BRIGADE ORDERS.

BY BRIGADIER-GENERAL TREVOR TERNAN, C.M.G., D.S.O.,

COMMANDING 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

9^th AUGUST 1915.

618 – DISTRICT COURT-MARTIAL –

            With reference to Brigade Order No. 611 of 8^th August, 1915, the accused person marginally named will also be tried by this Court.

            In the margin; No. 22/234 Pte T.R. Donald 22^nd (S) Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers (3^rd Tyneside Scottish.)

619 – MUSKETRY CAMP – TRAIN ARRANGEMENTS –

            With reference to Brigade Order No. 607 of 7^th August, 1915, the trains will leave Alnwick for Hornsea on the 12^th inst., as follows:-

20^th (S.) Battalion, Northumberland

Fusiliers (1^st TYNESIDE SCOTTISH)

1^st Half Battalion at                                                              3.15 a.m.

2^nd Half Battalion at                                                             5.50 a.m.

22^nd (S.) Battalion, Northumberland

Fusiliers (1^st TYNESIDE SCOTTISH)

1^st Half Battalion at                                                              7.25 a.m.

2^nd Half Battalion at                                                             9.5 a.m.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

BRIGADE-MAJOR,

 102^nd TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

BRIGADE ORDERS.

BY BRIGADIER-GENERAL TREVOR TERNAN, C.M.G., D.S.O.,

COMMANDING 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEAD QUARTERS, ALNWICK,

8^th AUGUST, 1915.

610 – DISTRICT COURT-MARTIAL –

            The District Court-Martial directed to assemble in Brigade Order No. 580 of 31^st July, 1915, of which Major A.G. Niven, 21^st (S) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (2^nd Tyneside Scottish) was President, is hereby dissolved.

611 – DISTRICT COURT-MARTIAL –

            The detail of Officers as mentioned below will assemble at the Court-Martial Room, The Haven, North Demesne, Alnwick, on the 10^th August, 1915, at 10 a.m., for the purpose of trying by District Court-Martial the accused persons named in the margin (and such other person or persons as may be brought before them)

PRESIDENT

Major P.B. Norris, 22^nd (S.) Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers (3^rd Tyneside Scottish.)

MEMBERS

A Captain, 22^nd (S.) Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers (3^rd Tyneside Scottish.)

A Captain, 23^rd (S.) Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers (4^th Tyneside Scottish.)

The accused will be warned, and all witnesses duly required to attend.

The proceedings will be forwarded to the G.O.C., 102^nd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade, “Alnbank” Alnwick.

The Officers Commanding 20^th, 21^st, 22^nd, and 23^rd (S) Battalions, Northumberland Fusiliers (1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th Tyneside Scottish) will each detail three Officers to attend for instructional purposes.

In the margin.  No. 20/33 Pte. C.F. COATES, 20^th (S) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers (1^st Tyneside Scottish); No. 21/1096 Pte. W. GORDON. 21^st (S) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers (2^nd Tyneside Scottish); No 21/421 Pte. GEORGE RYLES.  21^st (S) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers (2^nd Tyneside Scottish); No. 23/813 Pte. THOMAS POTTS.  23^rd (S) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers (4^th Tyneside Scottish).

612 – 29^th RESERVE BATTALION NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILIERS – FORMATION OF –

                        In future the Grouped Depot Companies, Tyneside Scottish Brigade, will be known as the 29^th Reserve Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers.

Authority, War Office letter, M.S.K. 4.  Room 502 dated 30^th July, 1915.

613 – COMMAND ORDER – ATTENTION CALLED TO –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is called to Northern Command Orders 1487 and 1490 dated August 7^th, 1915.

614 – LOCAL PURCHASE – MEDICAL AND SURGICAL SUPPLIES –

            The attention of Medical Officers is called to Northern Command Order 1493 of August 7^th, 1915.

615 – EXTRACTS FROM DIVISIONAL ORDERS–

            Branding of Horses –

            With reference to Divisional Order No. 48 of 2/8/15, Remount Circular No. 14 and War Office letter 1140, Q.M.G.4, referred to therein are to the effect that the two inch Broad Arrow Brand must be on the near rear quarter sufficiently high to be clear of the breaching.

            The brand must be high up and as near the joint of the hip as possible

Divisional Order No. 71, dated 6/8/1915.

