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19 November 2024
Welcome back to our National Maritime Historical Society members and friends who share a love for naval history!
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Last week we broke news of the discovery of the wreck of the destroyer USS Edsall (DD-219) in the Indian Ocean south of Java. Edsall is the centerpiece of this week’s content, featuring an introductory overview, the CNO’s statement about the discovery, and a link to an outstanding history of the ship and her demise that was published two years ago by the Naval History and Heritage Command.
As the northeast is experiencing drought conditions, so have we with book reviews. Part of the problem is that our book pile had been depleted over the summer. That status has been changing, with new titles coming in this week from Schiffer Publishing on the battleships Arizona and Massachusetts. Check out the updated list HERE. Also, we had a reviewer ask about a book that was not on the pile. We are happy to go to a publisher and request a review copy on your behalf!
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Tuesday Tidings is compiled by Dr. David F. Winkler and Jessie Henderson as a benefit for members of the National Maritime Historical Society and friends of naval history.
As always, comments and naval history news items are welcome at nmhs@seahistory.org.
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ITEMS OF IMMEDIATE INTEREST | |
Thursday, 21 November 2024 - National Museum of the USN (live) Book Talk: Training for Victory
With Dr. Frank Sobchak
Noon (EST)
Thursday, 21 November 2024 - Continental Commandery - Maritime History Lecture
John Lowery, USS Midway Museum Docent, will present: Cuban Missile Crisis, October 1962: “One Minute to Midnight”.
YouTube URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0tRTEjWSWQ.
7:00 p.m. Eastern
Thursday-Saturday, 21–23 November - National World War II Museum, New Orleans
17th International Conference on Word War II
(Virtual; in person is sold out)
Friday, 22 November 2024 - National Museum of the US Navy (Facebook) Lured by the American Dream
With P. James Paligutan
Noon (EST)
Saturday, 7 December 2024 – Pearl Harbor Commemoration Dinner
Mark Stille, speaker
Fairfax, VA
6 PM EST
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Heroic World War II Destroyer Discovered
Last Tuesday news broke in the global media about the discovery of USS Edsall, a Clemson-class destroyer commissioned following World War I that had been serving with the Asiatic Fleet when Japan attacked the US Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor. The destroyer was sunk on 1 March 1942 after a confrontation with an Imperial Japanese Navy battle fleet. Reportedly the Royal Australian Navy’s MV Stoker located the sunken warship last summer during a hydrographic survey mission at a depth of more than 18,000 feet in the Indian Ocean south of Java. Following consultations with historians and underwater archaeologists at the Naval History and Heritage Command, it was determined that the wreck was not USS Pillsbury, an identical warship that had been lost in the vicinity a day later in a battle with Japanese forces.
The evidence provided by the Australians and the location of the wreck led Rear Adm. Samuel Cox’s team to report on 6 Nov. that “the preponderance of evidence leads to the identification of the wreck as the remains of Edsall.” Below, we offer the statement from the CNO on the discovery of the ship that notes that in addition to the crew, the ship went down with 31 Army Air Forces personnel. These individuals had abandoned the Langley two days earlier after it had been successfully attacked by Japanese aircraft while the former aircraft carrier/converted seaplane tender was ferrying them and their P-39E Warhawks to Java. The Army Air Forces personnel were being transported to Tjilatjap, Java, to be married up with other P-40E pursuit planes that had been delivered on the cargo ship Sea Witch. They would not make it. Neither would many other survivors off Langley who were placed on board the oiler Pecos for transport back to Australia. Pecos, besides carrying Langley survivors, embarked wounded from Houston, Marblehead, and Stewart. The wreck of the latter ship was also recently discovered off the coast of California. (During the war the Japanese salvaged the warship for their service). Pecos would be also be attacked by Japanese naval aviation on March 1. Of some 700 embarked, the destroyer Whipple would recover 233.
