Benham (DD 796) - Naval Cruise Book

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NEWCASTLE, ENGLAND Newcastle stands on the hills above the River Tyne at the begin- ning of the old Roman Wall which was to separate England from Scot- land. The city owes its growth to the river and its shipbuilding yards extend ten miles along the right bank of the Tyne. The original settlement, known as Monk Chester, was destroyed by William the Conqueror. Newcastle on the Tyne was one of the favorite ports of the crew, for, besides many pretty girls there were many exciting and interesting places to visit including Durham Cathedral and Kings College. Some of the men visited Edinburgh, Scot- land for one day. Newcastle proved to be a wonderful host — city trans- portation was free; a truckload of Pepsi Cola was given to the ship. Many guests visited the ship including Frank Randle and cast of his show Randies Scandles of 1952. The Lord Mayor of Newcastle made an official visit to the ship and inspected the honor guard. The men of the BENHAM will never forget Newcastle on the Tyne. LORD MAYOR VISITS BENHAM ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE AROUND DURHAM TWO MEN OF THE SCOTTISH INFANTRY iWi 9SHiiik Mwa«»£ ' : ' ' •.

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k DRESSED IP FOR THE QUEEN S BIRTHDAY SWIMMING POOL AT THE HOE ENGLAND REBITLDS! PLYMOUTH ENGLAND Plymouth is located 231 miles west southwest of London. The 1938 population estimate was 211, 800. Plymouth has long been one of the major ports in England, many voyages of discovery and explora- tion having originated here. Plymouth has always been a major operating base for the Royal Navy and during the 18th and 19th centuries was the main base for trade with the West Indies and America. On the I4th of May we arrived in good old Plymouth and moored alongside the U.S.S. NOA to a buoy not far from the dockyard east of the city. Our stay here lasted for two weeks with three days out at sea with the NOA for exercises. On the first weekend in port the American Ex- press sponsored a tour to London from Friday to Monday morning. Many who went up did not go on the tours but just had a good time on their own. Many too, found interesting sights around Plymouth including the Hoe, Old Plymouth, and the landing where the Mayflower sailed for America. The second time in Plymouth was on July 28 and was a short stay of two days while the MELVIN relieved us of our choice duties in Northern Europe while we headed for the Mediterranean and what we thought would be three months of grueling sea operations.

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EDINBURGH CASTLE At Left: ENGLISH CASTLE SCOTCH LADDIES EDINBURGH CASTLE CANNON