CSA Around the World Squadron (1914)

[Guinness]

Itinerary for Around the World Voyage

1914:
May 3:              Leave Key West for La Paz, California via Le Grande Canal
May 16:             Arrive La Paz
May 18:             Leave La Paz for Paita, Peru
May 30-June 3:      Visit Peru, including cruise from Paita to Callao.
June 4:             Leave Peru for Maoria.
June 16:            Arrive Whanganui
June 16-26:         Visit Maoria
June 27:            Leave Maoria for New Brandenburg, DKB
July 9:             Arrive New Brandenburg
July 10-15:         Visit DKB
July 16:            Leave DKB for Sydney, Kingdom of Australia, NS
July 20:            Arrive Sydney
July 21-23:         Visit New Switzerland
July 24:            Depart New Switzerland for Kure, Japan
August 13:          Arrive Kure, Japan
August 13-21:       Visit Japan
August 21:          Depart Japan for Singpore
August 31:          Arrive Singapore
September 1-5:      Visit Singapore
September 6:        Leave Singapore for Mogadishu, Italian Colony of Somalia
September 18:       Arrive Mogadishu
September 18-19:    Visit Mogadishu
September 20:       Leave Mogadishu for New Jerusalem, New Zion
September 21:       Arrive New Jerusalem
September 21-22:    Visit New Zion
September 23:       Leave New Zion for Alexandria, Egypt, via Suez Canal
October 1:          Transit Suez Canal
October 2:          Arrive Alexandria, Egypt
October 3-5:        Visit Egypt
October 6:          Leave Egypt for Istanbul, Ottoman Empire
October 9:          Arrive Istanbul
October 10 - 15:    Visit Ottoman Empire
October 16:         Leave Istanbul for Athens, Greece
October 17:         Arrive Athens
October 18-20:      Visit Greece
October 21:         Depart Athens for Trieste (who owns Trieste now anyway?)
October 24:         Arrive Trieste
October 25-28:      Visite Treiste and Northern Adriatic coast 
October 29:         Arrive Venice
October 30-Nov. 4:  Visit Venice
November 5:         Leave Venice for Taranto
November 7:         Arrive Taranto
November 7-10:      Visit Taranto
November 11:        Leave Taranto for Naples
November 12:        Arrive Naples
November 13-15:     Visit Naples
November 16:        Leave Naples for La Spezia
November 17:        Arrive La Spezia
November 18-20:     Visit La Spezia
November 21:        Leave La Spezia for Marseille, France
November 22:        Arrive Marseille
November 22-30:     Visit Marseille
December 1:         Depart Marseille for Barcelona
December 1-4:       Visit Barcelona
December 5:         Leave Barcelona for Cartagena
December 6:         Arrive Cartagena
December 7-10:      Visit Cartagena
December 11:        Leave Cartagena for Gibralter
December 12:        Arrive Gibralter
December 13-14:     Visit Gibralter
December 15:        Leave Gibralter for El Ferrol
December 17:        Arrive El Ferrol
December 18-20:     Visit El Ferrol
December 21:        Depart El Ferrol for Le Havre, France
December 23:        Arrive Le Havre
December 24-29:     Visit Le Havre, Celebrate Christmas with our French friends
December 30:        Leave Le Havre for Portsmouth
December 30:        Arrive Portsmouth
December 31-Jan 2:  Celebrate New Year with our Norman friends
1915:
January 3:          Leave Portsmouth for Kaapstadt
January 29:         Arrive Kaapstadt
January 30-Feb 4:   Visit Orange
February 5:         Leave Kaapstadt for Montevideo
Feruary 18:         Arrive Montevideo
February 19-23:     Visit Montevideo
February 24:        Transit to Buenos Aires
February 25-Mar 2:  Visit Buenos Aires
March 3:            Leave Buenos Aires for Rio de Janeiro
March 7:            Arrive Rio de Janeiro
March 8-12:         Visit Rio de Janeiro
March 13:           Leave Rio de Janeiro for Samana Bay, Haiti
March 26:           Arrive Samana Bay, Haiti
March 26-29:        Visit Samana Bay
March 30:           Leave Samana Bay for Boston, Massachussetts
April 5:            Arrive Boston
April 6-9:          Visit Boston
April 10:           Leave Boston for New York City
April 11:           Arrive New York City
April 12-18:        Visit New York
April 19:           Leave New York for Key West
April 23:           Arrive Key West

[Guinness]

Personal Log of Admiral Joseph Wainright, Commanding Office of CSN Overseas Squadron

May 3, 1914

Departure delayed one day, while Opelika's right propeller bearing was tested once more. She cruised back and forth at high speed within sight of Key West for much of the day, while yard person. and machinery contractor's reps checked her out one more time. On return, they declared the problem, which had existed since her constructor's trials, to be fixed.