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Statement of Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti dated 11 November 2024 on USS Edsall (DD 219)
On behalf of the United States Navy, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Royal Australian Navy for locating the final resting place of the destroyer USS Edsall (DD 219), lost in a valiant battle against the Imperial Japanese Navy in the early days of World War II. The commanding officer of Edsall lived up to the US Navy tenet, “Don’t give up the ship,” even when faced with overwhelming odds. The wreck of this ship is a hallowed site, serving as a marker for the 185 US Navy personnel and 31 US Army Air Force pilots aboard at the time, almost all of whom were lost when Edsall succumbed to her battle damage. This find gives us the opportunity for today’s generation of Sailors and Navy civilians to be inspired by their valor and sacrifice.
The US Navy would also like to take this opportunity to salute the valor of the crew of the Australian sloop HMAS Yarra, lost two days after the Edsall, under similar circumstances in a heroic battle against overwhelming odds.
Finding the Edsall further cements the strong alliance that has existed between the United States and Australia since World War II, the relationship between the Royal Australian Navy and the US Navy, further reinforced by the current Australia, United Kingdom, United States (AUKUS) trilateral security partnership. A key component of AUKUS is the development of the most cutting-edge underwater technologies of the type that enabled the discovery of Edsall in the vastness of the Indian Ocean, something not possible just a few years ago. These advanced technologies, enabled by interoperability between long-standing Indo-Pacific Allies and partners, ensure our collective capability to preserve the peace, respond in crisis, and win decisively in war, if called.
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Director of Naval History and Heritage Command tells gripping tale of the Edsall Story in History Gram 67 | |
The US Navy destroyer USS Edsall (DD-219) in San Diego Harbor in the early 1920s. Photo PD, US Naval History and Heritage Command. | |
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Help Wanted:
The International Journal of Naval History Seeks a Copyeditor to Join Its Volunteer Staff!
Individuals with copyediting experience who would like to get a first crack at reviewing world-class naval history content and reviews please reach out to managing editor Dr. David F. Winkler at winkler58@msn.com
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Get your 2025 Maritime Art Calendars! | |
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Letters to the Editor: In Response to the recent “Dispatches From the Fleet” posted by NMHS:
In your 14 November "Dispatches from the Fleet" you discuss the contributions of Captain PVH Weems. I thought you'd like to know that in addition to all the things cited in the article, in 1950 Captain Weems made a contribution to the career of a then-first-class midshipman.
Midshipman Dunn had selected for his first-class research, "The History of Navigation." None of my advisors saw fit to tell me that was a pretty large subject for a term paper, so I plowed on ahead; but along the way I stumbled on a great idea. I knew that Captain Weems lived in Annapolis, so I made arrangements to call on him in hopes of getting some help. He was very gracious and agreed to see me in his home.
Our conversation was pleasant and, for me, most informative. Among other things, he persuaded me in a most gentle way that my chosen topic was a bit too broad. Taking his advice, I trimmed my subject in steps until I finally settled on, "The History of the Marine Sextant."
The paper did little to advance maritime knowledge, but it did garner me a high grade and consideration for an award. More importantly, Captain Weems presented me with a copy of A Short History of Navigation, written by two British academics. Even better, it was inscribed, "To Midshipman R.F. Dunn, USN. Best wishes, PVH Weems. Christmas 1950.”
That little book has had a place on my bookshelf every place I've lived ever since.
Robert F. Dunn
VADM USN (Ret)
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NAVAL HISTORY BOOKS AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW | |
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King’s Navy: Fleet Admiral Ernest J. King and the Rise of American Sea Power, 1897–1947
Dr David Kohnen, PhD
Watch here>>
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McMullen Naval History Symposium 2025
The year 2025 marks many significant milestones for the United States and its navy. Of special note is the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and the founding of the Continental Navy. Many other significant naval events celebrate lesser milestones this year as well, including the end of the First Barbary War and the War of 1812, the end of World War II, and the founding of the US Naval Academy. The History Department of the United States Naval Academy invites proposals for papers to be presented at the 2025 McMullen Naval History Symposium on these and any other topics related to the naval and maritime history of the United States or the world. While we encourage in-person attendance and participation, the 2025 McMullen will be equipped for very limited virtual participation for participants from outside the United States. Proposals should include a one-page curriculum vitae and an abstract of no more than 250 words that summarizes the research and its contribution to historical knowledge. Panel proposals that include three presenters and a chair are highly encouraged, and should include all relevant material on the presenters, as well as a one-page CV for the chair. The chair will function as a moderator for the panel; there will be no separate comment apart from audience Q&A. When submitting proposals, either individual or panel, please put all materials into a single file.
