMM2C. (Motor Machinest Mate Second Class).
I would like to hear from any of my shipmates or their descendants.
I would also like to hear from any surviving members of the “Hooligan Navy” (wooden Subchaser Sailors) of that era.
Your website looks good to me. I have 1/24 scale SC 1029 french drawings I built from scratch 25 years ago. Keep up good work.
My Dad was a radarman on a subchaser from 1944-45 in the Carribean. Before he passed away he talked with great pride about serving on his subchaser. I would greatly appreciate that if anybody who may recognize my dad’s name, Bob Hosking,or may know of the convoy escort duties he was a part of to please e-mail me so that I may learn more.
Thank You
Fabulous website. I stumbled on it quite by accident while trying to find where to buy Henry Doscher’s
book " A Saga of the USS-761. I served on the SC-741 during the Phillipine Campaign as an Electrictians
Mate 2/C from April 1944 until it was decommissioned in Subic Bay in 1946. I am a member of the
Sampson WW II Navy Vets who have great museum at Seneca Falls, N.Y. of every kind of ship but no sub-chaser and now I
know why not. I have been trying to find info on subchaser models and you have answered that for me
also. When your book goes to press I would like to purchase an autographed copy of it
if possible.
Sincerely
Clem Hutchins
The guestbook contains jewels of SC experiences. I served on 3 SC’s. After short tours aboard the SC-638 and SC-1029,was C.O. of the SC-739 which transited from Miami to Freemantle, Western Australia, where it then operated for over a year (all of 1943). Hope to see your book soon, Ted.
God bless you Ted. Thanks to Jim Myers, I just joined PCSA. Why didn’t I know about it?
I would have joined as soon as possible. SC 732 (the Dirty Thirty Two) saw action at Lingayen
Gulf, Legaspi, Brunei Bay, and Lutong. I was aboard for the last two. We decommissioned at
Leyte. Bill Thomson, MoMM3c
My father, Harvey Robert Newbery served aboard SC 1354 in England and France during WWII. He died 8 years ago today and I have been looking for information on his subchaser. I’d love to hear from anyone with any information. He also was training for some sort of demolition work until his instructor failed to return to the ship. His discharge papers mention “Lion 3”. Does anyone know what that means?
Best small vessel web-site that I have seen in a long time. I am very interested in the WW1 subchaser and if any body has a simple line drawing, top view, side view and a couple of bulkheads I would like to get in touch with you as I would like to build a working large scale model of a WW1 subchaser (USN) or WW2 USCG version used during the normandy landings.
Regards
John.F.Bartram
Ex Royal Australian Navy
Excellent webpage. I was unaware their was such a craft used in WWII. Thank you for your service to our Country. I would not enjoy what I have today without the efforts of people like yourself. Please e-mail me when your book gets published.
THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR INFO ON PT BOATS AND THE ROLE THEY PLAYED IN WWII. MY FATHER PASSED AWAY 7 MO. AGO, I AM LOOKING FOR INFO ON MY FATHER AND THE PT BOAT HE SERVED ON DURING WWII. WE ALSO FOUND A GYROSCOPE THAT GOES ON A 20MM OR 40MM MACHINE GUN THAT WAS USED ON THESE BOATS, WE ARE ALSO LOOKING FOR INFO ON THIS. IF YOU HAVE ANY IDEAS WHERE WE CAN START LOOKING FOR THE ABOVE PLEASE CONTACT OUR E-MAIL ADDRESS. THANK YOU
Would like to add additional information about my dear friend, Lou Rieffel. He served aboard the SC-1024 which was lost on Atlantic Convoy duty during WW-2, as a sonar
operator. We attended his sister Virginia’s 50 th wedding anniversary today and his memory is still very much alive.
Once again, thank you for the opportunity to revere his memory.
Bravo Zulu. The website is great, and I really enjoyed the journey back in time. The interest-
and informative contents brought back many fond memories of the U. S. Navy and good
shipmates. I served briefly aboard the USS Pascagoula (PCE-874) in 1960, until such time that
she was turned over to the Ecuadorian Navy under a military assistance program. It was a sad
day when we struck the stars and stripes and departed ship. I am still in possession of the jack
that last flew aboard the 874. It was aboard this ship that my boyhood dreams of transiting the
Panama Canal and the Equator were fulfilled. Our trip on the 874 from New Orleans to Guay-
aquil, Ecuador, via Key West, was one challenging adventure. Thanks for providing the nifty
links to other related web sites.
