Asiatic Cruise book with a Surprise...

[Dirk]

Here is my latest pick up...a cruise book from the USS Cincinnati c. 1905. The book was produced in Shanghai from images taken by an American photographer that came to China in 1902 and remained there the rest of his life...these images are mounted directly on to the pages not printed. The Cincinnati is listed as a protected cruiser of 3,213 tons. I think it operated in the far east for a number of years.

[Dirk]

Here is a shot of the ship's officers. CAPT Carlos Calkins commanding. I believe he retired following this cruise, but still served at the Naval Training Center, Newport in retired officer employed on active duty status.

[Dirk]

I like this shot of the Powder Division. Note the Chinese nationals serving on board.

[DevilDan1900]

Great shots Dirk, I had that one on my watch list too. Interesting that they are all actual photos, not copies. Extra nice with the addition of the photo of the ship's Marine detachment. Nice piece

[GLM]

Hey Dirk,

 

Excellent photos! I can get lost for hours while looking at these old wonderful pieces of history. Notice any thing odd about a few of the chin straps on the Marine covers? I think the Sgt in the photo was one of my DI's!

 

Gary

[DevilDan1900]

Do you have the details on the circumstances of Capt. Dyer's awarding of the MOH? The Vera Cruz action saw the most MOHs awarded, I believe, of any action in U.S. History. Smedley Butler actually tried to return his, saying it was unwarranted and a perversion of our nation's highest honor, or something to that effect, but they made him keep it. Leave it Smedley Butler to try and turn down a MOH.

[Dirk]

Gary: Yes, I noticed and thought right away of our discussion. Now I have a theory . Also just noticed that young trumpeter in the front...you can just see that thin stripe on his pants. Several images show African-American Navy crew memebers...so well worth researching who was who. I am interested in the photogragher as well....I've been studying how these pictures were mounted and in one image you can see were the photogragher framed the image in pencil for it to be cut around...this guy has recently been "discovered' in europe and they have held several shows of his work....youll see more soon.

 

DD: Only know it was for actions on 21-22 Apr...have not researched that far yet.

[DevilDan1900]

Here is the citation listed on the "Home of Heroes" MOH web site and a photo, obviously from much later in his career.

 

DYER, JESSE FARLEY

 

Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Marine Corps. Born: 2 December 1877, St. Paul, Minn. Appointed from: Minnesota. G.O. No.: 177, 4 December 1915.

 

Citation:

 

For distinguished conduct in battle, engagements of Vera Cruz, 21 and 22 April 1914; was in both days fighting at the head of his company, and was eminent and conspicuous in his conduct, leading his men with skill and courage.

[jeremiahcable]

Dirk,

Love the photos, the gun pointer on the sailor especially. Now here is something I'd like to point out in the marine photo.....note the field musician on the lower left, seated. His red stripe is the thin field music type (thanks Dirk!) but take note he is wearing a sword. He has no rank on his sleeves, so no way of him being an NCO. Now then, the sword looks like an NCO model. I've not seen marine field musics wearing swords before like army musicians. Any thoughts from the more educated "Old Corps Illuminati" out here?

 

Jeremiah