Email proposals to navalhistorysymposium@gmail.com by midnight, 14 February 2025.
The program committee anticipates announcing a draft program by the end of April 2025. Online registration for the conference will begin in the spring of 2025. A small number of modest travel stipends are available to graduate students and recent PhDs who do not hold a tenure-track position or full-time employment. Support for these grants comes from the generosity of the McMullen Sea Power Fund established in honor of Dr. John McMullen, USNA Class of 1940. Please indicate your desire to apply for a travel stipend with your proposal. The committee will publish a volume of proceedings in the New Interpretations of Naval History Series, containing the best papers presented, at a future date. Further information on the 2025 McMullen Naval History Symposium, including hotel registration, will be available online at www.usna.edu/History/Symposium in early 2025. Specific inquiries may be directed to the director, Captain Stan Fisher, or deputy director, Dr. Abby Mullen, at the email address listed above.
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Maritime Communities Celebrating Milestones
SAVE THE DATES!
24–27 September 2025 • Buffalo, NY
We are delighted to be holding the 12th Maritime Heritage Conference in Buffalo in September 2025.
The conference brings together organizations and participants that engage in all aspects of maritime heritage. This includes maritime museums, historic lighthouses, tall ships for sail training and youth, small craft, marine art, sailing, naval and maritime scholars, advocacy, and more. It is also a gathering of the leadership of the maritime heritage community.
Buffalo will host the first Maritime Heritage Conference to be held in the Great Lakes region.
The 12th Maritime Heritage Conference (MHC) will bring together nautical heritage organizations and individuals for an information-packed conference encompassing a broad array of topics on the banks of Lake Erie at historic Buffalo, New York. Following in the wake of the World Canal Conference, which concludes with a bicentennial celebration of the opening of the Erie Canal, the 12th MHC will use that historic milestone to open a three-day program that invites attendees to consider other historic nautical milestones worthy of broader public attention.
The MHC has earned a reputation for its high take-away value, networking opportunities, and camaraderie. The conference steering committee invites you to become involved as a presenter; both session and individual proposals are encouraged. Don’t miss this opportunity to gather with individuals from all segments of the maritime community.
Call for Papers & Session Proposals
Papers and session topics include, but are not limited to:
• Inland Water Commerce and Seaport Operations (Erie Canal bicentennial!)
• Maritime and Naval History (2025 marks USN/USMC 250th Birthday)
• Maritime Art, Literature, and Music
• Education and Preservation
• Underwater Archaeology
• Trade and Communications
• Maritime Libraries, Archives, and Museums
• Marine Science and Ocean Conservation
• Historic Vessel Restoration
• Maritime Heritage Grant Program
• Maritime Landscapes
• National Marine Sanctuaries
• Small Craft
• Shipbuilding
• Marine Protected Areas
Focus sessions include, but are not limited to:
• Non-Profit administration
• Event Management
• Fundraising
• Media and Publications
• Media and Social Media
Submissions
Individual paper and session proposals should include a 250–400 word abstract and a one-paragraph biography about each presenter.
Please e-mail proposals and other queries to Dr. David Winkler at: MHC@seahistory.org
Deadline for proposals for papers and sessions is 31 May 2025.
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Society for Nautical Research Winter Lecture Series 2024–25
The Society for Nautical Research is delighted to announce the schedule for the forthcoming winter lecture series. These online talks will highlight new and ongoing research being undertaken by members of the society and its affiliations. The series aims to promote research into economic, social, political, military and environmental aspects of nautical history, drawing on British, European and international experience.
