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Page 35 text:
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MINE MASTERS -- Brisbane to Samar - Once again we were underway, this time to the Philippine Islands. Sailing up past the Admiralties, we hugged the coast of New Guinea. On this trip we encountered what was now a little unexpected in these now peaceful waters. As we cruised along, New Guinea in the distance, the lookout spotted a small black object bobbing in the water The object became clearer as we approached and at length was identified as a floating mine. It was probably laid by the Iapanese during the war to harass allied ship movements off the coast. We circled the mine, the gunner's mates unlimbered two twenty-millimeter guns and the order, 'Tire when Ready! was passed. Many rounds were poured into the mine which, despite a number of hits, refused either to sink o-r explode. Finally, the twin forties were broken out. They made short work of the mine, sinking it, and we were on our way once again. With all the excitement over, we settled back with the happy thought that the old Mar- quette was not only a good cargo vessel, but ranked as a ,Hghting man-0-fwar. The DD 95, which some of the crew had dubbed us, soon made the rounds of the ship. .-,f in : , ZW JOIN THE NAVY Travel C223
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Page 34 text:
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by American soldiers who furnished their own bands. The idea went over so well that when the Americans left, the people of Brisbane kept it going. For the homesick hepcats, a common breed aboard, the Coconut Grofve evoked happy memories' of American rug-cutting. There a few of the men picked up the latest in dance steps, the gypsy hop, a cross between judo and the two-step. This experience came in handy around pub time. Since beer and spirits were rationed in Brisbane, all bars, or pubs as they were called, were opened only at certain hours. The passer-by always could witness a combination of American football, wrestling, and boxing when pub call sounded. By the time the dust settled, all the beer would have been sold out and one or two of us would go away dry - eligible candidates for the Purple Heart. The majority of us had never visited a British possession before, and more than once on crossing the streets we found it n-ecessary to dive- for the sidewalks. The British drive on the left instead of the American right, and a lifetimeis habit of looking left when crossing a street was hard to break in a few days. Usually at least once a day the entire range of driver-to-pedestrian vocabulary was cast to one of our innocent but forgetful sailors. Then too, a longer but less violent punishment was getting on a tram that was going the other Way. One of the things we had looked forward to seeing was the kangaroo, for Australia and that animal were synonomous to us. A visit to a Koalo Bear farm satisfied that curio- sity, as well as introducing us to some of the other more interesting forms of Australian wild life. Amo-ng them were the Koala itself, the wierd red-and-yellow-striped Cus Cus, and the junior size kangaroo, the Wallaby. Since horses were legion in Australia, riding and racing were popular. Many a liberty request chit used as its excuse, The need for personal supervision of investments . Brisbane's story would not be complete without mentioning t-he old paddle-wheel ferry that made trips back and forth across the river, just a stone's throw from the ship. A favorite pastime on duty nights was to sit on deck and watch the ferry come, and go. The ferry captain reportedly came on board and requested that our VP's give him clearer berth and pass at a reduced speed, for our small boat activity was not doing his business any good. While we were ashore having our good times and getting to know the Aussies better, the ship was rapidly sinking lower in the water with its cargo of dry provisions. Each day of loading shortened our pleasant stay in Brisbane. Already we had our orders to sail for Samar in the Philippines. When the sailing day finally arrived, we pulled away from the Mercantile VVharf, getting a farewell wave from the people on the ferry dock. It was a little early in the morning and we will never know whether they really wishd to have one last chance to say hello and goodbye or were just glad to see us go. 1.4 -1 cg ci tb- '24 , 2- 5 E ii ff if' fr. 15:1 gi gpg ,Q is 'jhE3'L 5-1' . fra.. if-f vw- 5-C A+ .sf - x . ' Q cf if i , viii. ,,.,..--ff Y 5? , . C219 vi si ' .t ' .' :-.Ti-.5 , - .r pg - ' QT az, -. t ' ' ' wax M ,vi ' - ,r1.,g'ie' 1'
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Page 36 text:
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- A SAILOWS l.,AlV1lCN'l Civilians on the outside think A sailor's life is swell. I'll let you in on something mate -- A sailor's life is hell. I have one consolation though, Bear with me and you'll see, But first let me set you straight, Then surely you'll agree. I've slung a million hammocks And been in every port. I've spent the night locked in jail For trying to be a sport. Ilve stood a thousand watches, Been in every sea detail. I've stood ten thousand hours just a-Waiting for my mail. I've shined a million miles of brass I've scrubbed my dirty duds. Mac, no wife with dishpan hands Could match my time in suds. I've cleaned ten million bulkheads, I've chipped ten miles of paint, A man who ever did more work, Illl swear to you there ain't. Someday taps will be sounded, As Illl lay aside all cares I'll take my final shore leave, And mount those Golden Stairs. St. Peter then will greet me And loudly he will yell, Take your front seat in heaven sailor, Y You've done your hitch in helll' C235 A
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