Benham (DD 796) - Naval Cruise Book

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EASTBOURNE, ENGLAND BEACH ACTIVITIES On TLicsday, July 2, 19 ' 2, the BENHAM arrived at Easthoiirne, England, a popular sum- mer resort on the southeastern coast of Eng- land, for a six day courtesy visit. The visit was enjoyed particularly by approximately fifty members of the crew who had the misfortune of being stranded on the beach. Due to rough weather it was impossible to run boats out to the ship anchored a half mile off shore. The city of Eastbourne provided a score of entertainments for the BENHAM under the excellent supervision of Mr. E. W. Lee, the city ' s publicity director. We were invited to attend several stage shows, went on a tour of the surrounding countryside, discovered the secrets of brewing beer at the Star Brewery, and to top it all off there was a special Independence Day dance on the Eastbourne Pier. The few stranded men who were able to attend the affair had some difficulty trying to accept the hundreds of invitations to dance extended by the four hundred girls who had turned up in the hope of welcoming the majority of the crew. The weather did abate during the latter part of our stay though, and all hands had a chance to enjoy the hospitality of Eastbourne. Many of us managed to take the 60 mile trip to London where we viewed the ancient castles and other historic spots for which London is famous. A large number o( white hats were seen in famed Piccadilly Circus also. On the last day of our stay we received a message which sent us flashing through the sea in a mad race against time to rendezvous with the record-breaking S.S. United States which we were to escort into the harbor at Southampton. We were a few minutes late however and arrived there only to see the huge liner disappearing into a fog bank at the harbor entrance. Left: CROWN JEWELS, LONDON. ENGLAND Below: Ya ' 1st Goot!

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S. S. AMERICA AT BREMERHAVEN BREMERHAVEN, GERMANY Bremerhaven-Wesermunde is situated on the right bank of the Weser River about 32 miles from the river ' s mouth. The city of Bremerhaven includes the city of Wesermunde, the largest fish port of Germany. In 1941, the population was 114,000. Bremerhaven was built in 1827-30 by Bremen as an out-port (on land bought from Hanoxer) and it has subsequently expanded. Its population in 1933 was only 25,799, but its development was somewhat hampered by the fact that the Hanoverian (later Prussian) towns of the Lake, Wnesdorf and Geestremunde grew in the immediate vicinity. In 1941 the towns of Bremerhaven and Wesermunde were united. The port suffered considerable damage during World War II, but has since been largely rebuilt. Bremerhaven is the chief port for embarkation and debarkation of American troops in Germany. There are quite a few Americans in the Lity due to the Army and Navy Bases located there. The BENHAM was moored at Columbus Qua) ' , Na al Advance Base. Entertainment was quite limited, the most popular spot was the Anchor Inn, the only place in the city where American food and beverages of all kinds could be obtained. Also there were some interesting tours available including trips to Bremen.

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LONDONDERRY, NORTHERN IRELAND STREET SCENE FANTAIL SCUTTLEBUTT With the background of the beautiful Irish countryside, the Mighty B steamed up the River Foyle to the fair city of Londonderry, better known as Derry . Derry was a plain Irish town which the British Navy has chosen for one of its main ports. The city is noted for having with- stood a siege from King James in 1688. It has a walled City within and has many of the battlements still intact. On one battlement stands Roaring Meg a cannon which is supposed to have played the most important part in sav- ing the city. Places of amusement and interest were the Capitol Dance Hall, The Wood Pile, Trips to the Free State, and the tiny pubs with their warm beer. And who was it that came back one morning dressed in his skivies? HISTORICAL WALL