April 16, 1943
CONFIDENTIAL
Cadet file No: 43-2196
USNR File No: 181674
From: Cadet-Midshipman Lauren F. Edgar, Fourth Class, (E-2), USMMCC
To: Supervisor, U.S. Merchant Marine Cadet Corps
Via: District Merchant Marine Cadet Instructor, New York
Subject: SS WILLIAM EUSTIS – loss of
1. Subject vessel sailed from New York on March 8, 1943 in a convoy consisting of approximately 40 ships, and escorted by three destroyers and two corvettes. On the run from New York both clear and heavy weather were experienced with swells and heavy seas at the time the ship was torpedoed.
2. March 16, at about 2220, while there was bright moonlight, the vessel was struck on the starboard side, at #3 hold by a torpedo. The order to abandon ship was given and all hands proceeded to boat stations.
3. Upon reaching his boat station, the writer noticed that #2, #3, and #5 boats had been rendered useless by the concussion of the explosion, and that #6 boat had been swamped while it was being lowered. Only #2 raft could be used because the other rafts went adrift due to the fact that the ship was still moving when they were lowered. Fortunately, there was plenty of time to abandon ship, or the casualty list might have been very high. As it was, the ship was still on an even keel even after all hands had been taken off, and it was necessary for the British to shell her in order to sink her.
(continued)
Copies made 32
Distribution only as follows:
| 1. Rear Admiral E. S. Land USN(Ret.) | 17. Lt. J. Kelly, USMS |
| 2. Capt. Edward Macauley, USN(Ret.) | 18. Lt. Comdr. H. A. Burch, USNR |
| 3. Mr. Telfair Knight | 19. Rear Admiral A. S. Randall, USNR |
| 4. Captain J. H. Tomb, USN (Ret.) | 20. Mr. J. C. Outlor, WSA |
| 5. Comdr. R. M. Sheaf, USNR | 21. Mr. Frank Rusk, WSA |
| 6. Comdr. Patrick Brennan, USNR | 22. Mr. S. D. Schell |
| 7. Comdr. A. C. Brady, USNR | 23. Lt. Stanton H. Delaplane, USMS |
| 8. Lt. Comdr. H. R. McPhee, USNR | 24. Lt. Stephen Manning, USMS |
| 9. Comdr. B. M. Dodson, USNR | 25. Lt. M. Breece, USNR |
| 10. Capt. Giles C. Stedman, USNR | 26. Rear Admiral H. A.Wiley,USN(Ret.) |
| 11. Lt. Comdr. E. S. Nochull, USNR | 27. Captain R. R. McNulty, USNR |
| 12. Lt. Comdr. J. Powers, USNR | 28. Comdr. W. B. Tucker, USNR |
| 13. Capt. Felix Johnson, USN | 29. Comdr. G. E. Lindloy, USNR |
| 14. Comdr. J. J. Tunney, USNR | 30. Lt. Comdr. W. F. Thornton, USNR |
| 15. Lt. F. Riesenberg, USMS | 31. Lt. J. R. Sanders, USNR |
| 16. Comdr. Paul S. Maquire, USNR | 32. Lt. Comdr. R. Waters, USNR |
4. The writer did not see any signs of enemy craft, and to his knowledge none of the crew of the ship sighted any in the vicinity.
5. The entire crew was picked up by the HMS VOLUNTEER which was nearly torpedoed herself after all the survivors of the boat and rafts were picked up. Survivors were taken to Liverpool arriving there on March 22. It was necessary to live in very crowded quarters while awaiting transportation back to New York, but it must be said that considering the circumstances, all hands were treated very hospitably by the British during the stay in Liverpool.
6. Passage back to New York was arranged, arriving on April 13. The Supervisor is informed that Cadet-Midshipman John Gordon Dunn, (D-2), was operated on for appendicitis and at the time of leaving England he was recuperating nicely in the Naval Hospital in Londonderry, Ireland.
Signed (Lauren F. Edgar)
Cadet-Midshipman Lauren F. Edgar, Fourth Class, (B-2), USMMCO
First Endorsement April 6, 1943
From: District Merchant Marine Cadet Instructor, New York
To: Supervisor, U.S. Merchant Marine Cadet Corps
- Forwarded.
Comdr. B. N. Dodson, USNR
Signed (C. P. Jensen)
Lt. Comdr. C. P. Jensen, USNR
By direction
MOBILE OCEANIC LINE
WATERMAN STEAMSHIP CORP.
SS JAMES M. WAYNE
Newport News, Va.
December 7, 1943
District Merchant Marine Cadet-Midshipman Instructor,
War Shipping Administration
39 Broadway
New York, N. Y.
Dear Sir:-
It gives me great pleasure to forward my report to you, with reference to Cadet-Midshipman Engineer, Lauren Edgar, residing at #412 N. W. 41st Street, Miami, Florida, and who has served as such on board this vessel from July 26, 1943 up to this date, the termination of voyage, and under my personal supervision.
During this period, Mr. Edgar proved himself to be an ambitious, studious and well-mannered persons; always showing keen interest in the Marine Engineering profession.
By working with the Watch Engineers and assisting in the maintenance work on main engine, boilers, auxiliaries and deck machinery installed in this vessel, he has become highly proficient in the operation of the steam driven, reciprocating engine power plant.
Therefore with confidence I recommend him as capable of assuming the responsibilities and duties of Second or Third Assistant Engineer on any of the Liberty type ships. Also consider him a credit to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.
Wishing you every success in the accomplishment of your mission, I am,
Very truly yours,
/S/ George E. Hissig
Chief Engineer
SS JAMES M. WAYNE