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ť Forum Category: PT Boats of WWII
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ť Forum Name: PT Boats - General
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ť Topic: 37MM Removal
http://www.ptboatforum.com/cgi-bin/MB2/netboardr.cgi?cid=101&fid=102&tid=3648

Just curious as to why Ron 29 37mm cannons were removed from these boats prior to being shipped to the Med.

Posted By: Frank Andruss | Posted on: Sep 2, 2014 - 4:21pm
Total Posts: 3964 | Joined: Feb 9, 2007 - 11:41am

Frank;
I have 3 photos of RON 29 boats stateside prior to deployment and there is no 37mm mount. Where did you read RON 29 originally had them?
Take care,
TED[:-confused2-:]

Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Sep 2, 2014 - 6:26pm
Total Posts: 3059 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am

Ted, the question came to me via a gentlemen who had questioned the removal of the 37mm cannon. I only have one shot of PT-557 which clearly shows she has one on her bow, but I think you made mention that this was taken in 1945. I was looking to see if I had any Ron 29 boats were carrying this weapon prior to being sent to the Med, but could not locate any. I guess the question is out there, and now I am curious as well............

Posted By: Frank Andruss | Posted on: Sep 2, 2014 - 7:20pm
Total Posts: 3964 | Joined: Feb 9, 2007 - 11:41am

I thought the 37's were put on after they came back from the Med ......

Steve

Posted By: Nuge210 | Posted on: Sep 5, 2014 - 11:20am
Total Posts: 323 | Joined: Jun 4, 2008 - 7:50am

A possible explanation is ammo supply. The 37mm cannon equipped P-39 fighters were used extensively in the Pacific by the USAAF, but only briefly by two groups in the Med,, both gone by early 1944, so the PT's would need a special ammo supply line just for them for a non-typical round in that particular threatre. Just a SWAG....

Mike

Posted By: Michael Vorrasi | Posted on: Sep 5, 2014 - 12:55pm
Total Posts: 72 | Joined: Jul 1, 2013 - 11:46am

Steve;
You are correct, PT 557, PT 558 and PT 559, are the only boats from RON 29 to return to Melville from the Med on 24 November 1944, the others were turned over to the Russians in May and April 1945. The three boats were upgraded when they got back.
Take care,
TED

Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Sep 5, 2014 - 3:25pm
Total Posts: 3059 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am

Thanks everyone I think this clears up that bit of Fog.............

Posted By: Frank Andruss | Posted on: Sep 6, 2014 - 5:18am
Total Posts: 3964 | Joined: Feb 9, 2007 - 11:41am