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» Forum Category: PT Boats of WWII
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» Forum Name: PT Boats - General
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» Topic: Higgins Boats in New Orleans - April 1944
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I just found this video showing Higgins boats on maneuvers from April of 1944. Try as I might I could not see any boat numbers in the video, even though it seems like you would be able to.

I am trying to find out anything I can about my Uncle Harold Wilson - who was on PT475, Ron 32. It shows PT475's keel was laid Feb 1944, and it was launched April 1. It was subsequently finished and put into service June 15, 1944. Is it possible the boats in this video are from Ron 32 during trials by Higgins and before the numbers were assigned?

Thanks for any insights.
Steve

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUQ5AL3UPqE



Steve Wilson

Posted By: Steve Wilson | Posted on: Sep 16, 2016 - 1:12am
Total Posts: 27 | Joined: Feb 2, 2015 - 12:28am



I have found that they assigned the numbers from the time they laid down the keel, so I doubt that would be it. They had to keep track of their progress via weekly reports to the 13th Naval District and these boats were tracked from Keel laying, Launch, and final Acceptance Trials by the INSURV board. All of this was specified in their Contract with the Navy. I have seen possibly that same video showing a bunch of Higgins boats on maneuvers out on Lake Ponchartraine and they are moving in formation and laying smoke and various other maneuvers. I will see if I can post a photo here from that video clip. I think i could make out a number or two on their charthouse or possibly the side of the guntub.

Jerry Gilmartin
PT658 Crewman
Portland OR

Posted By: Jerry Gilmartin | Posted on: Sep 16, 2016 - 8:28am
Total Posts: 1469 | Joined: Oct 8, 2006 - 11:16pm



Steve and Jerry;
The numbers are there on the side of the gun turret, it is just the quality is crappy.
These are Boats of Jack Searles RON 31(PT 453-PT 473). Commissioned on 1 April 1944. They were taken around the same time as the B/W photo of PT 462 (on pg 50) and the color photo of PT 463 on the dust cover of Frank Johnson's book.
RON 31, 32, and 37 were all moved to Okinawa, as a prepositioned "MTB Flotilla", just in case Operation Downfall (the Invasion of Japan, with Operation Olympic, the Southern Amphibious operation scheduled for 1 November 1945, and Operation Coronet, the Northern Amphibious Operation scheduled for 1 March 1946), was a GO. All 3 squadrons remained at Okinawa until they decommissioned in December 1945.
Take care,
TED




Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Sep 16, 2016 - 1:00pm
Total Posts: 3058 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am



Thanks guys! Still hoping to find a photo of PT 475.

Steve Wilson

Posted By: Steve Wilson | Posted on: Sep 16, 2016 - 1:52pm
Total Posts: 27 | Joined: Feb 2, 2015 - 12:28am



Steve;
Have you contacted PTHQ in Germantown TN, to see if they have a photo of your Uncle Harold's boat?
Take care,
TED



Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Sep 16, 2016 - 5:18pm
Total Posts: 3058 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am



Hi Ted,
I believe I did contact PTHQ about a year ago, although my memory does not allow me to be 100% certain. Thank you for all your help with the research on my Uncle Harold.

Steve Wilson

Posted By: Steve Wilson | Posted on: Sep 17, 2016 - 10:07am
Total Posts: 27 | Joined: Feb 2, 2015 - 12:28am



hi again ted/ it seems that you have a lot of info as to higgins new orleands boats.just a chance do you think there might be a photo of the 300
boat somewhere in the commissioning or some of the follow up boat files. wtc? i am still tryimg to help colleen get a photo of the boat or the plans in the buiolfing og it.thanks again
io hav e searched as naby fuiles as i can for a photo,. i even tried to contact tyhr grabnd daug hter of mr higgins. to no avail yet,there had to be a photo or plans somewhere. th anks again/hiope i am not being too pushy

earl richmond

Posted By: earl | Posted on: Nov 3, 2016 - 6:53pm
Total Posts: 197 | Joined: Oct 18, 2006 - 12:13pm