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Newspaper clipping of USS Mayo standing by burning USS WAKEFIELD on 3 September, 1942.
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As a fire-rescue feat, this cooperative performance by cruiser and destroyers was tops. That over 1,400 men had been snatched from the inferno without a single fatality speaks well for the Navy's training and discipline. |
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Theodore Roscoe, Historian, Destroyer Operations of World War II | |
Rescue of USS Wakefield AP-21
While escorting convoy RA-18 back to the States on September 3, 1942, the lookouts of the cruiser Brooklyn and destroyer Mayo noticed a cloud of smoke billowing from the ex-liner- now troopship- USS Wakefield around 1830 hours. The Wakefield had 650 crewmembers, plus 1000 defense workers that had been working in England, on board at the time of the fire. Immediately seen from the transport was the signal……." I am on Fire.", as she dropped out of the convoy formation.
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MAYO alongside WAKEFIELD fighting fires and taking on survivors. Cruiser BROOKLYN is coming alongside.
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Receiving permission from Task Force 38's Commander Bryant, the Mayo moved alongside the transport's port bow to render assistance at 1900 hours as quickly but carefully as possible. The transport's amidships was now fully engulfed in flame, driving the ship's passengers and crew to the bow and stern of the transport.
The first to reach the blazing Wakefield, the Mayo broke out firehoses and took in rope ladders from WAKEFIELD to take on survivors. Within 20 minutes, 247 men were taken from the burning liner to safety aboard the Mayo. The cruiser Brooklyn moved alongside at 1907 hours -taking some 800 survivors- and by 1927 hours had cast off. About 300 men still remained aboard the transport as her Captain believed the fire could be brought under control. The Task Force Commander ordered BROOKLYN to "stand by" as the fire seemed to intensify. MAYO was ordered to rejoin the convoy and head to New York.
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Men massed together on the fantail of WAKEFIELD.
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At this time, the WAKEFIELD's Captain ordered "Abandon Ship" and USS Madison moved in to take 80 survivors aboard from lifeboats. BROOKLYN again came forward to pick up the remaining men aboard and searched WAKEFIELD's decks with her searchlights. NIBLACK DD424 picked up a lifeboats worth of survivors and provided a screen with two other destroyers to escort WAKEFIELD to Halifax as a tug came out to tow her in.
All hands were removed from the burning liner in a exemplary show of outstanding seamanship. Wakefield was eventually rebuilt from the waterline up and was back at sea by Mid-late 1944.
MAYO and Commander Irving Duke were awarded the Legion of Merit for their heroic action and show of leadership.
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The MAYO crew members did a outstanding job in feeding and bedding down the survivors. There were almost too many to handle, but, fortunately, they were only aboard for a short time. |
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Jack Downin, Lieutenant | |
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