The 12-part lecture series will be held fortnightly on Wednesday evenings at 6:30PM (UK) between October 2024 to March 2025. Lectures will only be available online (via Zoom) and will be FREE to paying members of the SNR.
Not yet a member?
Sign up now from as little as £22.50 a year. Get access to exclusive events and talks, quarterly editions of the Mariner’s Mirror, and discounts at affiliated museums and gift shops! https://snr.org.uk/become-a-member/
Dates for your calendar:
20th November 2024: Associate Professor Evan Wilson (Hattendorf Historical Centre), “The Horrible Peace; British Veterans and the End of the Napoleonic Wars.”
4th December 2024: Sarah Mott, (Lloyd’s Register Foundation) “Rewriting Women into Maritime History; the SHE_SEES exhibition.”
18th December 2024: Bill Lindsay (independent scholar), “William Schaw Lindsay; Victorian Entrepreneur.”
Christmas Break
15th January 2025: Prof. Rodrigo Pérez Fernández (Universidad Politécnica de Madrid), “The past, present and future of shipbuilding.”
29th January 2025: Dr. Alan James (King’s College London), (full title TBC)
12th February 2025: Dr. Matthew Heaslip (University of Portsmouth), (full title TBC)
26th February 2025: Dr. Michael Roberts (University of Bangor), Archaeological exploration of historical shipwrecks in the Irish Sea. (full title TBC)
12th March 2025: Dr. Jo Stanley (independent scholar), “Diversity at Sea: How sharing historical research can make a difference to the present and future of the maritime industry and public understanding.”
19th March 2025: Dr. Cathryn Pearce (University of Portsmouth), “‘Bandied about for a place of refuge’: Extreme Weather, Coastal Shipping, and the Loss of Lord Nelson, 1840”
How to attend the lectures?
Zoom details will be circulated prior to each of the lectures but details can also be found in the “events” section of the members area of the SNR website (Click Here).
For any questions or queries please contact the convener (daisy.turnbull@myport.ac.uk).
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UPCOMING NAVAL & MARITIME HISTORY GATHERINGS | |
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31 January–2 February 2025: Western Naval History Association Symposium (WNHA), San Diego, CA
27–30 March 2025: Society for Military History (SMH) Annual Meeting, Mobile, AL
9–11 April 2025: Council of American Maritime Museums Annual Meeting, Pensacola, FL
24–25 May 2025: Canadian Nautical Research Society Annual Conference Port Hope,
Ontario
18–19 September 2025: McMullen Naval History Symposium, US Naval Academy
24–28 September 2025: Historic Naval Ship Association (HNSA) Symposium/12th Maritime Heritage Conference, Buffalo, NY
| PREBLE HALL NAVAL HISTORY PODCAST | |
A naval history podcast from Preble Hall – the United States Naval Academy Museum in Annapolis, Maryland. Preble Hall will interview historians, practitioners, military personnel, and other experts on a variety of naval history topics from ancient history to more current events.
Click here for the latest episode: 241 - LtCol Tom Williams, USMC-Ret, Doorsteps of Hell>>>>
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| DRACHINIFEL YOUTUBE CHANNEL | |
Welcome to Navy History Matters, Naval History and Heritage Command’s biweekly compilation of articles, commentaries, and blogs related to history and heritage. Every other week, they gather the top-interest items from a variety of media and social media sources that link to related content at NHHC’s website, your authoritative source for Navy history.
Click here for most recent article>>
| INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NAVAL HISTORY | |
The International Journal of Naval History (IJNH) provides a preeminent forum for works of naval history, researched and written to demonstrable academic standards, with the goal of stimulating and promoting research into naval history and fostering communication among naval historians at an international level. IJNH welcomes any scholarly historical analysis, focused on any period or geographic region, that explores naval power in its national or cultural context. The journal is independent of any institution and operates under the direction of an international editorial board that represents various genres of naval history.
Click here to read the February 2023 edition and archived issues on the IJNH website >>
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With the 250th anniversary of the US Navy on the horizon, NMHS seeks your support as we plan to honor those who have provided for our maritime security.
Click here to donate today >>
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