Classes of Cooking –

            With reference to Divisional Order No. 59 the party of 16 from Ripon will now travel by the 7-36 a.m. train due Kings Cross 1-5 p.m.  The party will concentrate at Divisional Headquarters at 7 a.m.

The parties from 102^nd, and 103^rd, Brigades and from R.A. of 152^nd, 175^th and 176^th Brigades should be despatched by earlier train so as to arrive at Kings Cross before 1-5 p.m.

Divisional Order No. 72, dated 6/8/15.

Musketry –

            Musketry Regulations Part I (Reprint 1914.)

AMENDMENTS.  Appendix I, page 260, will be amended as follows:-

Classification Practices Part III.

Delete 24/Rapid/1^st Class Figure/200/5/Lying.  30 seconds allowed.

and after Practice 19, insert:-

Practice 20/Rapid/2^nd Class Figure/200/5/Lying.

Taking cover as in 7.  Bayonets fixed.

20 seconds allowed.  Rifle to be loaded.

Old Practices 20, 21, 22, and 25, will be renumbered to read 21, 22, 23, and 24 respectively.

Practice 26 of Part II. General Musketry Course and Practice 22 of Part III as now amended will be fired standing instead of kneeling in the trench.

Divisional Order No. 76 dated 7/8/1915.

Miniature Rifle Course –

            Northern Command Order No. 1463 is re-published for information. –

“The attention of all concerned is directed to the draft of the new Miniature Rifle Course, copies of which have been forwarded to Headquarters of Formations for distribution.

It will be fired by all units throughout the Command from this date onwards.

This order has to be repeated in all Brigade, Garrison and Regimental Orders.”

Divisional Order No. 77 dated 7/8/1915.

Camp Railway –

            In future all sheets which have covered goods in railway wagons are to be folded and in case of several sheets they must be placed in one wagon.  Ropes should also be folded and placed together with the sheets.

Divisional Order No. 78, dated 7.8.1915

616 – DIVISIONAL ORDER – ATTENTION CALLED TO –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is called to Divisional Order No. 79 of August 7^th, 1915.

617 – CAMP RAILWAY –

            The attention of Transport Officers is called to Divisional Order No. 78 of 7^th August, 1915.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

BRIGADE-MAJOR,

 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

BRIGADE ORDERS.

BY BRIGADIER-GENERAL TREVOR TERNAN, C.M.G., D.S.O.,

COMMANDING 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

7^th AUGUST, 1915.

607 – MUSKETRY CAMP – MOVE TO –

            In accordance with latest orders received from Divisional Head Quarters – the following are the revised arrangements for Musketry of the Brigade – with particulars as to date of moves – All former orders on the subject are cancelled:-

The 20^th (S) Battalion                                  ] Will move to Hornsea on 12^th inst.

Northumberland Fusiliers                                        ]

(1^st TYNESIDE FUSILIERS)                                  ] Will commence Musketry on 13^th

 ]          instant.

The 22^nd (S) Battalion                                             ] Will return to Alnwick on 19^th

Northumberland Fusiliers                                       ] instant.

(3^rd TYNESIDE FUSILIERS)                                  ]         

• –           –           –

The 21^st (S) Battalion                                              ] Will move to Hornsea on 19^th inst.

Northumberland Fusiliers                                        ]

(2^nd TYNESIDE FUSILIERS)                                 ] Will commence Musketry on 20^th

instant.

The 23^rd (S) Battalion                                              ]

Northumberland Fusiliers                                       ] Will return to Alnwick on 26^th

(4^th TYNESIDE FUSILIERS)                                  ]           instant.

            The train Time Table will be issued later.

Officers Commanding Units will arrange for every Officer, Non-commissioned Officer and Man of the Service Battalions – other than those in hospital, absent on duty, or absent without leave – tp proceed.

During the absence of the Battalions the necessary arrangements for guarding the Camps will be made by utilizing the “Home Service” men who are “attached” to each Battalion from the Depot Companies.  A Guard over the Ammunition Store of each Battalion during its absence will be found by the Officer Commanding, Grouped Depot Companies.

Unless later orders are issued to the contrary – the establishment of 1,100 all ranks plus the Supernumerary Officers will proceed – in each case.

Each Battalion will take 1 G.S. Limbered Wagon and 2 Horses and 4 horses or mules for use in 2 Water Carts which will be supplied at Hornsea to each Unit.

3 Officers Chargers will be taken per Battalion.

Each man will carry 2 blankets in addition to the kit carried in pack.

