Admiral W S Benson (AP 120) - Naval Cruise Book

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CHRISTMAS AT SEA 1944 Christmas 1944 found the Admiral Benson steaming through the Indian Ocean bound for Bombay. Loaded with GIs, a few assorted Red Cross girls, USO workers, and civilians, the Mighty B was on her maiden voyage. With a businesslike British destroyer as escort off either bow the tropics in wartime seemed an unlikely locale for Yuletide festivities, htowever, St. Nick ' s helpers got busy. There being no Xmas tree lot nearby Boatswain Elam and the boys up in the forecastle manufactured a tree from wood and wire rope. From their supplies the Red Cross people produced decora- tions, and the resplendent tree was set up on the main ladder for all to see. Thanks to the Red Cross and the folks back home everyone on the ship received a gift package. Much of our mail hadn ' t caught up yet, and those little Stateside gifts pleased everyone. Special religious services for all denominations retold the beautiful Christmas story, and silent prayers for peace came from throughout the ship. Topside on hatch five the Army shows were doing a land office business. Remember that swell red-headed Irish tenor? And the sing- ing of White Christmas under a blistering tropic sun? Finally on the superstructure deck the ship ' s company gathered to hear the Captain ' s Christmas message and to exchange the traditional season ' s greetings. Everybody got his two-bits worth in and shook hands all round. Good company to be in on Christmas away from home! 29

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iw at «■ A bit off the top ; Center: Ouch! The Royal Baby. 28

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4W- BOMBAY 30 Top leff: Marine Drive; Top righf: Building by fhe Park; Center: Beau- ty and the Beast; Bottom left: Blacksmith; Lower right:lhe Cages. ' ■ ■y ' ' '