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1919-1920 US Sailor's diary


Vincennes
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Today at the flea market I found the hand written diary of Robert A Rawcliffe of New Bedford, MA. He enlisted Feb. 19, 1919; went to Naval Radio School at Great Lakes, IL; assigned to USS Florida on Jan. 4, 1920; assigned to USS North Dakota on Feb. 14, 1920; and back to USS Florida on Aug. 9, 1920. The 55 page diary ends on Nov. 15, 1920.

 

I have just started going through it but this entry caught my eye: "Friday June 11th Underway enroute to Hampton Rds. and anchor. Delaware came within 20 or 30 [feet?] of collision."

 

If anyone has any questions about the doings of these ships during that period feel free to ask. I'll post other interesting events as I find them.

 

Paul

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Another entry in the diary:

The USS North Dakota was apparently a very clean, sharp ship. When Rawcliffe was transfered to the North Dakota on Feb 15, 1920 he said: "Sail for Barbados arrive 15th Sun. Transfered to North Dakota in the afternoon. Find it cleaner and better in most every way, than the Florida." And on March 13, 1920 he says: "Admiral of 7th division didn't believe the N. D. was as clean as our admiral said so Captain Senn MDJ invited him over and convinced him. Went on recreation."

Not sure what the MDJ after Captain Senn's name means. The M & D are clear, but the third letter may not be a J.

Paul

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