Otherwise, squadron is ready to sail. Oklahoma's CMC informs me that the crew is eager to get moving.

Entertained Captains of all ships for a later dinner aboard Oklahoma, where we discussed goals WRT crew readiness.

May 4, 1914

Weather bright and warm. Seas calm.

Squadron departed soon after dawn. Crews manned the rails in dress uniform. Many civilians out for sendoff. Morale is good, and crew is cheerful. Let them enjoy the day.

May 5, 1914

General Quarters sounded at 5:45 am. Crews of all ships drilled 12 hours, having breakfast and lunch at their stations as opportunity allowed. Damage control and particularly gunnery drills disappointing. Requested all in fleet to redouble efforts and that we'd repeat today's drills tomorrow.

May 6, 1914

Drills scantly better. Gunnery abysmal aboard Oklahoma. ROF is poor. Hoped that letting fleet fire live ordnance would improve matters some, it did not. ROF was still poor, as was accuracy. Reports from other ships more cheerful, but not sure how reliable they might be. Oklahoma CMC (a capable man named Stancil) suggested that I might go aboard another ship to observe if we are to drill tomorrow. Intend to transfer to Bukatunna very early in morning.

May 7, 1914

Spent day aboard Bukatunna. Performance of crew here much better. Observed damage control drills to be crisp and well organized. ROF during gunnery drills good. Accuracy during brief live-fire drill excellent. Commended officers and Chiefs, asked that they keep up the good work.

Lookout aboard Raleigh, which was at tail of formation at the time, reported sighting masts of what he believed to be warship on horizon East. No other sightings reported from other ships however. Suspect the Columbians may have taken notice of us.

May 8, 1914

Arrived Cahuila. Ships rigged for canal passage. Crew seemed to welcome break from drill. Canal passage took entire day, but was uneventful. Departed Pacific end of canal promptly, instead of making planned overnight stay, as we are behind schedule.

May 9, 1914

Squadron returned to drill. Transferred to Charlotte early to observe. Damage control drills here not as good as aboard Bukatunna. Gunnery exceptional. Captain James informs me that both improved greatly today, and credits the break the canal passage gave the gun crews, concerted effort by Officers and Chiefs, and my presence.

May 10, 1914

Allowed ships to follow normal Sunday routines.

May 11, 1914

Observed drills aboard Oklahoma. Improvement obvious, though overall performance only satisfactory. Effort of crew obvious. Sent congratulatory note to crews of all ships. Captain James suggested more limited daily drill schedule, with roughly weekly exhaustive battle drills might yield improved performance over time, without adversely affecting morale. Choosing to adopt Captain James' suggestion. I think the squadron has gotten message that the long cruise ahead of us will not be a pleasure cruise.

May 16, 1914

Arrived La Paz on time, having made up day lost in Key West.

Fuel consumption on cruise from Key West was below initial estimates, which is encouraging, though we expect it will get worse as bottoms foul.

Food consumption on cruise was above estimates. Crew was worked hard, so this isn't a surprise. Still, meat consumption especially much higher than anticipated. Asked captains to have their mess officers assure that regulation portions are distributed.

[Kaiser Kirk]

Itinerary for Around the World Voyage

October 21:         Depart Athens for Trieste (who owns Trieste now anyway?)

Bavaria.
We will be pleased to receive the Admiral Wainright's squadron.

[Guinness]

May 18, 1914

With tanks, holds, and magazines topped off, we departed La Paz on time. Bound for Peru. Drills to continue on schedule suggested by Captain James

May 23, 1914

Held first full-day's battle drills since leaving La Paz today. Observed aboard Arizona. Gunnery drills crisp. ROF good. Arizona fired 8 salvos (4 per gun), grouping still not what we'd like, but improving. Damage control drills well done. Improvement encouraging.

