Merchant Vessels Lost in the War Years 1939 to 1944
A U N and neutral nations built a vast fleet of 4 770 ships totaling 21 100 000 gross tons lost from 1939 to May 8 1945. American losses numbered 3 684 soldiers killed aboard troopships and 5 70 ships sunk by mines subs and air attack. Most US losses were merchant ships, while 064 flag vessels were lost in accidents. North Atlantic suffered the worst destruction as U boats and wolfpacks preyed on convoys until Allied power curbed them.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
United Nations
Germany
Italy
U. S
Shipya
Emory
Land
Maritime
North Atlantic
British Isles
North Russia
Bluefield Plans Tribute for Medal of Honor Hero Spurrier
A Bluefield community committee led by Post No. 9 seeks to organize a celebration for Sgt Spurrier, the Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. The exact arrival date is not yet decided, but the plan is to honor Spurrier with a strong Task Force Spurrier display. Spurrier arrived at Fort Meade with about 1,300 Allied war theater soldiers awaiting discharge or reassignment under the postwar point system.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Paris
Bluefield
American Legion
Sergeant Spurrier
Irman Max Matz
Spurrier
Fort Meade
Pacific
Raids on Kuriles and Pacific Fleet Air Actions
U S Pacific fleet destroyers shelled Matsuwa island while air strikes hit the Kuriles Tuesday. Tokyo radio claimed massive library losses from enemy bombing of the homeland and noted Ueno library books being moved. Also reports vitamin D found in salmon oil and salmon products.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Kuriles
U. S. Pacific Fleet
Matsuwa Island
Tokyo
Japan
Ueno Im
Deaths Funeral Services Held for William L. Stevenson
Funeral services are held this afternoon at 2 39 at the Christian church for William L Stevenson. Pallbearers listed include Glenn Witt Willis Summers and Mike Lambert with Louise Wimmer Lois Ann Seabolt Betty McParland Bertie White Hazel Burress and Ruth Turner among those serving.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
the Christian Church
Funeral services for Andrew J. Stewart Jr in Bluefield
Impressive services were held yesterday at Hawkins Fanera chapel at 4 o clock for Andrew Jackson Stewart Jr 72 who died at his home 1121 Bluefield Avenue Rev J M Helm led with Rev J T Browing assisting Interment was in Monte Vista Cemetery The former Bluefield mayor Stewart was well known in Bluefield and nearby areas
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Hawkins Fanera
Andrew Jackson Stewart, Jr
Bluefield Avenue
J. M. Helm
J. T. Browning
Monte Vista Park Cetery
Stewart
Bluefiel
Bluefield
House Approves Pay Increases for Government Employees
House action grants raises for government workers with a 7 percent base boost and time and a half overtime for salaries up to 2980. Senate consideration mirrors existing Little Steel rules and postal worker raises. President Truman signed a legislative expense fund for each House member as the Senate debates jurisdiction and conference options.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Senate
Are
House
Truman
House of Representatives
Army Transport Plane Sets Right Record
An Army Transport Command crew flew a Douglas C-54 nonstop from Natal to Casablanca covering 4,330 miles in 16 hours 55 minutes. The mission, part of speeding troop movements from Europe to the Pacific via the United States, surpassed the previous longest over-water flight. The route exceeded the prior 3,136 mile Natal to Colombo leg and the 3,444 mile Newfoundland to Oran B-17 record.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Casablanca
Air Transport Command
Natal
Army Transport Command
European
Pacific
United States
Greenwich Meane
Ceylon
Australia
Newfoundland
Oran
Bond Sales Reach 77 Percent Of War Loan Goal
Washington reports seventh war loan drive bonds to individuals at 77 percent of the $7 billion target. E bonds total $2.448 billion, 61 percent of a $4 billion quota, with other individual sales totaling $2.958 billion, and director Ted R. Gamble warns of a tight squeeze to reach the E bond goal.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Washington
Ted R. Gamble
Treasury
Government orders control all sugar distribution
The order requires three month advance planning by WEA ORDERS to manage sugar supply for civilian markets and military branches. It regulates all primary distributors including cane refiners, beet processors, importers for direct consumption, and mainland producers to spread available sugar and prevent coupons from becoming worthless later in the year.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Army
Navy
Gracchus Proposed Land Reform Met with Senate Assassination
The Roman aristocrat Tiberius Gracchus suggested a state land distribution for the poor. The Senate opposed his plan and had him killed.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Tiberius Gracchus
Senate
Prisoner Kenneth Dowell Freed From German Camp
Kenneth Dowell, grandson of Mrs. Lou Oram of Keystone and nephew of Mr. and Mrs. E L George of Bluefield, has been liberated from a German prison camp. He expects to be home soon, according to his letter. A brother, Dennie Dowell, is serving somewhere in Germany.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Kenneth Dowell
Lou Oram
Keystone
E. L. George
Union Street
Bluefield
Dowell
Dennie DoweLl
Germany
Ingenuity Of Repair Men Returns Ship To Fighting Fronts
The Menges, torpedoed in the Mediterranean in May 1944, survived with heavy damage. Coast guard crews and Lt Cmdr Frank M McCabe managed to seal compartments and keep the ship afloat. In New York, a matching wreck from the Holder was welded to restore propulsion, creating a new vessel from the two ships.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Boston
Menges
Theiterranean
Coast Guard
Enges
Frank M. McCabe
Brooklyn
N. Y
Harold Levy
Washington
James A. MacKay
Atlanta
New York Navy Yard
New York
Holder
General De Gaulle Plans Washington Visit To Discuss Middle East
Paris reports that General De Gaulle will fly to Washington next week to discuss the Syrian Lebanon crisis directly with President Truman after the United States declined France's invitation to a five power conference. Britain, Russia and China have not replied, with silence read as lack of support. De Gaulle is said to be eager to meet Truman as Syria conditions grow more unstable.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Paris
de Gaulle
Washington
Truman
United States
France
Middle East
Britain
Russia
China
Iself
Gaulle
Syria
Nazi Official Speer Claims Hitler Poisoned Himself
A British intelligence officer reported Prof. Albert Speer, former Nazi minister, told Supreme Allied HQ he believes Hitler died by taking poison in Berlin. Speer said he was with Hitler shortly before Berlinfell and that Hitler intended to poison himself.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Flensburg
Germany
Albert Speer
Supreme Allied
Hitler
Berlin
Speer
Mexsana Marketed for Baby Rash Relief
Advertises Mexsana medicated powder to treat minor skin irritations and rashes in babies. Claims low cost and effective relief with standard ingredients used by specialists.