Tents, Camp Equipment, Cooking Utensils, and Ground Sheets will be supplied at Hornsea – and will be taken over from Units of 32^nd Division.

All dixies in possession of Units to be taken.

Each Company will take 6 Picks and 6 Shovels for digging latrines.

The Quarter Master of each Battalion will proceed one day in advance to take over Camp Equipment.

All Officers are limited to 35 lbs. weight of baggage.

608  – LEAVE OF ABSENCE – APPLICATION FOR–

            In future – applications for leave of absence of Officers will be submitted on Army Form B 173.  If this Army Form is not in possession of Units – manuscript applications in similar form will be forwarded.

609 – COMMAND ORDERS – ATTENTION CALLED TO –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is called to Northern Command Orders 1483 and 1485 of 6^th August, 1915.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

BRIGADE-MAJOR,

 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

BRIGADE ORDERS.

BY BRIGADIER-GENERAL TREVOR TERNAN, C.M.G., D.S.O.,

COMMANDING 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

6^th AUGUST, 1915.

602 – EXTRACTS FROM NORTHERN COMMAND ORDERS–

            Equipment – Returns of –

            It is notified that the return of Equipment forwarded by telegram by Units every Sunday morning to Guncotton, York, under C.R.N.C. No. 55174 (O.S.) is hereby cancelled.

Authority, War Office letter No. 54/General Number/1782 (Q.M.G. 7), dated 20^th July, 1915.

C.R.N.C. No. 55174 (O.S.). 

Northern Command Order No.1457.

Clothing and Stores – Indents for –

            The attention of all concerned is directed to Command Order No. 1730, dated 8^th December, 1914.

  “Stores are not to be wired for unless under exceptional circumstances.”

C.R.N.C. No. 38875/35  (O.S.). 

Northern Command Order No.1458.

603 – COMMAND ORDERS – ATTENTION CALLED TO –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is called to Northern Command Orders 1437, 1443, 1446, 1448, 1450, 1452 and 1453 of 4^th August, 1915, and to 1467, 1468 and 1475 of 5^th August, 1915.

604 – LOCAL PURCHASE – MEDICINES, MEDICAL and SURGICAL APPLIANCES –

            The attention of Medical Officers is called to Northern Command Order No. 1433 of 4^th August, 1915.

605 – DIVISIONAL ORDERS – ATTENTION CALLED TO –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is called to Divisional Orders 62, 63, 64, and 65 of August 5^th, 1915.

606 – GRANTING OF LEAVE –

            With reference to Divisional Order No. 65 dated 5^th instant – Officers Commanding Units will note that leave should be granted to men in the proportion directed when they have completed Parts I and II of Musketry Course.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

BRIGADE-MAJOR,

 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

BRIGADE ORDERS.

BY BRIGADIER-GENERAL TREVOR TERNAN, C.M.G., D.S.O.,

COMMANDING 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

5^th AUGUST, 1915.

598 –INSPECTION –

            The Divisional Commander will inspect the Battalions of this Brigade in marching order to-morrow as follows:-

            Each Battalion will be drawn up in mass – on its own parade ground – at the following times:-

22^nd (S) Battalion

Northumberland Fusiliers

(3^rd TYNESIDE SCOTTISH)                       “A” Camp.  10 a.m.

23^rd (S) Battalion

Northumberland Fusiliers

(4^th TYNESIDE SCOTTISH)                       “B” Camp.  10-30 a.m.

20^th (S) Battalion

Northumberland Fusiliers

(1^st TYNESIDE SCOTTISH)                       “C” Camp.  11 a.m.

21^st (S) Battalion

Northumberland Fusiliers

(2^nd TYNESIDE SCOTTISH)                      “D” Camp.  11-30 a.m.

Officers, Non-commissioned Officers and Men doing Musketry with short rifle will not parade with their Battalion.

599 – STRENGTH–

            The Revd. G.D. Barker, Chaplain to the Forces, having proceeded overseas on the 4^th August, 1915, is accordingly struck off the strength of the Brigade from that date.

Authority, War Office letter, Clergy/General Number/4228 (Chaplains), dated 28^th July, 1915.

600 – COOKERY CLASSES –

            With reference to Divisional Order No. 59 dated 4^th instant – Officers Commanding Units will detail as follows:-

20^th (S) Battalion

Northumberland Fusiliers

(1^st TYNESIDE SCOTTISH)                                               2.

