AVD-7 Deck Log

The gif below shows the approximate location of the burial at sea conducted by USS WILLIAM B. PRESTON on February 19, 1942. The log entries below the gif were taken directly from page 111 of the PRESTON deck log, and cover the watches from 0800-2400, February 19.

This image created using Design Map, which was developed by Tony Steinke, Charles Sturt University

Page 111

U.S.S. WILLIAM B. PRESTON..........................................................................................Date: February 19, 1942.

08 - 12 CONTINUED:

shell plating frame 139, one foot above waterline. Several sheered rivets in port shell plating, frame 137 above water line. Shell plating at the point dished outboard. Deck in compartment D-204-L ruptured by shrapnel in several places beneath hit. Shrapnel hole 4 inches in diameter through bottom of ship, frame 137, one foot inboard of port shaft. After deck house almost completely destroyed by explosion and resultant fire. All appertenances on main deck for a distance of 40 feet destroyed by explosion and shrapnel including motor launch blown overboard, and 2 twenty-five man life floats. After towing and hauser reel destroyed by fire. Shrapnel holes through various top side appertenances including stacks, forward to the after bulkhead of the Galley Deck House. #2 four inch gun placed out of action by shrapnel damage to breech.

/s/
EUGENE C. RIDER
Lieutenant, U.S. Navy

12 - 16:

Steaming on various courses at standard speed 15 knots - all engines ahead full, clearing Darwin Harbor. Steering by hand. At 1255 c/c to 270 T and pgc. At 1430 c/c to 255 T and pgc. At 1500 sighted four engine flying boat - sounded general quarters. At 1520 bombed by flying boat with approximately six bombs - no hits or casualties. At 1530 GLUBA, Evan F. AOM2c died as a result of burns received during bombing raid on this ship at 1010 this date - line of duty, not misconduct.

/s/
L. O. WOOD
Lieutenant, U.S. Navy

16 - 18:

Steaming on course 255 T, 245 psc for fantail compass. s/s 15 knots, all engines ahead full. At 1720 c/c to 270 T, 268 psc. Plane #18 failed to return to base. Plane #10 ordered to return to Derby, Australia.

/s/
H. KRILOFF
Lieut.(jg), US. Navy

18 - 20:

Steaming on course 270 T and pgc, 268 psc, standard speed 15 knots, all engines ahead full. At 1825 stopped all engines and held burial services for the eleven men who died in bombing raid. Latitude 13º-0' S., Longitude 127º-50' E. At 1845 services completed, resumed course and speed.

/s/
J.V. HOGG
Ensign, CC-V(S), U.S.N.R.

20 - 24:

Steaming on course 270 T and pgc, 268 psc at full speed, s/s 15 knots, all engines ahead full. At 2300 c/s to 1/3 speed, 5 knots, s/s is 15 knots.

/s/
W. H. HOLCOMBE Jr.,
Ensign, D-V(G), U.S.N.R.