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kwselke
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We're getting close to the end of Homer Bast's diary of his days commanding the Yolo. The days in Japan are not as action filled as the days in Okinawa, but they are interesting in their own right.
Back to C. Homer Bast CO, USS Yolo APB 43 docked in Yokohama, Japan.
September 25, 1945
Sleep was difficult to come by last night. The port director, with 20 officers and 120 men reported with orders to make Yolo headquarters for their activities. Troop transports are at the docks and anchored out. A LCI on the way to northern Japan took on provisions. While such functions take up less of our time, nevertheless, Yolo is here to fill the needs of small vessels.
Mr. Kinley and Mr. Levant took the truck to Tokyo staking out the route the liberty party will follow. Because of a spare-part shortage, the truck is out of service. Another abandoned one was found. Using it for spares the YOLO EXPRESS will soon be ready to roll on a regular basis. I took my daily walk along the piers and observed the recently hired Japanese work as stevedores. These men and others fight for Yolo's garbage collected in "GI" cans on the ship and placed on the pier. Spreading the food out on the dock as one would slop the hogs, the Japanese, on their hands and knees eat fiercely. Yolo's crew taught these men to clean cans, police the dock and other jobs for the privilege of eating all the garbage they want before disposing of the remainder. The men who come to the ship each day are clothed in rags. They sleep in boxes on the dock. My emotions are confused. I see them now and I read of their former arrogance.
The night was cool. Clouds covered the sky although occasionally the moon popped out to have a look around. With the double feature over, the ship settled down in its night routine. In the wardroom the Tokyo radio plays good music and another day at Yokohama is over.
October 2, 1945
I was up at 0730 after a good night's sleep. I had breakfast and then went to quarters. Despite the high wind I backed Yolo from the dock, and using two LCVPs, Yolo moved with a minimum of dif¬ficulty. As the wind was blowing us away from the pier, the boats pushed the ship in so that the #2 line could be placed over the bollard. The Japanese working party was waiting to handle the lines. Yolo's crew communicates with them through sign language, but they are making good progress with English. They want to learn! The Japanese army left several flat cars loaded with boxes of hand grenades on the track near the pier. Several Japanese workers, more curious than the rest, opened a box. In tampering with it one grenade exploded wounding two and killing one.
Later in the day I rode the ship's bike until the back tire sprang a leak. I walked it back. Construction and clean up crews are about. On Yolo three men were released to go home as they had the necessary points. Our steward's mate, Brown was one of these. I hated to see him go. Required of all vessels, Mr. Cardin started writing the ship's history. It, as well as those of the other ships, will be valuable to future historians. All officers are working on their quarterly reports. As Yolo is the only vessel in the harbor with fresh provisions, the ship does a brisk business. Some time ago Mr. Kinley requested a new bike for the ship. It came and I plan to use it daily for exercise and an opportunity to sight see. Now Japanese and our seaman on liberty walk side by side. People still visit the parks for bartering despite the order banning it. No outward hostility is apparent on the part of the Japanese. They have accepted the occupation. The weather is bad! A cold front is expected to pass through Yokohama with showers and gusts to 40 knots. Lines have been doubled and all are requested to stay alert. The movie was good!
October 11, 1945
The typhoon blew itself out. All are relieved. After more rain in the morning the clouds broke away, the wind dropped and by night the stars were out. Lunch consisted of roast lamb and rolls. After a few hands of bridge Mr. Bolks and I departed with a borrowed shore patrol jeep and a driver on a bartering mission. Mr. Bolks made all the arrangements. After picking up the son of the person we were to meet, we drove through devastated areas, then down back roads just wide enough for the jeep. The homes were close together and none had been hit. It was a real pristine area, lovely and attractive. All the homes were neat with their flowered and shrub filled and fenced back yards.
Arriving at the residence of a former Japanese importer, we walked through a small wooden gate and up a path to a door. Our guide's father opened a sliding door that admitted us to a small hall. Here the foul weather gear was hung and our shoes were taken off to be replaced by sandals. We stepped up on a stoop and sank into carpet matting that covered the floors. We then walked into a living room, bare except for a few paintings; a single electric light bulb hung from the ceiling and provided light along with several glazed windows. It was a square room enclosed by sliding doors that opened into other rooms.
