THE GUNNER’S MATES AND THE LONG ROW OF DEPTH CHARGES READY TO PLOP OVER THE STERN
ANOTHER VIEW OF THE MINE TRACK, SHOWING THE Y GUN OR DOUBLE MORTAR
3.32 A.M. Received radio from Alcedo, “I have been rammed by convoy. Stand by.” Headed back to look for Alcedo and found the Willehad out of position and making the best of her way to rejoin. Communicated with the Willehad by megaphone and was informed that she had fouled the Alcedo but that the yacht had rejoined and was in position with the escort. During this détour, received from the Noma, “I am proceeding with the City of Atlanta.” At this time a large convoy was observed standing to the northward and cutting off the Noma and City of Atlanta from our convoy.
6.15 A.M. Received from Noma, “Lost City of Atlanta about 4.30 A.M. in passing through large convoy. Is she with you?” The Noma was instructed to search for the missing ship and escort her in.
8.44 A.M. Noma reported that she had found the City of Atlanta and was proceeding to Teignouse Channel.
So much for the routine of faithful endeavor, continual danger, and incessant vigilance! The month of October was very different. It was memorable in the Corsair’s calendar because she fought a submarine, rescued many survivors of abandoned ships, and saw two fine transports torpedoed, the Antilles and the Finland, with heavy loss of life. There was no more grumbling at the uneventful drudgery of war. The crowded activity began on the second day of October when this radio message was caught and decoded:
To all Allied men-of-war,—from Land’s End:
Picked up five men of French fishing vessel sunk by submarine.
Five boats still adrift—twenty-one men. Position 39-JSD.