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Yangtze Patrol, Captain USS Panay, USS S-34 China


kanemono
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Robert A. Dyer was born at Auburn, New York on February 18, 1892. He attended Auburn High School and was appointed to the United Stated Naval Academy in 1910. He graduated and was commissioned Ensign in June, 1914. Dyer was assigned to the U.S.S. Prairie where he patrolled Mexican waters during the Mexican Border crisis. During World War One, Lieutenant Dryer served as executive officer of the destroyers USS Bainbridge and USS Paulding. He served on patrol in the Atlantic escorting convoys protecting them from German U-Boats. Dyer attended the Naval Submarine School at the New London Connecticut Submarine Base, graduating in 1923. He served as the captain of the submarine USS S-34 then served as the Assistant to the Commander of the Submarine Divisions, Asiatic Fleet in China. Dyer was Captain of the USS Panay, serving with the Yangtze Patrol in Shanghai, China, from 1930 to 1932. In 1931 he reported, as Captain of the Panay, "Firing on gunboats and merchant ships (by the Chinese) has become so routine that any vessel traversing the Yangtze River sails with the expectation of being fired upon. Fortunately," he added, "the Chinese appear to be rather poor marksmen and the ship has, so far, not sustained any casualties in these engagements." During World War Two Dyer served in the office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington D.C. until 1943 when he was given the command of the U.S.S. West Point. For services as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. West Point he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with the following citation:

“For meritorious achievement as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. West Point, from May 8, 1943 to April 8, 1944. In command of the largest United States Navy Transport in active service during hostilities, Captain Dyer skillfully directed his ship in vital operations covering vast distances in Indian, Atlantic and Pacific waters and, maintaining a high standard of efficiency throughout this critical period despite the threat of enemy torpedo attack, succeeded in transporting 100,000 Allied troops to forward combat areas. By his Professional ability in handling unusual problems of training and operations, Captain Dyer contributes materially to the successful prosecution of the war, and his leadership, inspiring conduct and steadfast devotion to the fulfillment of important assignments reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Navel Service.”

Captain Dyer served at the Headquarters of the Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Fleet until transferred to the Retired List of United States Navy on January 1, 1947. Captain Robert A. Dyer died at the United States Naval Hospital Bethesda, Maryland on September 25, 1952.

 

 

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aerialbridge

Wow group, and I particularly like that watch, Dick. That is some kinda eye candy. Does it run and what make is it? Illinois or Hamilton? Can you post the face and front if it's a hunting case?

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Hi AB,

The watch is marked New York Standard Watch Company, It does not run and it does not have a hunter case. The watch fob is a torpedo. I doubt if I will have the movement repaired.

Dick

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Hi AB,

The watch is marked New York Standard Watch Company, It does not run and it does not have a hunter case. The watch fob is a torpedo. I doubt if I will have the movement repaired.

Dick

I didn't notice the torpedo, awesome. It be worth your while to get the watch fixed, if cheap enough. Might just need a good cleaning.

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Dick, this group made my heart skip a beat. Maybe more than one. Simply stunning, really one of the best pre-war submariner groups I've seen in years.

 

If need be, I can recommend a competent watchmaker who can repair your timepiece.

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That's an awesome group Dick. I have a group to another officer who served with him on the USS Panay in 1931-1932.

 

Kurt

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Thanks for posting this Xmas dinner menu Kurt. Here is a group to another man who served on the USS Panay. His name is Finn Outler and he server years in China and on the Yangtze.

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  • 1 year later...

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