21^st (S) Battalion

Northumberland Fusiliers

(2^nd TYNESIDE SCOTTISH)                                              2.

22^nd (S) Battalion

Northumberland Fusiliers

(3^rd TYNESIDE SCOTTISH)                                               2.

            The Officer Commanding 20^th (S) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers

(1^st Tyneside Scottish) will detail a Serjeant to conduct this party.  This Non-commissioned Officer will report to Brigade Head Quarters at 10 a.m. on Saturday 7^th instant for orders.

The party will leave Alnwick by the 9-47 p.m. train on Sunday 8^th instant.   

601– DIVISIONAL ORDERS – ATTENTION CALLED TO –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is called to Divisional Orders 59, 60 and 61 dated 4^th instant.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

BRIGADE-MAJOR,

 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

BRIGADE ORDERS.

BY BRIGADIER-GENERAL TREVOR TERNAN, C.M.G., D.S.O.,

COMMANDING 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

4^th AUGUST, 1915.

595 –DISTRICT COURT-MARTIAL –

            The details of Officers as mentioned in Brigade Order No. 580 of 31^st July, 1915, will re-assemble at the Court-Martial Room, the Haven, North Demesne, Alnwick, on Friday 6^th August, 1915, at 10 a.m., for the purpose of trying by District Court-Martial the accused person named in the margin (and such other person or persons as may be brought before them)….

The accused will be warned, and all witnesses duly required to attend.

The proceedings will be forwarded to the G.O.C., 102^nd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade, “Alnbank”, Alnwick.

            The Officers Commanding 20^th, 21^st, 22^nd and 23^rd (S) Battalions Northumberland Fusiliers (1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th Tyneside Scottish) will each detail three Officers to attend for instructional purposes.

In the margin.  No. 20/1584, Pte. Matthew Williamson.  20^th (S.) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers (1^st Tyneside Scottish).

596 – LECTURE–

            A lecture will be given by Captain R.B. Campbell, the Gordon Highlanders, in the large marquee in “B” Camp at 5 p.m. on Monday August 9^th, 1915.  All Officers and Sergeants not on duty will attend.

Subject of lecture – Bayonet Fighting, Physical Training, and Close Quarter Fighting.

397 – DIVISIONAL ORDERS – ATTENTION CALLED TO –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is called to Divisional Orders 52 and 53 of 2^nd August, 1915.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

BRIGADE-MAJOR,

 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

BRIGADE ORDERS.

BY BRIGADIER-GENERAL TREVOR TERNAN, C.M.G., D.S.O.,

COMMANDING 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEAD QUARTERS,

ALNWICK,

3^rd AUGUST, 1915.

594 –ILLNESS DURING LEAVE OF ABSENCE –

            Officers Commanding Units will make it clearly understood by all Non-commissioned Officers and men under their Command that any Non-commissioned Officer or man who, when absent on leave is ill, and his illness is so serious as to prevent his returning on the correct date to his Unit, must cause a report stating the circumstances of the case to be forwarded immediately either by himself or a member of his family to his Commanding Officer, to which must be attached a Medical Practitioner’s certificate must be attached.

            Failing the above, the subsequent excuse of illness will not be accepted.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

BRIGADE-MAJOR,

 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

BRIGADE ORDERS.

BY BRIGADIER-GENERAL TREVOR TERNAN, C.M.G., D.S.O.,

COMMANDING 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

2^nd AUGUST, 1915.

590 –RANGE DISCIPLINE –

            The attention of Commanding Officers is called to Divisional Circular, Range Discipline, dated 31^st July, 1915, which will be strictly adhered to.

591 – BOOTS –

            The attention of Commanding Officers is called to Brigade Order No. 509 of 16^th July, 1915.  The Brigade Commander has noticed in some instances that this order has not been complied with.

592 – HARNESS –

            Battalion Transport Officers will take steps to have all Harness in possession of units thoroughly well greased and kept in that state in future.

593 – DIVISIONAL ORDERS – ATTENTION CALLED TO –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is called to Divisional Orders 43 and 44 of 31^st July, 1915.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

BRIGADE-MAJOR,

 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

NOTICE.

            The Brigade Commander heartily congratulates all ranks 20^th (S) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (1^st Tyneside Scottish) on winning the Cross Country Battalion Team Championship of the North-Eastern District at the Military Sports held at Newcastle-on-Tyne on Saturday, 31^st July, 1915.