May 30, 1914

Arrived at point 50 nm NW of Peruvian coast. Greeted there by Peruvian commerce-raiding cruiser Amazonas and a small patrol boat. Amazonas signaled FOLLOW ME via flag. Redeployed squadron in line ahead with Charlotte and Raleigh abreast in the van behind Amazonas, and Opelika in the rear. Amazonas was making a good 16 knots, and I ordered the squadron to match that.

By dusk, we'd reached the vicinity of Paita. Ordered squadron to close up tightly, open all portholes and activate all illumination. We wanted to put on a good show for our hosts. Paita was similarly brightly lit, and Amazonas brought us in close ashore.

After we rounded the cap on which Paita sits, we sighted a large bonfire. As we drew closer to that, several rockets were fired into the air from the shore, exploding into great colored bursts. Firworks, in other words.

Throughout the night, more fires along the coast could be seen. More fireworks were ignited in the vicinity of San Jose. Had to order men not on the night watches to go below and get some sleep. Not sure that many did. Certainly the officers aboard Oklahoma did not. Those off duty crowded the rails of the forward superstructure late into the night. I took leave to my ready cabin, and slept about 4 hours.

June 1, 1914

Course: Roughly south, following coast.
Speed: 16 knots

Early in the morning, we'd reached Caleta Cherrape, where the Peruvians had built the largest bonfire yet sighted. By dawn, we were approaching Cape Puerto Chicana, and passing that, could soon see the larger city of Trujillo. By daylight, we could see the stark geography of this place, where mountains as much as 6000 feet tall come right down to the coast.

As we were nearing Trujillo, lookouts spotted a plume of smoke emitting behind a rock near the coast. Soon afterward, a great racket could be heard, which sounded like a klaxon. Soon after, a small Peruvian torpedo boat rounded the rock and steamed full speed toward Oklahoma's port bow. She crossed our bow while emitting red smoke, sounding the loudest klaxon this officer has ever heard, and firing off what appeared to be star shell away from us. I ordered our own bells, sirens, and whistles to sound, and had the signal "make noise" run up in flags, so soon the entire squadron joined in. As the torpedo boat came in close along our starboard side, having finished it's destination, here crew stood on deck and waved. We returned likewise of course. The Peruvians seemed quite proud of themselves.

The boat itself was nothing special to speak of. The name painted on the hull was Mancora. She appeared to be at least 10 or 15 years old, coal powered, and armed with 3 light guns (3" maybe) and two torpedo tubes.

By evening, we'd arrived at the large city of Chimbote. Near Chimbote, thousands of people could be seen along the coast, most just watching, but many waved. I had the fleet blow off a few good blasts from the large ship's horns, which they seemed to enjoy.

At night, there were again many large fires along the coast. By now, the crew was growing fatigued, and I ordered crews not at action stations below for dinner, and sleep. Had lights below deck extinguished on starboard side to allow for some sleep. Many more officers and crew availed themselves of the opportunity. I went below to regular quarters and slept a full seven hours.


June 2, 1914

Most of the crew feeling much better rested by breakfast. Night watches ordered to get some rest as well. Passed Puerto Supe. Course still roughly south, following coast behind Amazonas. Speed still 16 knots.

By midday, another torpedo boat surprised us with a similar demonstration to yesterday's. This one though had been painted in camouflage to perfectly blend in with the terrain behind her. Fleet again made noise in reciprocation.

By evening, we could see light on the horizon from Callao. As we approached San Lorenzo Island, which guards the harbor at Callao, two more torpedo boats appeared from behind the far side of the island, and made demonstrations. They cruised along side Oklahoma and Arizona for a while, and we illuminated them with our searchlights. Their crews waved to us enthusiastically, and we could hear them singing what sounded like a very marshal, patriotic song.

By midnight, the squadron had dropped anchor in the broad harbor at Callao, about 500 yards from the waterfront, and I ordered ships boats to be unstowed.

