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View Full Version : Food aint so hot


Von Tonner
06-29-07, 08:17 AM
Here is an extract from the war patrol log of USS Batfish. (2nd patrol April 1944)

"In spite of considerable effort on the part of the cooks, the food on this patrol was not up to the standard set on our last. This decline is attributed to the lack of variety and poorer quality of stores received at Midway. The rice and part of the cereals received were found to contain weevils, while the Navy beans were moldy. In addition, the eggs were so old as to be almost unpalatable.

The boat was very comfortable at all times, both surface and submerged. The one item of habitability which needs improving is the method of elimination of odors from the sanitary tank inboard vents. No replacement filters were available at Midway, the lack of which resulted inconsiderable unpleasantness after a few weeks at sea. This subject is being referred to the tender force for correction during refit.":roll:

I must admit I find this strange as I would have thought that of all the services those in subs would always be given the best produce the homeland could produce.

Another thing, in the report mention is made quite frequently at having to "routine torpedoes". Does anyone know what this means? No torpedoes were fired during this patrol, so I don't think it could be a reference to arming them or diarming them.

sunvalleyslim
06-29-07, 10:02 AM
Von Tonner,
"Routine torpedoes" means that the torpedoes were pulled out of the tubes and preventive maintenance was performed. Such as checking for leaks, adjust gyros, water and alcohol levels. There were checlklists for daily, weekly, monthly maintenance programs for all equip. on board.

SteamWake
06-29-07, 10:06 AM
Sounds like the air wasent so great either ! :hmm:

cmdrk
06-29-07, 12:57 PM
Some under the table dealing probably went on during the war, especially as it looked like the end was near. The better goods would sometimes be redirected to other units and substituted with lousy stuff. The bad goods were likely traded around quite a bit and grower worse.

My stepdad, who was in the Army, was in the signal corps - a lineman. He told me during his training every man was issued a set of tools which had to be returned. What happened is some guys had tools swiped. Needing to have a full set to return, the outgoing class would swipe from the newer class.

Just a small example of what went on - off the record.