The old gentleman, who spoke English, placed mats on the floor. We sat down and began to chat. We talked of his family of four sons, two of whom were killed; one was a kamikaze pilot who died on 27 July. The talk was wide ranging, but mostly about himself, his silk export business, his sister in New York and what the war had done to him. He hated Tojo and talked at length about the uselessness of war. During the visit strong tea, poured into rather pretty cups, and pears were served. The family remain¬ed out of sight while we were in the house. Finally we discussed a little bartering. A Buddha doll, swords, pajamas, etc., were placed before us. For 40 oz of chocolate, a can of tobacco and three boxes of bran we acquired two small hari kari swords. As we had no yen and he only wanted to trade in money, if interested, it will be necessary to return. Both Mr. Bolks and I thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon.
Because all rely so heavily on movies as entertainment, an exchange was set up in Yokohama, and it is there the process of obtaining a film begins. Even before that, our signalman on watch flashes messages to ships in the harbor for trades. If successful, a Yolo boat is dispatched to pick up the trade. As the ship owns five movies it has an advantage, or more bargaining power, over others. The YOLO THEATRE, situated in the warehouse, has boxes for seats for the crew, while the wardroom chairs provide the officers with real luxury. The theatre seats about 500 and we play to a packed house nightly.
October 12, 1945
The day arrived with sunshine and a chill that warned fall is here to stay. The pressing matters revolved around the activity in the ship's store. Business is so good that sales of cigarettes are limited to two packs a day and soap to two bars a week. This is due to the bartering which, although illegal, is going on behind closed doors. Cigs have the greatest trading value; a cartoon sells for $10. Candy bars are next in popularity, followed by soap. A second problem that concerns me is the inability of the Navy to secure souvenirs from the Army. I sent Mr. Davis and Doc Barber to Yokosuka to talk with the powers about the situation and to ask whether punishment should be given those engaged, including myself. They asked about the possibility of securing souvenirs for the officers and men of this ship.
Not only did this day of sun give the men an opportunity to work outside but also the provisioning side of the operation had a whale of a day. Twenty LSMs returning to Leyte and a number of LCTs working these parts were supplied in some fashion. LSMs are out of our class but Yolo does the best she can to help out with fresh, frozen and dry stores. I walked about the ship and the dock and even took a few rays. No mail again today because of the weather. Yokohama was spared. The last typhoon with winds of 120 knots did all manner of damage to Tokyo. Being moored to the dock is better for Yolo than being at sea. Here ships are protected by the breakwater from the swell and waves. Yolo has eight lines out, four manilas and four wires. Most are doubled in a blow. The lines take a great deal of strain es¬pecially if the wind blows off the pier.
After the show Forrester and I scrambled some eggs, made toast, and talked until 0100 about the activities of the 3rd fleet from 1 July. Meantime, Mr. Davis and Doc Barber brought back word that souvenirs promised would arrive in three days.
Back to C. Homer Bast CO, USS Yolo APB 43 docked in Yokohama, Japan.
September 25, 1945
Sleep was difficult to come by last night. The port director, with 20 officers and 120 men reported with orders to make Yolo headquarters for their activities. Troop transports are at the docks and anchored out. A LCI on the way to northern Japan took on provisions. While such functions take up less of our time, nevertheless, Yolo is here to fill the needs of small vessels.
Mr. Kinley and Mr. Levant took the truck to Tokyo staking out the route the liberty party will follow. Because of a spare-part shortage, the truck is out of service. Another abandoned one was found. Using it for spares the YOLO EXPRESS will soon be ready to roll on a regular basis. I took my daily walk along the piers and observed the recently hired Japanese work as stevedores. These men and others fight for Yolo's garbage collected in "GI" cans on the ship and placed on the pier. Spreading the food out on the dock as one would slop the hogs, the Japanese, on their hands and knees eat fiercely. Yolo's crew taught these men to clean cans, police the dock and other jobs for the privilege of eating all the garbage they want before disposing of the remainder. The men who come to the ship each day are clothed in rags. They sleep in boxes on the dock. My emotions are confused. I see them now and I read of their former arrogance.
