Prolonged activity, in preparing the squadron and bringing it out, makes it trying now for me, to look on, hands folded—nothing to do while everything goes well—yet constantly alert, for instant decision in case of mishap. After nearly four hours, the schedule is finished. Some marker buoys are dropped, for later use in beginning another minefield. The line of ships then takes the narrower route formation, and we head back for the base. Butler, Canaga, and I exchange quiet congratulations. Our work together has been to good purpose.
The men clean up the decks, get a wash for themselves, and those off duty drop asleep—anywhere—the deck is covered with them. On top of the duties common to all men-of-war, to move the 400-ton masses of mines, in slow but steady time, is very fatiguing, even with steam winches to help.
We are not finished yet. Expectation of a quiet afternoon doze, handy to the bridge, is rudely dispelled by a smoke screen started by the destroyers. Unaware it is only an exercise, all hands tumble up to battle stations. Then one minelayer must stop, to tighten a nut working loose. Two destroyers are left to guard her, all three overtaking us in a few hours. Next a dirigible balloon heaves in sight, and then a widespread smoke covers the horizon, developing into a convoy of 50 vessels. Finally, in the midst of dinner, the siren of our next astern shrieks “Submarine to port!”
While the minelayers, upon signal, swing together away from the danger quarter, the Vampire swoops by at 30 knots, to drop two depth charges on the spot indicated. Captain Godfrey signals, “Whatever was there, those charges will keep him down for a considerable time.” All quiet again, we return to our cold provender, remarking that, as a name, mine squadron is ill chosen. It should be “Crowded Hour Club.”
Reports had now come in from all the ships that there had been no casualties. All were prepared to undertake another operation upon receiving the mines, and without further incident we returned to our former anchorages, arriving at 3.30 next morning. But ere that day closed, so memorable in our lives, I signaled the squadron:
The operation to-day was an excellent performance by each ship and by the squadron as a whole. The fact of some premature explosions does not detract from the highly creditable mine handling and steady steaming. Confidence in the personnel and faith in the undertaking are well justified, and captains may well be proud of their commands, as the squadron commander is of the squadron.
SQUADRON ORGANIZATION AND SHIPS’ DATA
Mine Squadron One, U.S. Atlantic Fleet
(Designated in H.B.M. Grand Fleet, Second Minelaying Squadron)