Your site really made the day for my father and I as he served on SC 1331 as a motor machinist, 2nd Class. His cousin also served on one of the Coast Guard SC’s. He has often mentioned the cold, tough duty his cousin endured off the coast of Greenland.
I READ ALL THE GUEST BOOK..VERY GOOD...I SERVED ON THE SC 1040 AS RM2C FOR SEVERAL YEARS IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC.
Thanks for a great Website, full of the details I’ve always wanted to know about my father’s service aboard SC695 in the Mediterannean. Thomas B. Steely died in 1993, but our family still enjoys the photos and stories of his small-ship experiences “in the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval service,” as he used to say. Best wishes with your book, and with efforts to restore and display a WWII SC someday.
A tribute, I spent 6 years on MSO (Ocean Minesweepers).
Almost followed in my fathers foot steps. He spent the
war years on subchasers. Commissioned 2 of them and rode
the SC 1364 through the war. Was in New Guiena, and the Leyte Gulf landings. Discharged as QM1 in 1946
Great website! My son found it for me while searching for a copy of Edward P. Stafford’s
book, “Subchaser”. Stafford was, among other things, CO of the SC-692. Great book -- took
me back to my days on the SC-1029. I will look forward to your book. I served aboard the
1029 as part of the pre-commissioning crew at the builder’s yard on Lake Champlain, through
five amphibious landings in Africa and the Mediterranean, and finally turning the ship over
to the French (after major repair in Palermo, Sicily, having been nearly sunk in the Southern
France landings). Much computer work has put me in contact (or knowledge of) three of our
former officers, but none of the enlisted personnel. People who are interested in SC’s, PC’s,
etc. should certainly contact and join the Patrolcraft Sailors Association -- they have a website
but I don’t have it handy at the moment. I would be happy to tales or information about SC
duty with anyone interested.
Having served in the U.S. Coast Guard, I am familiar with ships that are not giants. But I had never heard of the subchasers. Good job, and best wishes for this site!
Steven Codekas
My father-in-law Arthur Rogerson served aboard the SC 1066 during the Saipan invasion, Iwo Jima and
Okinawa. Anybody out there know of any history of the 1066 ?
This is a great site! My father, G.C. “Billy” Young, served
aboard the SC662 out of the training base in Miami during
WWII. He achived the rank of GM2. I have several photos of
him and his shipmates. I also have a photo of the SC662
itself. Dad died in 1985, and the final ships reunion was
held that fall. His former skipper, Cmdr. B.N. Williams, told
me that even though Dad was a gunners mate, he was the best
helmsman on board. Keep up the great work.
Great site! My compliments for your efforts, and to all those who served on various patrol craft throughout naval history. Looking forward to that book to give to my dad.
If anyone has information on the SC770, which served in the Mediterranean and various Italian assaults, I would love to hear from you. Dad says the SC771 also operated with them, and that both boats were transferred to France at the end of the war. When the French crew came on board to train, half the US crew transferred out, and dad ended up in the Pacific Fleet on the USS Pioneer, mine sweeper duty in the China Sea.
I forgot to put my e-mail address in my request for info on the Britt Bros. and WWI activity. It is
I have been recreating the history of my father and uncles yard in West Lynn and later Saugus, Mass. (Britt Bros.) from 1903 to 1941. I have a picture of the five Patrol Squadron boats, designed by A. Loring Swasey and nuiult by Britt Bros in 1916. A June 1916 Rudder article tells of their commissioning and the presence of Ass’t Sec’y of the Navy in April, 1916. These were privately financed and volunteered for use by Mr. Swasey and four others. I am interested in any information anyone might have on this volunteer unit. Alo, I know that the yard built from 13 to 16 sub-chasers during WWI but I have been unable to find documentated evidence. Their largest yacht was the L. Francis Herreshoff SIVA at 90 feet so I don’t know that they could have built the 110 foot subchasers shown. Can any one help me? Thanks, Andy Britt
Your site is a great one - keep going.
Great site and info, from another Treadwell family member and researcher..
My father served on board SC 631, and I was looking for any and all info on her that might be available.When your book comes out we will be buying two copies. Thank You
What a fantastic site! Excellently done.
I tripped over this site acidentally in response to a web search for “marine plywood”, and a lucky find it was.
