On the Memories of Strong page, I've loaded a document that tells you what the Strong was up to this time 70 years ago, including sinking their very first Japanese sub. Most of this was carried out in the night, so when Captain Wellings wrote this letter home to Dolly, it had not yet happened:
"7 April, 1943
Sweetheart:
I see by the news that Guadalcanal area has had an air attack and that one destroyer was damaged – reported lost in another bulletin. I know my sweetheart will wonder if it is the Strong. Rest your pretty head and mind to rest. The Strong is still living up to its name. In fact we are getting better all the time. This letter may be a little late in reaching dear old Boston –
but remember as always – no news is good news.
As I said in my previous letter, Dr. Laughlin’s relief is on board and in a few days the doctor will be homeward bound. I doubt if he will arrive before the first of May. However he has sufficient money from me to phone you for more than three minutes and tell you how much I love you and that I am well and happy as anyone can be under these war conditions.
Incidentally will you please purchase a silver baby cup and send it to Mrs. Laughlin. If you do not have her address send it to U.S. Naval Hospital, Bethesda Md. – Have inscribed on it "To Constance Ann from the Captain and officers of the USS Strong." Let me know what it costs and I will have the mess pay you back – sometime.
I will be looking forward to receiving mail again. The mail service is getting better all the time. However I have never seen any mail buoys at sea.
How are my two little girls?? Now that this is the 7th of April weather in Boston should be approaching the ideal. How about a trip to Washington for Easter?? Betsey & Bill & Virginia would be happy to put you up for a few days. The change in scenery would be good.
Now as always and forever,
Your little boy,
Harold"
I've also added a couple more images of Strong as she leaves berth at the Bath Iron Works in Maine, August of 1942. Until the next installment of adventures of the USS Strong DD 467.........
Tammi
"7 April, 1943
Sweetheart:
I see by the news that Guadalcanal area has had an air attack and that one destroyer was damaged – reported lost in another bulletin. I know my sweetheart will wonder if it is the Strong. Rest your pretty head and mind to rest. The Strong is still living up to its name. In fact we are getting better all the time. This letter may be a little late in reaching dear old Boston –
but remember as always – no news is good news.
As I said in my previous letter, Dr. Laughlin’s relief is on board and in a few days the doctor will be homeward bound. I doubt if he will arrive before the first of May. However he has sufficient money from me to phone you for more than three minutes and tell you how much I love you and that I am well and happy as anyone can be under these war conditions.
Incidentally will you please purchase a silver baby cup and send it to Mrs. Laughlin. If you do not have her address send it to U.S. Naval Hospital, Bethesda Md. – Have inscribed on it "To Constance Ann from the Captain and officers of the USS Strong." Let me know what it costs and I will have the mess pay you back – sometime.
I will be looking forward to receiving mail again. The mail service is getting better all the time. However I have never seen any mail buoys at sea.
How are my two little girls?? Now that this is the 7th of April weather in Boston should be approaching the ideal. How about a trip to Washington for Easter?? Betsey & Bill & Virginia would be happy to put you up for a few days. The change in scenery would be good.
Now as always and forever,
Your little boy,
Harold"
I've also added a couple more images of Strong as she leaves berth at the Bath Iron Works in Maine, August of 1942. Until the next installment of adventures of the USS Strong DD 467.........
Tammi
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