The night was cool. Clouds covered the sky although occasionally the moon popped out to have a look around. With the double feature over, the ship settled down in its night routine. In the wardroom the Tokyo radio plays good music and another day at Yokohama is over.
October 2, 1945
I was up at 0730 after a good night's sleep. I had breakfast and then went to quarters. Despite the high wind I backed Yolo from the dock, and using two LCVPs, Yolo moved with a minimum of dif¬ficulty. As the wind was blowing us away from the pier, the boats pushed the ship in so that the #2 line could be placed over the bollard. The Japanese working party was waiting to handle the lines. Yolo's crew communicates with them through sign language, but they are making good progress with English. They want to learn! The Japanese army left several flat cars loaded with boxes of hand grenades on the track near the pier. Several Japanese workers, more curious than the rest, opened a box. In tampering with it one grenade exploded wounding two and killing one.
Later in the day I rode the ship's bike until the back tire sprang a leak. I walked it back. Construction and clean up crews are about. On Yolo three men were released to go home as they had the necessary points. Our steward's mate, Brown was one of these. I hated to see him go. Required of all vessels, Mr. Cardin started writing the ship's history. It, as well as those of the other ships, will be valuable to future historians. All officers are working on their quarterly reports. As Yolo is the only vessel in the harbor with fresh provisions, the ship does a brisk business. Some time ago Mr. Kinley requested a new bike for the ship. It came and I plan to use it daily for exercise and an opportunity to sight see. Now Japanese and our seaman on liberty walk side by side. People still visit the parks for bartering despite the order banning it. No outward hostility is apparent on the part of the Japanese. They have accepted the occupation. The weather is bad! A cold front is expected to pass through Yokohama with showers and gusts to 40 knots. Lines have been doubled and all are requested to stay alert. The movie was good!
October 11, 1945
The typhoon blew itself out. All are relieved. After more rain in the morning the clouds broke away, the wind dropped and by night the stars were out. Lunch consisted of roast lamb and rolls. After a few hands of bridge Mr. Bolks and I departed with a borrowed shore patrol jeep and a driver on a bartering mission. Mr. Bolks made all the arrangements. After picking up the son of the person we were to meet, we drove through devastated areas, then down back roads just wide enough for the jeep. The homes were close together and none had been hit. It was a real pristine area, lovely and attractive. All the homes were neat with their flowered and shrub filled and fenced back yards.
Arriving at the residence of a former Japanese importer, we walked through a small wooden gate and up a path to a door. Our guide's father opened a sliding door that admitted us to a small hall. Here the foul weather gear was hung and our shoes were taken off to be replaced by sandals. We stepped up on a stoop and sank into carpet matting that covered the floors. We then walked into a living room, bare except for a few paintings; a single electric light bulb hung from the ceiling and provided light along with several glazed windows. It was a square room enclosed by sliding doors that opened into other rooms.
The old gentleman, who spoke English, placed mats on the floor. We sat down and began to chat. We talked of his family of four sons, two of whom were killed; one was a kamikaze pilot who died on 27 July. The talk was wide ranging, but mostly about himself, his silk export business, his sister in New York and what the war had done to him. He hated Tojo and talked at length about the uselessness of war. During the visit strong tea, poured into rather pretty cups, and pears were served. The family remain¬ed out of sight while we were in the house. Finally we discussed a little bartering. A Buddha doll, swords, pajamas, etc., were placed before us. For 40 oz of chocolate, a can of tobacco and three boxes of bran we acquired two small hari kari swords. As we had no yen and he only wanted to trade in money, if interested, it will be necessary to return. Both Mr. Bolks and I thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon.
Because all rely so heavily on movies as entertainment, an exchange was set up in Yokohama, and it is there the process of obtaining a film begins. Even before that, our signalman on watch flashes messages to ships in the harbor for trades. If successful, a Yolo boat is dispatched to pick up the trade. As the ship owns five movies it has an advantage, or more bargaining power, over others. The YOLO THEATRE, situated in the warehouse, has boxes for seats for the crew, while the wardroom chairs provide the officers with real luxury. The theatre seats about 500 and we play to a packed house nightly.