June 3, 1914

An English-speaking Peruvian officer came aboard early this morning to convey the invitation of the Peruvian Navy for our officers and men to come ashore and enjoy their hospitality. Released the crews for a day's shore leave, leaving only a rotating skeleton crew aboard ship. Junior officers were given the day to explore the city, while senior officers were lead by the Peruvians first of a tour of the nearly complete Battleship Atahualpa. Crew was told to be aboard by nightfall, to load some provisions the Peruvians were providing, and to refuel, also graciously provided by the Peruvians.

They greeted us with a full band, playing their Naval hymn. She is a well constructed ship carrying 8 340mm (very nearly equivalent to our 13.5") guns, and oil fired, which is a recent innovation for the Peruvians. They have not yet adopted superfiring, she is of the APQX layout. Her guns and superstructure are roughly symmetric fore and aft, such that when at sea, I imagine it would be difficult to judge her true course. She seemed very much complete to my eyes, so I imagine the Peruvians are down to very small details left. I ordered officers to make mental notes for reports to the navy department for their specialties, including ordnance and engineering.

Our whirlwind tour continued with a lunch hosted by the President himself at the presidential palace. We were informed that it would be "informal", which mean only 4 courses and 3 different types of Peruvian wines. Had a brief informal meeting with the President.

After lunch, we were taken to the Incas Museum to view a newly discovered treasure unearthed in Cuzco. Rooms full of gold items...

By 5 pm, we were taken back to our ships so we could change. I had had the officers and crews in their dress whites, but now we changed into our formal uniforms, with full decoration. We were then shuttled back to shore in time for dinner with a group of Peruvian Admirals and their staffs.

Met Almirante Commandante del Armada  - Fidel Salazar Vencedores (his full name and title), and the commanders of their 3 main fleet squadrons, men named de Chunchoa, Baltazar, and Peludo. The meal was a combination of traditional Peruvian dishes, and a few things more familiar, including roast duck, which was excellent. Throughout, the Peruvian Navy band was playing more of their marshal hymns. Overall, the visit was excellent. The Peruvians were eager to ask questions about our plans for the trip, and more specific questions about doctrine and operating routines, etc. We tried to answer politely without giving away too much. For instance, when asked if we'd been drilling on the way down and how that was going, I answered that of course we had, and very well. Our gunnery is excellent, I told them.

By 10 pm, we were back aboard ship, and the Peruvians sent us off with an hour long fireworks display from shore. Amazonas lead us one more time out to sea at 11, and we set course for Maoria, speed 12 knots.

[Guinness]

OOC: Most excerpts from here on out, hitting the high points.

June 12, 1914

Course: SW
Speed: 12 knots

Encountered heavy seas, estimate 30 feet and higher, high winds, and rain. Have had to reduce speed and turn into sea at times. Am encouraged though by performance of all ships in heavy seas.

June 13, 1914

Course: SW
Speed: 12 knots

Seas still heavy, but winds lessening. Rain seems to have stopped, and blue sky visible in spots. No significant damage reported among squadron.

June 16, 1914

Arrived Whanganui. Maoris sent a light cruiser (or an escort as they refer to them) to greet us and guide us into harbor. Itinerary allows us a 10 day visit to Maori. Will spend 4 days here before planned 2 day exercise with the Maori's and then a move on to Pukeroa.

After securing the ships, crews released for shore leave. I personally am accepting the hospitality of the Maoris in a reception in our honor ashore.

June 17, 1914

Maori reception last night went late into night. They are both gracious and demanding hosts. Each of the officers was presented with ceremonial weapons (be them spears or short swords) as souvenirs.

Today participated in a traditional Maori hunt for wild boar. Hunting is not, of course, one of my hobbies, but I was impressed by the energy with which the Maori prosecuted the hunt. Once the boar was sited, they made a great racket with traditional drums, and their own voices to drive the boar onto a smaller contingent of hunters who's job was to kill it. They later cleaned it, and are tonight roasting it in a great pit for our consumption in the morning, along with several others killed in similar manner today.

June 18, 1914

Maoris hosted entire compliment of squadron in great feast along waterfront, where a multitude of tents were set up in the streets fronting the navy yard and base. The crews were, on the whole well behaved over the last couple of days, though thankfully the Maoris have shown us equal indulgence for sailors activities as I understand we showed them in San Diego earlier this year.

June 19, 1914

Day spent provisioning and refueling, and preparing for exercise with Maoris.