My father was an Iwo Jima Marine. He died young in 1968. I went to Arlington, VA on 19Feb95 to the Marine Corps Memorial for the 50th anniversary of the assault on Iwo. I stopped and knelt at the foot of the statue as I have done at every visit in the past and said a Hail Mary. I got to rub shoulders with a very select group of native American Marines, the Navajo code-talkers. As I looked at the generations gathered there for the ceremonies (WWII Marines and sailors and Coastguardsmen, wives, sons & daughters, politicians, and the current generation of young, fresh-faced Marines) I was struck by the sad fact that we’re losing the first-hand accounts of what my mom & dad’s generation accomplished for us in those frightening, turbulent years. Your site adds nicely to that rich tapestry.
Might I suggest that you write an article for “WoodenBoat” Magazine? I’m sure they’d jump at a chance to publish it either as a stand-alone or as excerpts from your book, and you really should send them a promo copy for a book review.(I’m including contact information for your convenience, but I imagine you’re familiar with the publication.)
WoodenBoat Magazine
POB 78 (Naskeag Rd.)
Brooklin, ME 04616-0078
Tx:207 359-4651
Web: www.woodenboat.com
I was skipper of the USS SC1051. Served on board for 19 months in the Central Pacific. A great crew. Miserable duty, but wold not trade the experieence.
Would like to hear from shipmates of the SC690, including officers who served with us.
Excellent website. These ships are the forgotten members of the Navy during both World Wars. I am currently doing a thesis on the Subchasers of World War I. If anyone has any info relating to them or wants any info, let me know. I have a pretty good collection of data but could always use more. Specifically, if anyone knows the history of two chasers that were abandoned around Norfolk, VA that would be especially helpful. I look forward to the upcoming book. Great Job!!!
Thank You for this web site.
My father served in WWII aboard the SC-1292 from commission to decommission in Sept. of 1945. I just made
contact with one of his shipmates after 55 years, because of this site. My father was the first mate on the1292.
It’s gratifying to see that so many people still car. Dad was on Sc701 from Sept 43 to end of war. I’m trying to build a 1/4" to 1" model. I would like to find some of his old shipmates. His name was Walter, and his nickname was “pops”. Thanks.
This is a super website. I knew almost nothing about subchasers before reading it. They are really quite elegant, aren’t they.
I am interested in the Shetland connection. There has been a notable resurgence in Shetland-Norway links over the last twenty years, largely based on WWII memories, especially of the “Shetland Bus”. Shetland Publishing Company has published several books on the theme, mostly out of print now I’m afraid.
I welcome anyone to the company website:
www.baysights.com/shetlandbooks
My Dad was the doctor with the fleet at Durrazzo in WW 1
His diarys I gave to the Phila Seaport museum. 3 volumnes.
Would like any info and pictures on the fleet.
Great Web-site. Do you have information on the many former SC’s that were converted into open party fishing boats, and sailed from “Sheepshead bay NY, in the 50’s and 60’s. Some of the vessel names were ”Chief", “Victory”, and “Effort”. Thanks again.
My father, Edward Shoffstall CCS served aboard the SC535 during WWII. I remember him being extremely proud of it. He died when I was 13 yrs old, so we never really had a chance to go into an in depth talk about his service days. Until I found this site tonight, I could not even find a reference to any ships with the designation SC. If I did not have a copy of dads separation papers ( I don’t think they were called dd214’s then) I would have thought I just imagined him telling me about the ship. Never knew it had a wooden hull. I must say it was remembering how he talked about the Navy that got me to enlist in the Seabees. Anyone with any info on SC535 please email me. Thank you.
I’ve had the pleasure of cruising aboard the 1013, now the Mount Independence on a number of occassions. Pretty cool to see her on your home page. Great site you have here, thanks.
Super website!!! Hope I can use it to find out more info about my late Dad’s W.W.II service. He served on SC 726 for, I believe, most of the war in the Pacific Theater. He never seemed to speak much about what happened, other than for a couple of events. Would appreciate any info anyone might know about the wartime service of SC 726.
I love small craft of W. W.II and P.T. boats. Think that they are forgotten Navy. So much to learn loved web site.Any help to look for partes to restore or engine wise get in touch.
would like any information about subchaser 1302 crew members I AM NOT SURE THAT MY BROTHER SERVED ON THIS SHIP.I CAME ACROSS APICTURE IN A MAGAZINE AND STORY BUT NO NAMES OF THE CREW. THANKYOU
I’m glad I found this site. Small naval combatants of both world wars have been an ongoing hobby of mine. I love naval and military history in general. This site is great.