October 12, 1945
The day arrived with sunshine and a chill that warned fall is here to stay. The pressing matters revolved around the activity in the ship's store. Business is so good that sales of cigarettes are limited to two packs a day and soap to two bars a week. This is due to the bartering which, although illegal, is going on behind closed doors. Cigs have the greatest trading value; a cartoon sells for $10. Candy bars are next in popularity, followed by soap. A second problem that concerns me is the inability of the Navy to secure souvenirs from the Army. I sent Mr. Davis and Doc Barber to Yokosuka to talk with the powers about the situation and to ask whether punishment should be given those engaged, including myself. They asked about the possibility of securing souvenirs for the officers and men of this ship.
Not only did this day of sun give the men an opportunity to work outside but also the provisioning side of the operation had a whale of a day. Twenty LSMs returning to Leyte and a number of LCTs working these parts were supplied in some fashion. LSMs are out of our class but Yolo does the best she can to help out with fresh, frozen and dry stores. I walked about the ship and the dock and even took a few rays. No mail again today because of the weather. Yokohama was spared. The last typhoon with winds of 120 knots did all manner of damage to Tokyo. Being moored to the dock is better for Yolo than being at sea. Here ships are protected by the breakwater from the swell and waves. Yolo has eight lines out, four manilas and four wires. Most are doubled in a blow. The lines take a great deal of strain es¬pecially if the wind blows off the pier.
After the show Forrester and I scrambled some eggs, made toast, and talked until 0100 about the activities of the 3rd fleet from 1 July. Meantime, Mr. Davis and Doc Barber brought back word that souvenirs promised would arrive in three days.
BigCityChief
Member
Very well, no Pi for you!!
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BigCityChief
Member
Cool signs from the past!
Did your have AC when you were a kid? I didn't, and I was lucky to have a fan !
In college, we soaked our bedsheets in the tub in cold water, wrung them out, wrapped ourselves in them, and then jumped into bed with the fan blasting us. It made the summers bearable for those of us who went to school yearlong to complete multiple degree programs in 4 years of study. Those were the days - I LOVED them!
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kwselke
Member
Some useful advice for those who are thinking of sharing Beer Time with aliens.
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Gf6fueM37Q[/ame]
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Gf6fueM37Q[/ame]
bigwheelzip
Absent Comrade
Very well, no Pi for you!!
Auditioning for "The Big Bang Theory"?
BigCityChief
Member
From lnl:
Too hot and humid outside for me, just came in from giving the contractors a cold beverage. Told them to jump in the pool if they wished!
QUOTE]
How'd that wok out, lnl?
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BigCityChief
Member
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You tell those voices just to shut the heck up
BigCityChief
Member
Here's the problem with that.
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BigCityChief
Member
Resistance is futile...
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Well, folks - I'm off to an evening of weirdness.
Zappa Plays Zappa, or Dweezil Zappa Plays Frank Zappa is on the agenda tonight.
Don't Eat The Yellow Snow !!!
This year is the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Mothers of Invention, so I expect some oddness with a side order of strange. Keep an eye peeled for pics tomorrow.
Zappa Plays Zappa, or Dweezil Zappa Plays Frank Zappa is on the agenda tonight.
Don't Eat The Yellow Snow !!!
This year is the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Mothers of Invention, so I expect some oddness with a side order of strange. Keep an eye peeled for pics tomorrow.
BigCityChief
Member
shouldazagged
Absent Comrade
You know I'm a devout revolver fan and carry one, but I wish I still had my second-generation G19. That was a really nice gun, but I sold it in a time of fiscal anemia.
BigCityChief
Member
I'm off to an evening business meeting. See you guys later!
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Oh, Kraft Mustard. I was thinking about something else.
Is one word a verb, and the other a pronoun ?
Chortle if you must, but the 2CV turned out to be a wonderful car, once you learned it's many quirks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZTxu4uj1bc
The design specification: A low-priced, rugged "umbrella on four wheels" that would enable four small farmers / peasants in clogs to transport 50 kg (110 lb) of farm goods to market at 50 km/h (31 mph), if necessary across muddy, unpaved roads. The car would use no more than 3 liters of gasoline to travel 100 km (78 mpg ), and be able to drive eggs across a plowed field without breaking them.
Definition of small farmer/peasants.......petit nain ?
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