June 20, 1914
Played the part today of an enemy squadron raiding Maori coast. Maoris responded with a squadron including battleships and cruisers steaming out from Pukeroa to meet us. Simulated squadrons meeting and a battleline engagement near dusk. Fleet maneuvered well, and it seems that all the drill has paid off. Were even able to fire off a few round at a Maori towed target soon before dark.

June 20, 1914

Exercises again today. This time cooperative exercises. Two squadrons practiced maneuvering together, etc. Crew morale high, and everyone aboard seems to be in good spirits. Have found the quality of seamanship among the Maori to be excellent as well.

June 21, 1914

Steamed into Pukeroa with our Maori escort late in the afternoon. Crew spent eventing securing ships, and slept aboard.

June 22, 1914

Spent day exchanging tours of our ships with the Maori. Their ships are well and sturdily built. Not fast by any means, but very tough. Maori captains commented that they knew our birthing and messing arrangements are far superior to theirs.

Crew released for more shore leave.

June 26, 1914

Previous three days dominated by receptions and meetings with Maoris. Maori king came aboard Oklahoma for tour. He seems to be a careful, thoughtful man, though he showed a considerable sense of humor at formal reception later.

Trip has no longer been without incident however, as one of the men from Opelika apparently was involved in some sort of brawl. All told, twelve of our men (all of Opelika) ended up in a Maori jail, with a similar number of Maori civilians.

XO and CMC of Opelika involved with attaining the men's release. Had to promise that they would be confined to the ship for the next two months before Maoris would officially let them leave. This has been so ordered.

June 27, 1914

Having topped off our tanks and stores in the morning, the Squadron departed this afternoon bound for New Brandenburg.

Plan for full battle drills in morning, and will observe personally aboard Opelika. I want to convey to entire squadron's compliment that business in Pukeroa shall not be repeated.

[Guinness]

July 16, 1914

Departing DKB for Sydney, Australia (USNS). Stay in New Brandenburg was uneventful. The Brandenburgers were polite and accommodating, and the men managed to stay out of trouble. The beer was very good.

July 23, 1914

Arrived Sydney July 20. City is in a beautiful setting with a perfect natural harbor. Reception was cool. The squadron was greeted only by pilot boats. Ordered additional security precautions, including keeping small boats at a good distance from our ships, and allowed only limited, daytime only shore leave.

One Chief reported that he was certain he was being followed while ashore. Later in the trip, several officers reported a very strange encounter with a group of men who attempted to buy them "many" drinks, then asked some rather suspicious questions.

It seems clear that while officially the Swiss are indifferent to our presence, unofficially they seem quite interested.

Chose to refuel not from Swiss sources, but from Spruce, who's bunkers were full, and are still very nearly so. Expect that we'll be able to top her off in Japan.

Most notable official contact was when the local Governor (or whatever the Swill call him) asked me to come up to his official residence for lunch. Food and conversation were both unremarkable, while the view from his hilltop veranda was exceptional.

July 27, 1914
Course: NNE
Speed: 12 knots

Squadron had a long holiday from drill through the visits to the DKB and New Switzerland, so I chose to do two straight days of drill starting yesterday as we made our way through the Coral Sea and up toward the Central Pacific.

Crew of Oklahoma seems to finally be performing adequately. Simulated rates of fire from main armament were excellent, and I saw none of the clumsiness in the secondary batteries that was so evident at the start of trip. Damage control is well within normal expectations, to the point that Captain James in particular is advocating that we should devise more comprehensive (and challenging) damage control practice procedures, including one scenario where a ships entire ring main is inoperative. I told him to write something up and have it sent over to me and I'll review it. James has an agile mind, and seems incapable of idleness, both traits that seem well reflected in his crew.

August 2, 1914
Course: N
Speed: 12 knots

Encountered the outskirts of what appears to be a large storm. Ordered course change from approx. NNE to N in attempt to skirt around it. Winds increasing. Seas upwards of 20 feet. Rain. Ordered squadron to maintain positive visual contact if at all possible.

August 3, 1914
Course: NNE
Speed: 6 knots

It would seem that we weren't able to avoid this storm. Seas very high (50 feet or more at times). Reduced speed and have had to turn bows into seas at time. Had squadron spread out, as station keeping largely impossible. Each ship required to signal summary of course, speed and condition hourly. My greatest worry is the Charlottes, but thus far they seem to be faring well. Their bows seem to ride easily up and down in a head sea.