In view of the large number of competing teams this result is most gratifying and speaks well for the general physical fitness of the Battalion.

BRIGADE ORDERS.

BY BRIGADIER-GENERAL TREVOR TERNAN, C.M.G., D.S.O.,

COMMANDING 102^nd (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

HEADQUARTERS, ALNWICK,

1^st AUGUST, 1915.

586 –DISTRICT COURT-MARTIAL –

            The District Court-Martial directed to assemble in Brigade Order No. 566 of 28^th July, 1915, of which Major P.B. Norris, 22^nd (S) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (3^rd Tyneside Scottish) was President, is hereby dissolved.

587 – EXTRACTS FROM NORTHERN COMMAND ORDERS–

“LONDON GAZETTE” –

The following extract from the Third Supplement to the “London Gazette” of Tuesday, 27^th July, 1915, is published for information:-

Alexandra, Princess of Wales’ Own (Yorkshire Regiment)

12^th Battalion (Tees-side Pioneers). – Harry Dixon to be temporary Second Lieutenant, dated 15^th July, 1915.

Northern Command Order No.1418.

BAYONET FIGHTING AND PHYSICAL TRAINING –

            Cardboard discs for Direction and Final Assault Practices can be obtained on application to the Superintendent of Gymnasia, Northern Command.  One thousand will be issued to each Unit, but as the supply is very limited each disc should be used as many times as possible.

Luminous Paint will also be issued on application to those Units who have advanced sufficiently in their Bayonet Fighting Training to carry out Night Assault Practices.

C.R.N.C. No. 74283 (G.)  Northern Command Order No. 1416.

RETURNS – PHYSICAL TRAINING –

            In future Units will render their Weekly Parade States direct to the Superintendant of Gymnasia, Fulford Barracks, York, to reach him by first post on Mondays.

(A) Northern Command Order No.1420.

588 – COMMAND ORDERS – ATTENTION CALLED TO –

            The attention of Officers Commanding Units is called to Northern Command Orders 1417, 1421, 1422, 1423, 1424 and 1425 of 31^st July, 1915.

589 – HOME SERVICE MEN – EMPLOYMENT OF –

            With reference to Northern Command Order No.1421 dated 31^st July, 1915, Officers Commanding Units will forward to these Head Quarters the numbers (if any) of Home Service Men they propose to employ, giving the details of their suggested employment.

T.L.B. SOUTRY, Captain,

BRIGADE-MAJOR,

 102^nd  (TYNESIDE SCOTTISH) BRIGADE.

August 1945

(Liberated Europe)

In the Soviet Union occupied German city of Potsdam, the Potsdam Conference ended on the 2^nd August 1945. The reason for the conference was to administer a defeated Germany after VE–Day and ultimately force Japan to agree to the terms of an unconditional surrender. The participants of the conference were British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, President Harry Truman of the United States and General Secretary Joseph Stalin of the Soviet Union. After a general election in Britain Churchill was replaced by Clement Attlee, as prime minister, on the 26^th July 1945, the same day the Potsdam Declaration was released.

Historically, Russian-Japanese relations were marked by antagonism since the Russo-Japanese War of 1905 ending with Russia being defeated. The Soviet-Japanese Neutrality Pact, signed in 1941, allowed the Soviet Union to concentrate on defeating Germany rather than face the war on two fronts. When Germany was defeated the possibility of Soviet participation in the Pacific War seriously began to be considered by both Allies and Soviet leadership. Before engaging in the war against Japan, the Soviet Union aimed to maximise its gains in East Asia. The Soviet Union’s declaration of war on the 8^th August 1945 was not coincidental. The United States had dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and the Soviet Union wished to enter the war before the bombing of Nagasaki. By doing so before the inevitable defeat of Japan they would capitalise in the post-war settlement.

