Ring Of Misty Fire: 31-MAY-1916

 

1. I cannot imagine sitting out on one of these sardine cans and wondering whether or not the next 15 inch shell id going to hit. Talk about terror. Great post Tanny.

   Posted by Yellow Dog       05/31/2005  at  07:54 PM  



2. Many thanks, gents.  It is a pleasure to provide these posts.  And have a drink to my health, one and all!  I’m now in third place in the “comments race....”

   Stern-chasing the Skipper himself now....

   

   Posted by Tannenberg       05/31/2005  at  08:19 PM  



3. Excellent post, Tann, and good analysis. Much of the Grand Fleet can still be seen at Scapa Flow where it was scuttled.

   You’re right, Stan. It has to be especially bad when you know your armor is insufficient. The armor was traded for speed in the battle cruisers. Armor was also effectively reduced by various naval treaties that limited ship’s displacement (weight) and the packing of as much firepower aboard while staying within the limits. The U.S. Atlanta class was one type cruiser that suffered from this fault.

   I wasn’t worried, though. I was on destroyers which had no armor. The heavy gun shots usually went right through them without exploding. I’m sure glad I was never involved in that type of situation.

   Posted by StinKerr       05/31/2005  at  08:38 PM  



4. “Eternal Father, strong to save,
   Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
   Who bidst the mighty ocean deep
   Its own appointed limits keep;
   Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee
   For those in peril on the sea.”

   The Navy Hymn, lyrics by Rev. William Whiting, to tune “Melita” by Rev. John B. Dykes, 1860

   

   Posted by Tannenberg       05/31/2005  at  10:11 PM  



5. My favorite hymn, Tann.

   Yep, Frank. That’s why the intensive training in firefighting and hull repair. Out there you are the fire department. 911 won’t help. Crews have done miraculous things to bring a ship back home.

   Oh, BTW they’re ships not “boats”, TYVM.

   Posted by StinKerr       05/31/2005  at  10:32 PM  



6. You’re right, Stin.  The ship that comes first to mind is USS Franklin, CV-13.  Hers is the greatest survival saga I have discovered thus far.  I plan to post an essay about it here, when the anniversary comes around next March.  Got Midway and D-day to cover next....

   

   Posted by Tannenberg       05/31/2005  at  10:42 PM  



7. I’m glad to be of service, Phobos, and thank you for the John Stuart Mills quote.  I agree completely, having known some of those miserable (and useless) creatures he talks about.

   

   Posted by Tannenberg       06/01/2005  at  02:45 PM  



8. Phobos,

   Great quotation.  I have studied John Stuart Mill extensively and have always been awed by his intelligence.

   Sadly, I noted one of his books listed on the Captain’s list of Bad Books.  It was on the alternative list, however.  Still, it was on there.  Sometimes I think the true geniuses are misunderstood.  I had that feeling a couple of times when I read that list.  It’s not that you have to believe every word these authors write, or think as they do, but Mills was an exceptional genius.  I think if a man’s words ring true decades and decades after he writes them, one should study him.

   Phobos… keep posting.  You always have smart things to say.  Even funny things - like Planet of the Amps.  :}

   Posted by Phoenix       06/01/2005  at  09:00 PM  

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