August 4, 1914
Course: W
Speed 6 knots

We believe the storm to be traveling largely East/North East now, and are attempting to steam out of it west. Very high seas and driving rain still reported. High winds and seas have effected light damage above decks to all ships, including a boat that broke loose aboard Nashville and was lost over the side.

August 5, 1914

Course: N
Speed: 15 knots

The weather has largely cleared, and we saw patches of sun today. Seas still high, around 15 feet or more, but winds much lighter. Ordered more speed to try to make up time.

Worst damage reported was to Spruce, who took a wave over her working deck which actually bent one of her derrick frames. I'm informed that repairs can be made in port, possibly with a little help from the Japanese.

August 14, 1914

Arrived Kure, Japan, only one day late. Reception was warm and formal. Several Japanese Naval Vessels greeted us while flying flags of welcome, as well as streamers from their masts. Japanese lead us through passages of their Inland Sea to Kure harbor, where a Japanese Admiral, in full dress and carrying a sword came aboard to formerly greet us. Much bowing, etc.

August 17, 1914

Departed Kure bound for Tokyo (or as many Japanese still refer to it, Edo). Visit to Kure was interesting. Japan is a very different place. The Japanese asked us to organize our shore parties in groups of about 40, to which they assigned an interpreter. It seems that nearly every person in the area that spoke both English and Japanese was recruited, as several of the interpreters were civilians, and in some cases foreigners. Still, the arrangement seems to have worked well to keep our men out of trouble, even if the groups all tended to look like great groups of tourists. Asked the Japanese if at all possible to repeat the arrangement at other shore stops, to which they enthusiastically agreed. Then again, they seem to enthusiastically agree with everything.

August 20, 1914

More formality included a meeting with the Japanese Naval Chief of staff (who is quite small and slight, but it seems quite commanding of respect here). Meeting was cordial. Discussed many matters of doctrine.

Shore parties again organized in groups with an interpreter. There is considerably more to see and do in Tokyo, and the men seem to be thoroughly enjoying themselves. Myself and several officers were encouraged to try a local delicacy, which our interpretor informed me is a common midday meal item for many Japanese. They call it sushi. It is, in it's essence, small slices of uncooked fish on a bed of sticky rice. We were, of course, skeptical, but I felt it my duty to show our open mindedness and try it, and found it quite agreeable. There are other similar varieties also where the fish and rice are served separately, or rolled up with or without rice and with other items like vegetables, or caviar, into rolls. Sort of a Japanese sandwhich I suppose, which is then cut.

Also discovered today that the Japanese brew quite excellent beer, all lagers in variety, somewhat in the German style, but of a crisper character.

Received by courier from our Embassy late tonight sealed orders, that we are to stop for a day at Nagasaki on the way from Japan to Singapore. No further explanation given, although another envelope labeled "not to be opened before Nagasaki arrival" was enclosed.

August 21, 1914

Arrived just before dark in Nagasaki, where illuminated in the setting sun, the reason for our visit became obvious. Moored to the fitting out pier of the Navy Yard here was none other than an Oklahoma class battleship! It would seem that Maori was not the only nation Richmond had contracted building work with. Ship appears to be roughly 80% complete, lacking armament and some above decks armor plate, as well as most fittings, etc.

Opened mysterious second envelope. Orders read simply "organize party to take possession of Oklahoma class battleship, hereafter to be known as California, building at Nagasaki and sail her to San Diego".

Convened meeting of Captains, XO's and CMCs from all ships aboard Oklahoma. Consensus was that XO of Oklahoma, who is highest on the Commander's list in the squadron should take command. This explains though why the navy department insisted that the Squadron carry about 10% more men than we really needed. Opened rest of crew up to volunteers among the officers. Spruce Chief Engineer volunteered, as well as stores officer from Opelika, and navigator from Charlotte.