(Pacific)

Heavy Cruiser USS Indianapolis was given the top-secret mission to deliver to Tinian Island in the Pacific, the components for the atomic bombs.  After delivering the bombs she continued enroute to Guam. On the 30^th July 1945 she was struck by two torpedoes fired from a Japanese submarine. Within twelve minutes Indianapolis sank taking with her 300 crew members. With too few lifeboats and many without life jackets the remaining 890 crew members were adrift in shark infested waters.      For whatever reason U.S. Navy command knew nothing of the tragedy until survivors were spotted three days later. On the 2^nd August 1945 a routine patrol flight of a PV-1 Ventura and Catalina flying boat spotted the survivors and the Ventura immediately dropped a life raft and radio transmitter. Immediately all air and surface units were despatched to the scene. First to arrive was an amphibious Catalina flying boat, whose captain disobeyed orders not to land in the open ocean after dropping off life rafts to the survivors. The Catalina was rendered unflyable after taking on board as many survivors as possible. Seven rescue destroyers arrived after nightfall and the first used its searchlight for the picking up the remaining survivors. The Catalina was destroyed as it could not be recovered. Only 316 of the 890 men set adrift survived. Many were injured, all were suffering from lack of food and water and many died from exposure to the elements. Hundreds of sharks were drawn to the wreck and after picking off the dead and wounded they began to attack the survivors. The number of deaths attributed to shark attacks range from a few dozen to 150.

U.S. Navy command kept operations plotting boards which monitored all ships in the area. It was assumed ships as large as Indianapolis would reach their destination on time unless otherwise informed. Indianapolis was removed from the operations board on the 31^st July 1945 when she should have arrived at Leyte, therefore her position was based on predictions not on actual facts. There was no report made that she was overdue.

The navy, in the first official statement, said that possibly distress calls were keyed by radio operators and transmitted. However, there is no evidence that any distress message from Indianapolis was received by any ships. One of the 316 survivors of the sinking was Charles B McVay III, commander of Indianapolis. In November 1945 McVay was Court-Martialled on two charges. The first was failing to order the crew to abandon ship, but as one of the last to abandon the ship he was cleared of the charge. The second charge was for “hazarding the ship by failing to zigzag”. McVay had been ordered to zigzag at his discretion but Naval headquarters had failed to inform him of Japanese submarine activity in the vicinity. McVay was convicted of the charge but eventually the charge was overturned and he was restored to active service. McVay was the only captain to be Court-Martialled for the loss of his ship due to enemy action in combat.

The Japanese Field Service Code of 1941 adopted the “Do not surrender” policy which forbade soldiers to surrender, thereby stiffening Japanese resolve to fight to the death. Japanese culture during the Second World War was that surrender was dishonourable. When called upon all military personnel were expected to die in battle or return home victorious. Japan was a defeated nation on all fronts but still they wouldn’t surrender. The Potsdam Declaration was issued on the 26^th July 1945, and among other points regarding the reshaping of Europe, Japan was required to unconditionally surrender. U.S. President Harry Truman was aware many American lives would be lost during an amphibius attack against mainland Japan. Even women and children were taught how to fight with basic weapons and, if necessary, die for the emperor. The Japanese did not respond to the Potsdam Declaration and on the 5^thAugust 1945 Truman ordered that the atomic bomb was to be dropped on Hiroshima.