Most of my friends have interests elsewhere in the vast spectrum of pasttimes, usually in the SF end. Not many high school juniors into naval history that I’ve met. Oh well...
My father, Robert H. Pridmore, served on SC650 during WWII. I have a picture of it and have access to details of its scope of action. Robert H. Pridmore lives in Meadow Vista, California and has the ship’s bell that he received when the ship was decommisioned in the Phillipines at the end of the war.
If Rusty Burns (5 january 2000) will get in touch with me .I might be of help about info of his ex US Army boat...Nostrovia, Bob
Through the courtesy of my brother, Joe (see above) I have been fortunate enough to find this sight. As was mentioned, my father, William Klein, served on SC 759 from 1943-45 in the Pacific Theater. I am intersted in speaking with any surviving memeber of the crew who may have known dad and/or can provide me with details of the ships ports of call, battle record, and commedations/sitations.
Dad recently passed away; however, he often spoke fondly of his days in the service. Please contact me if you knew my dad or were a member of the crew of SC 759. Thanks.
I was honored to serve on-board the #1413 USS Elmsmere during its designation as an EPCS. Great duty and a major contribution to the end to the “Cold War”
My father,William Klein served on SC 759 in the pacific during WWII. He was proud of his ship,and I am proud of him.We lost him in Dec. Another"good kid" gone. To all who served, God bless!
This is a great web site. My father served on SC 760 in the Pacific. I am trying to help him find out what ever happened to the ship. If anyone has any information, please contact me through my e-mail. Thank you.
Thanks for the infomation. My father served on the SC 731 for 19 months in and around New Guinea. He later served on the PGM 13 at Siapan. If anyone has any information or pictures on these ships, please contact me through my
e-mail address.
Wonderful sight!!! I have the privilage to be the master and owner of the SC 1013 and have met two original crew members. Captain Earl{old salt}Morgan and Motor Mac Jim Byington. When I first met MM Byington he boarded ,dropped to his knees and kissed the 1013’s deck. A very emotional sight! It is a pleasure to be associated with this great web sight. Thank’s Capt. B
Thanks for all the information and the work done here. And especially the work done by those restoring and maintaining these historic vessels. “Lest we forget”.
Was checking on Sub Chasers. I was about to give up when Splinder Fleet Jump up on my Computer. I was beganing to think it was a lost Navy. I feel good now and glad to have had the chance of being a part of the Splinder Fleet Frank Fraquelli GM3rd Class
I was aboard Subchaser 729 16 months 1944- 1945 Boarded ship in Solomon Islands.Went to Philippines Was on the landing of Mindoro and spent 9 months doing patrol duty around the Uliti Atoll. When the war ended we brought the 729 home the Golden Gates was a sight for sore eyes. We tied up at Treasure island and Put her in moth balls G M 3rd Class Fraquelli
Became aware of subchasers growing up near Norfolk Navy Yards in the 50s. Built a crude model back then.
In 1980 brought plans from Bluejacket Shipcrafters for a WWI version. Have recently started building a 41"
Model of the WWI version. This site has been of help and great interest. Would love to see a restored SC. If
anyone knows where I might find detail photos of a WWI SC I would like to know. Great Site. Thanks.
Very interesting web site.I learned alot about the subchasers of WWII. I used to fish on the Palace II out of New Jersey in the early 1970’s and would love to see her restored.
This is exciting! We’re all proud of you and your efforts. We can’t wait to read the book.
Great web sight. I’ve learned a little more about the
sub chasers of long ago. My grandfather served on SC 282
on the west coast during WWI and have a few photos of 282
stranded at low tide, daily routine topside, and ship’s crew.
My name is Melvin J. Smith, MOMM2C. I served aboard the USS SC 541 from Nov 1942 until it was turned over to the Coast Guard in Aug 1945 at Charleston SC. I served under 7 Commanding Officers, Mr. Oscar L. Otteson, William N. OBerg, Philip B. Mason, John C.Wax, Wilbur E. Brown and Mr. Williamson. I also have over 350 photo’s taken aboard ship during action & just plain duty. I have the Muster Roll of the ship from 1942-1945. Also the Ships Deck Log 1943-1944. I have pictures of most of the men who served on the SC 541 and their names. If anyone knows where these men are or who served, please have them get in touch with me at email
Terrific site which I thoroughly enjoy and appreciate your creating. I served in USS SC 1471 (a Fairmile “motor launch” originally in the RCN, and which we turned over to Mexico)from July to November 1943. After that I was in USS SC 1292 December '43 to September '45. I was a gunner’s mate in those days and remember patrolling and escorting merchant vessels in the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. Wound up towing targets for aircraft bombing exercises off Casco Bay, ME after V-E Day, then left the Navy for awhile in September '45. It was my first cruise and of course I didn’t know any better, but I loved it, never got seasick like everyone else did, and more than once I manned the helm for hours when all hands but me were down and wishing for death. Oh, how my shipmates cursed me and accused me of being inhuman!
