The PT Boat Forum
http://www.ptboatforum.com/cgi-bin/MB2/netboard.cgi

ť Forum Category: PT Boats of WWII
http://www.ptboatforum.com/cgi-bin/MB2/netboard.cgi?cid=101&fct=showf

ť Forum Name: PT Boats - General
http://www.ptboatforum.com/cgi-bin/MB2/netboard.cgi?fct=gotoforum&cid=101&fid=102

ť Topic: Evolution of PT Boats/crews at leisure 1941-45
http://www.ptboatforum.com/cgi-bin/MB2/netboardr.cgi?cid=101&fid=102&tid=4302

[b]Did the leisure style of the PT Boat crew differ as the war progress?[/b]

Crews at leisure (not on patrol boat duty) surely had their hands full. From what I gather most of the patrols were at night as many of the reports indicate leaving for patrol duty at 1600 hours (one example). While not on patrol they re-armed/supplied, repaired, etc.

Looks like many of the boats anchored off shore and set up canopies for sleep (this is the core of my question). It looked like some were tied up to makeshift docks and stayed ashore.

[b]As the war evolved at the boat squadrons moved forward did this anchoring and docking schemes change?[/b] Some of the boat photos show tables, chairs, etc. strapped tot he foredeck. I guess if the crew stayed ashore the boats did not have the gear. [b]Would it be less likely to have this gear onboard as the war progressed?[/b]

Lew

Lew Zee

Posted By: Lew Zee | Posted on: Jul 20, 2017 - 2:12pm
Total Posts: 141 | Joined: Dec 12, 2013 - 12:04pm

As the war progressed many of the AOs had extensive base facilities with recreational activities and support (i.e. tenders). Not to say there weren't still asture FOAs in some instances. The amount of "odd items" carried aboard some of the boats probably decreased slightly as time passed.

Will

Posted By: Will Day | Posted on: Jul 21, 2017 - 3:12pm
Total Posts: 1955 | Joined: Oct 8, 2006 - 4:19pm

Lew: Boat anchorage was different at each base depending on the shore line at each base.We were based at Vella La Vella, Treasury, Rendova and Green Island the 13 months I was in the Solomons. .At Vella La Vella we berthed in the mongrove bushes that grew out from the shore line. They grew in water deep enough for the boat. At Treasury the water was deep right up to the bank and we tied up to limbs of huge trees that hung out over the water. At Rendova and Green Island the shore lines were too shallow so we tied up to buoys anchored out in the lagoon from the dock.
When not on patrol we put up a tarp on the bow and also one behind the radar mast. (Higgins Boat) We kept our folding cots in the lazzerette and got them out and put them up under the tarps. We did not carry any chairs or tables. We did carry a toilet seat made from a 50 cal ammunition box that we would hang over the stern. At Green Island there was no fresh water streams. All water was from a desalination plant at the base so we carried two 55 gallon water barrels for bathing etc. We were rationed one 10quart bucket of water per day.
Upon return from patrol the first order of business was to refuel and clean the guns. Our skipper always wanted the boat full of gas ready to go. The guns always needed cleaning after patrol because of the salt spray. After all this was done we could put up our cots and sleep.

C. J. Willis

Posted By: CJ Willis | Posted on: Jul 22, 2017 - 10:05am
Total Posts: 464 | Joined: Nov 5, 2006 - 5:02pm

Thanks CJ. Lots of detail info for making a model PT boat more representative of what they looked like while in service. Lew

Lew Zee

Posted By: Lew Zee | Posted on: Jul 23, 2017 - 8:40am
Total Posts: 141 | Joined: Dec 12, 2013 - 12:04pm

Thanks C.J. I always love reading about your time spent on the PT BOATS, it makes you feel like your right there and your memory about events is wonderful. Time to tell your story on a Tape Recorder.

Posted By: Frank Andruss | Posted on: Jul 23, 2017 - 4:47pm
Total Posts: 3964 | Joined: Feb 9, 2007 - 11:41am

Great stuff as always, C.J.

Will

Posted By: Will Day | Posted on: Jul 25, 2017 - 11:29am
Total Posts: 1955 | Joined: Oct 8, 2006 - 4:19pm