With the decision taken to attack Hiroshima with an atomic bomb, three separate Boeing B-29 Superfortress bombers took off from Tinian Island and rendezvoused over Iwo Jima. The B-29 first was the Enola Gay, named after the pilot’s mother, and transported the unarmed atomic bomb, codenamed Little Boy. The second B-29 was there to film the Little Boy being dropped and the third B-29 for weather reconnaissance. At approximately 07.45 hrs on the 6^th August 1945, Little Boy was armed and Enola Gay ascended from a cruising height of 8,000 ft to a bombing height of 31,000 ft When released over Hiroshima at 08.15 hrs it took Little Boy 53 seconds to fall to the predetermined detonation height of 1,968 ft. Enola Gay had travelled about 11.5 miles before she felt the shock waves of the blast. Although buffeted by the blast the first two B-29s were undamaged and landed safely. The third B-29 was damaged but still landed safely. The blast from Little Boy destroyed about three-quarters of the city and approximately 75,000 people were killed with another 70,000 injured. When Enola Gay landed her captain, Colonel Fred Tibbets, was presented with the Distinguished Service Cross immediately after descending from the aircraft. Japan still did not surrender after the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima therefore a second atomic bomb attack was deemed necessary. Almost everything went wrong on the Nagasaki bomb attack whereas the Hiroshima bomb attack everything went right, “the perfect mission”. The mission of B-29 Superfortress Bockscar was brought forward two days to the 9^th August 1945 ln order to miss the forecasted bad weather. Bockscar took-off from Tinian Island at 03.47 hrs with the atomic bomb Fat Man loaded and partially armed, but  a few minutes after take-off the arming was completed. The flight engineer of Bockscar discovered a fuel transfer pump was not working whilst conducting a pre-flight inspection. This meant fuel carried as reserve could not be used but changing the pump could take many hours. Moving Fat Man into another B-29 would take just as long, it was also dangerous as the bomb was fully armed. The decision was taken to fly with the inoperable pump. Instead of flying separately as they did on the Hiroshima raid, accompanying Bockscar were the two B-29s acting as observer and weather reconnaissance. Despite assurance the weather over the prime target, the city of Kokura and secondary target of Nagasaki were clear, the three aircraft ran into thunderstorms. On the bomb control panel of Bockscar, unexpectantly a white light came on which turned out to be misplaced switch. This light only illuminated when the bomb was about to be released. Upon arrival off the coast of Japan one B-29 failed to make the rendezvous. The two B-29s circled the rendezvous area for forty minutes whilst waiting for third to appear, but with fuel running low they proceeded to Kokora approximately thirty minutes away. The delay meant clouds had developed over the city and black smoke from a previous B-29 firestorm raid obscured the bombing area. After the third attempted bomb run Japanese anti-aircraft guns were getting too close. With fuel conditions becoming critical the secondary target of Nagasaki was selected. When approaching Nagasaki low cloud had obscured the city, but a last-minute break in the clouds and flying at the prescribed height for dropping Fat Man, Bockscar visibly sighted the target. The bomb was dropped at 11.01 hrs and exploded 47 seconds later. The major portion of the city was protected by intervening hills and the blast was confined to the Urakami Valley. It was later estimated that 39,000 people were killed and a further 25,000 injured. Bockscar arrived unannounced at Okinawa and repeatedly attempted to contact the control tower that they were almost out of fuel. Not receiving an answer and with only enough fuel for one landing attempt they came in too fast. The control tower was alerted to the emergency landing by Bockscar firing off every flare on board. On the final approach one engine died from fuel starvation and by reversing the remaining three propellers coupled with the two pilots standing on the brakes, the aircraft came to a stop after a 90 degree turn to avoid running off the runway. The fuel situation was so critical a second engine ran out of fuel before the plane came to a stop and as they were not expected there was nobody there to greet them.                                                 

Prior to nuclear weapons being used the Japanese government considered adopting the Potsdam Declaration. They received the translation of the initial English radio transmission and concluded the acceptance of the terms were unavoidable. However, it was thought further negotiations should be sought regarding the form of Japanese government and the status of “Emperor Hirohito”. After meeting with the emperor, the prime minister stated Hirohito deemed the Declaration acceptable in principle. On the 10^th August 1945 the government replied their willingness to agree to the terms subject to further negotiations.          

A military coup was attempted on the night of the 14^th August 1945 just before the unconditional surrender of Imperial Japan to the Allies. The coup was attempted by the Staff Office of the Ministry of War of Japan and many from the Imperial Guard. Their aim was to prevent the surrender of Japan and place “Emperor Hirohito” under house arrest. The rebel army officials wished to destroy “Emperor Hirohito’s” pre-recorded surrender speech and assassinate Japan’s present Prime Minister Kantara Suzuki. However, the destruction of the pre-recorded speech and Suzuki’s assassination did not happen. Over 18,000 rebels and officers failed to convince the remaining 25,000 soldiers of the Imperial Japanese Army to oust the Imperial House of Japan. The four rebel leaders committed suicide. As a result, the recorded speech of “Emperor Hirohito” continued as planned.            

The pre-recorded speech of “Emperor Hirohito’s” unconditional surrender was by way of a radio broadcast on the 15^th August 1945. For the majority of the population of Japan they had never heard “Hirohito’s” voice before even though they pledged their allegiance to him. Britain and approximately 70% of the American public wanted “Hirohito” tried as a war criminal. U.S. General Douglass MacArthur did not approve of the idea. He reasoned that “Hirohito’s” cooperation would help to establish a peaceful Allied occupation regime in Japan. Eventually “Hirohito” was absolved as a war criminal. From the time of the surrender “Hirohito” remained as Emperor until his death in 1989.

15^th August ’45 – Victory Over Japan Day (VJ-Day)

VJ- Day was the day that Imperial Japan finally surrendered and effectively ended the Second World War. The whole world recognises the victory as being the 15^th August 1945. However, America recognises the 2^nd September 1945 as being VJ-Day when the formal surrender was signed on board USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay.

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