TRYING TO FIND ANY INFORMATION ON WHAT MY FATHER DID IN WORLD WAR II. HIS NAME HIS WILLIAM MINTON FROM KY. HE WAS IN THE ARMY. SERVED IN THE PHILIPINES.
(Ityped an entry before but it may have been too long)
Briefly then ,my father,also Phil Bolger w3as shipwrecked while serving aboard the SC-60 on October 1,1918 off Cape May ,New Jersey. He always told us children the swtory on every October First. If you want to know details ,let me know
I read this web site with tears in my eyes,because it
brought back memories of my father who was shipwrecked off
Cape May aboard the Subchaser # 60 during the midnight watch of October 1 ,1918 (WW1).
When I was a boy whenever October i arrived he would casually say to my mother,“Well,Nell,tonight’s the night
the 60 went down” All would become quiet aqs the familky members gathered about pop as he tolde the story.
He said he had just come down from the crow’s nest and spoke to the galley cook abou how foggy the night was.They were convoying ships south,but were just then off Cape May.
Suddenly there was an alert and just as men got up for general quarters he went toward the “Y” gun,but suddenly saw a big ship heading straight at them;collision was immediate and he was cast into the sea.e remembered a tanker going by and men hurling lines and life belts,one of which he caught.He recalled a terrible explosion underwater and wooden wreckage appearing.He clung to some wreckage and spent thedark hours alone in the Atlantic.Around daybreak destroyers founf him and some other men.
My mother would then take us children into our kitchen and point out spots where different sailors partied when my fatyher brouht them home from thr Brooklyn Navy Yard which was thir base;then she would begin to sob .
My father was also Philip Bolger Seaman 1/c.He was taken to a naval hospital in Jersey,but the Influenza epidemic was so bad,they gave him and others train fare to go home. My mother told us that when she saw him,he l0ooked like a ghost. My father later became a subway motorman.He
was one of four brothers {a big Irish family) who went to war ,saw combat and all came home.
When we entEe red WW2, I joined the navy and served aboard cruisers inthe Pacific..It may be true as your web page noted,that no subchaser was present inTokyo Bay on September 2,1945, but a subchasers sailor son was!!!
For I w3as there aqboard the cruiser USS Vicksburg nCL86 and watched the Japs surrender
Great site. I have some information on SC’s 692, 693, 1358, 1359, 1360, 1361, 1502, 1503, all built in Manchester-by-the Sea, Massachusetts.
Thanks for the great information. I served on two SC’s. The 1076 and the 1492. Both leased to Russia. Then on the PCE(R)852
My cousin Al Landolfi served 42-45 aboard SC 743 and I was happy to find this extremely well prepared web site. I’m sure he would be delighted to hear from his old shipmakes. I will be glad to forward E-Mail to him.
Served as Electrician’s Mate aboard SC666 from commissioning in September 1942 untill lend-leased to France in September,1944.
Thank you for putting all this info together. My father served as RM2c on SC 723 in the South
Pacific. I am currently conducting research on this ship. My father passed away in 94. I have
inherited his war photos. No names are associated with these photos. I have contacted five crew
members and two of the officers. Now I can ID at least half of the individual in the photos, as well
as draw a nice picture of life aboard an SC. I have also located the deck logs and ships plans Via
the National Archives. I can’t tell you the joy I have had persuing this information. I hope to join
you organization soon as a legacy if this is still allowable. Keep up the good work and if I can help
you in any way please let me know. I live near the National Archives and know the system. Paul
Really enjoyed reviewing your website. I have a 1930 commuter yacht that was commandeered for WWII and have had the hardest time finding information on the vessel while it was under the control of the Army. Shortly after the war she was used by the corp of engineers, but they have very little info for me. If anyone can offer assistance, please contact me. My website on the boat is: LEBONTEMPSROULE.ORG or HTTP://209.41.119.243 Thanks