[QCWA] memories

[Joseph Fenn]

Bob,
See that lengthy msg I just posted about my experiences at sea
as a SC opr.  Me and Charlie W4GAT knew nothing about seaboard
operating. Knew none of the rules (tradition) and not even who
to contact.    We were so totally dumb that Charlie thought
the Master had no authority over him since he was a GI and so
was I.    We found out quite quickly the rules.  One was dont
whistle a tune on a motorized ship.   The cook came out of the
galley with a hatchet when Charlie started whistling a tune.
Another thing we were told by the first Mate as he handed us
a folded American flag that we were assigned to hoist that
flag anytime the ship leaves port.    Well we left Miami, Fla
about 2 am the next morning.   I felt the engines chugging
and looked out as we were pulling away from the Pier.
I woke Charlie up and told him to get the flag and hoist it.
Charlie did and we resumed our sleeping.   About 6am the
first mate was pounding on the radio room door and useing
some foul curseing.  We asked whats wrong and he said
come out here and take a look!    Charlie had failed to
snap two hooks and the flag was upside down.   The 1ST Mate
swore that Charlie was gonna be hoisted up in a BOS'n chair
to undue what he had done.    The ship was rolling badly and
Charlie swore at the 1st mate and said "no way".
They finally relented and got an AB to go correct the
situation.    God I feel like a preacher!!! Nuff of this
its getting late here.
                    Joe


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* Ham KH6JF AARS/MARS ABM6JF QCWA WW2 VET WD RADIO SYSTEM*
* Army MARS PRECEDED by AARS (Army Amateur Radio System) * 
*       Hi State ARMY MARS COORDINATOR                   *
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