Anne Arundel (AP 76) - Naval Cruise Book

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my' Before these orders came we had two opportunities to visit Yoko- homa. Desolation beyond the harbor was complete. The somber civilians were busy putting together scraps of lumber and covered these crude frames with sheets of rusted corregated metal while the women scratched the little patches of ground about the house to grow a few vegetables and flowers. Those not engaged in building and searching for food-sat along the sidewalks and offered-for sale or barter- articles rescued from their destroyed homes-fans, lacquer ware, pieces of silk, dolls, etc., in exchange for needed yen or desired cigarettes or candy. It was an amusing sight to see the sailors return to the liberty landing loaded with souvenirs. One lad bought a large framed picture claimed by its Japanese owner to be Mount Fugijama. Upon reaching the ship it was discovered to be Mt. Rainier, Washington-painted by an American! ' The next day we were confined to the ship while a forty-knot wind roared in from the sea. Although the fierce wind delayed our departure 24 hours it also drove away the heavy clouds lying about Mt. Fugijama-60 miles behind Yokohoma. There in the brilliant glow of the morning sun, it stood, ai revealed thing of majestic beauty, to the thrilled departing shipmates. . On to Guam cackled the radio. Again speculation ran rife about the ship. Desire changed to rumour that now we would pick up pas- sengers for the States. Again it was dashed by terse orders-load 6th Marines for entry into Tsingtao, China. Irritation and anticipation walked among the men. Irritation at another delay homewardg an- ticipation to see and souvenir China. It was a beautiful day on the llth of Octoberas we approached Tsingtao, and were greeted by the sight of a sprawling city which looked more Occidental than Chinese. In the center of imposing build- ings built on the many hills of this port city'the two slender spires of the Roman Catholic Church served as a pleasant greeting and excellent navigational points. Q Our stay was brief but we thrilled to our cruiser-like approach to the pier and the ricksha rides up the slopes of the welcoming Chinese city. Everyone looked upon the Americans as walking philanthropists casting money indiscrimantly toward every article that could edge into the crowded category of souvenirs. From small children to old men and women all advanced with outstretched souvenirs, a quick disarming smile and an inquisitive one dollar? The men hastily hunted exper- iences, sights and souvenirs and returned to theship to sail once more to Manila. Instantly' scuttlebutt and desire for destination Frisco walked arm in arm about the anxious ship. But a new experience awaited us on the next trip. ' While operating in the Mediterranean Sea the Arundel carried Allies of many different nations to and from the scene of combat. Now it was to happen again. Clothed in the secrecy made expedient by rap- idly developing International Crises we proceeded toward northern Indo- China to the city of Hai Phong. lHere we brought aboard the 52nd Chinese Army--a land army which had never been to sea. The be- wildered Chinese soldiers lost their first battle with the rolling waves and sea sickness was general. They became sick as soon as the small boats proceeded from the beach toward the ship about five miles out in the bay. Although weak with sickness, nevertheless they picked up their light powder-blue packs and their precious. rifles and mounted the swaying embarkation nets. About thirty percent of the Chinese were sick yet only one man refused to accept the frightening challenge of the nets. They were plucky and well disciplined if a bit ragged in dress and equipment. 'For ten days these Chinese friends occupied one half of the ship topside eating out ofl large GI cans filled with cooked rice and hot tea. In addition each man was given one can of C ration. They ate this unchanging diet with surprising eagerness-except when the sea was rough. Unfortunately most, of the trip was too rough for these novice 4iM3I1H6S.,, . November llth saw us entering the harbor of Chinwangtao. A port of Northern China just south of the ancient wall of China which thrust its way along the rugged mountain side on its slow curved path to the sea. No longer adequate for defense, it stood weakly against the enemy gathering on the Manchurian side. On board the Arundel our troops took on new life and color. The quick change in climate from tropical Hai Phong to frigid Chin- wangtao, brought out the padded powder-blue coats, pants and leggings while new light tan shoes replaced the paper-thin sandals. The next morning amid a steady cold rain the 52nd Chinese Army was loaded into small open box cars to be taken into town and renewed. civil strife. We departed immediately some miles south to Taku and there waited two weeks for those long hoped for orders home. Many of the men had another opportunity to visit- a large un- scathed city of China-either busy, commercial Tientsin or the more leisure and picturesque Peiping. The stories and souvenirs of these trips will live a long time. M At long last orders came directing us to Nagoya to load 6th Army personnel and then sail direct to Seattle. In three swift days Annie carried her excited crew to Nagoya. Here we quickly loaded the waiting personnel-in what the officers in charge called-the fastest operation these men ever performed. From warehouses close by came also Jap rifles and officers swords which were given to each man aboard as souvenirs. A bit cramped but happy at the immediate prospects of seeing the States once again everyone checked the daily progress of beaten and battered Annie, Aided by wind and current the trip was completed in thirteen days. Seattle was too crowded so we turned south and came to rest at Tacoma. In' the brilliant light of a sunshiny day we caught sight of glorious Mt. Rainier glistening in her shimmering white coat of sn-ow. The sight called to memory the imposing grandeur of Mt. Fugijama and we breathed a sigh of thankfulness at being home at last. 65

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