Those officers as well as the captains for Oklahoma and Arizona and several others met with the yard staff and inspected California. Were met there by a Commander Blankly, who I was informed had been officially a member of the Naval Attaches' staff in Tokyo, but had in reality been the liason with the Japanese during construction, and speaks fluent Japanese. An engineer and an impressive officer, who has been operating here, largely on his own, for the better part of three years. He had orders to sail aboard California as well. This was good, as we learned that while the ship was mostly to Oklahoma's design, she had a powerplant of Japanese design, which Blankly was quite familiar with.

Blankly introduced us to many of the men responsible for California's construction, which included Japanese that spoke English, Swiss that spoke Japanese and German and some English, one very tall Manchurian, and a number of Koreans that were were informed were wizards with metal fabrication.

They gave us the quick tour. All the signs aboard ship were in both Japanese and English. Machinery was clearly in advance of our practices. Mess spaces will likely need to be revised, as they don't match current practice. Blakely was surprised by this, but I imagine someone in the Navy Department forgot to copy him on the necessary documentation when those changes were made to Oklahoma and Arizona.

On the whole, I was quite impressed. At Blakely's quiet suggestion, I offerred to buy the entire team a round of beer at the local pub.

August 23, 1914

Departed Nagasaki, leaving California and her new crew behind. They expect to be ready to sail in another week.

Hope to steam at higher speeds to Singapore to make up some time.

[The Rock Doctor]

This makes me happier that the CSA didn't visit Gran Colombia; I'd have had to build you a battleship.

[Tanthalas]

You could have actualy had a meeting with the king since you were in Sydney, and noone got in trouble in Kings Cross dosnt sound like any Sailors I knew =P, oh and no mention of women lineing the peir T.T (in 2 trips to australia I saw that both times).  While reception may have bene cool it would have bene friendly (remember before the last war NS and CSA were Friendly)

[Guinness]

Well, the CSA was sending a little bit of message by not visiting Phoenix (NS that is) as well, so somewhat chilly was to be expected. We have been cozying up to the Maoris and the Japanese of late. Mostly though, I was trying to sort of hit one down the middle there, with a little bit of typical NS intrigue thrown in for flavor.

But remember too, this is Wainright's personal log. He may just have been expecting more, or has a special distrust for the Swiss.

[Guinness]

This makes me happier that the CSA didn't visit Gran Colombia; I'd have had to build you a battleship.

Well, hey, if you are offering, we can turn right back around. :)

[Blooded]

I wasn't expecting the trip to Japan to happen so fast. The Latest Scout Cruisers Lena and Shilka were to have met up with you at Kure. Officials would have enjoyed the company of CSA Officers onboard for Dinner and a tour.

When departing Nagasaki, the two Cruisers were to Steam past the CSA Fleet at full speed (28+knots) a few miles out on their way to Tanjung Pelepas.

[Guinness]

I wasn't expecting the trip to Japan to happen so fast. The Latest Scout Cruisers Lena and Shilka were to have met up with you at Kure. Officials would have enjoyed the company of CSA Officers onboard for Dinner and a tour.

When departing Nagasaki, the two Cruisers were to Steam past the CSA Fleet at full speed (28+knots) a few miles out on their way to Tanjung Pelepas.

Sorry about that. I'm trying to keep things moving along, and after an unexpected trip to Philadelphia (including a trip to see USS Olympia, sorry but I forgot my camera), and expecting to be busy tomorrow and Wednesday, I wanted to get to 2/1914 today.

Maybe we can meet up elsewhere a little later?

[Desertfox]

A small kitpick, Australia is at Saipan not Sydney.

Also I'm pretty sure quite a few Japanese know English. Course, it could just be deception on the part of the Japanese.

[Guinness]

Hit modify instead of quote again... Need to figure out why I'm allowed to edit other people's posts.

I was going by this: http://www.navalism.org/index.php?topic=643.0 which had her at Sydney, and this: http://www.navalism.org/index.php?topic=259.0 which listed her as grounded, but admittedly I didn't look hard in the news for that tidbit.

As far as Japanese and English: I think Confederate understanding of Japan is probably indicated here. For instance, Admiral Wainright likely assumed the apparent westerners among the interpreters were foreigners when in fact they were likely Japanese citizens. I think the interpreters were just as much tour guides and minders as anything else.

But I'm making this up as I go along too :)

Mike

[P3D]

Hit modify instead of quote again... Need to figure out why I'm allowed to edit other people's posts.

You are apparently a moderator for some mysterious reasons.