City and Coalfield Items Ad in Federal Street Shop
Oriental bugs of all sizes available at Hagar shop located at 505 Federal Street. Dial 5854 for inquiries about inventory and pricing.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Hagar
Federal Street
Dial
Tobey Claims Lobbyists Pressure To Defeat Trade Measure
Senator Tobey of New Hampshire asserts that five lobbyists and a GOP leader are pressuring to defeat reciprocal trade legislation. He cites unnamed Republicans opposing the program and predicts at least six or seven GOP votes in favor, framing the fight as a party accountability issue.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Tobey
Washington
R-Nh
Senate Today
Kigis- Tobey
Obey
Wiley
Berere
Republican Party
Senate
Ican
Somein
Tries
War Cabinet Seizes Dictatorial Powers in Japan
San Francisco reports the Suzuki government has assumed almost dictatorial powers and disbanded the imperial rule aid group. The Domei News agency says transportation control shifts aim to speed military supply movement amid intensified enemy air raids and Kurile island shelling. The Diet session effectively dissolves itself, leaving the government authority to consult a parliamentary committee.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
San Francisco
Pnto
Japan
Suzuki
Domei
Imperial Rule Assistance Association
Radio Tokyo
Kurile Islands
FCC
Churchill Warns Bitter Campaign Weakens Britain Globally
Prime Minister Churchill cautions the bitter general election campaign hurts Britain's world influence. In a radio address ahead of the July 6 vote, he urges a strong organized government to face powerful foes including the United States and Soviet Russia, warning party strife could mute Britain’s voice on the world stage.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
London
Churchill
Great Britain
Truman
British Empire
Commonwealth
Liki
United States
Soviet Russia
Russia
Hetzel Petition Seeks Virginia Avenue Paving and Sidewalks
A petition filed with the board by local property owners asks for paving Virginia Avenue and sidewalk construction. The petition was referred to the city manager. The board approved a payment assessment release for A F Kingdon’s property, settled years ago. Monthly police, child welfare, and public library reports were read. Building permits issued include W J Ellis for a cinder block garage, $200. H Brooks for a garage, sales. and numerous remodels and repairs on houses and commercial properties with varied costs.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Virginia Avenue
Petitive
Tion
A. F. Kingdon
W. J. Ellis
Gp Street
O. L. King
Shenandoah Avenue
A. V. Gibson
Fifth Street
M. B. Lewis
Pen Mar Avenue
Sherman Brown
Hilton Street
J. B. Meadows
Ers Street
Dailylegraph
M. H. Lucas
Rogers Street
R. P. Rolen
Auto Street
R Brown
Harry Street
O. H. Aliff
Lyndale Avenue
Tom Castonis Inc
Princeton Avenue
Florence Sizemoor
Bedford Street
Austin
Cypress Street
Truman rejects London govern ment invite and Poland talks
President Truman says London officials were not invited and urges the Polish issue not be raised. He notes progress toward a settlement and asks Senate to restore a 17 million dollar cut to the War Information Office arguing the nation is still at war and needs OWI. He opposes abolishing major OWI functions or hurriedly redistributing them.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
London
Truman
Senate
Office of War Information
OWI
Marines Complete Japanese Unit on Oroku Peninsula
On the Oroku peninsula the sixth division Marines continued mopping up Japanese strongpoints to finish their task. Japanese organized resistance was broken, with remaining pill boxes and caves being cleared by individual troops.
Train Crew Discovers Body on Norfolk & Western Right of Way
The body of M. Lambert, 59, a Welshman, was found Tuesday on the Norfolk and Western right-of-way at the tunnel in the West End by a train crew. He appeared to have been struck by another train, with crushing chest injuries and a leg fracture.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
M. Lambert
Norfolk & Western
West End
Siemaert
Naval Crewmember Irvin Green Profitt Reported Dead
Mr and Mrs James A Profitt of Freeman formerly Thorpe learn their son Irvin Green Profitt seaman first class once listed missing in action is now declared dead. A previous sailor Arnold W Profitt was killed in action November 30 1942 near Guadalcanal. The family confirms enlistment on March 22 1943 and notes surviving relatives and two brothers in service.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
James A. Profitt
Freeman
Thorpe
United States Naval Forces
Irvin Green Profitt
Arnold W. Profitt
Guadalcanal
Irivin
Irvin
Navy
Ollie Simpkins
Thorps
Dorothy Elliott
War
Lola Profitt
Ben
Thomas James
Philippines
Gary Man Shot While Resisting Arrest
Alex Johnson of Gary was shot twice Tuesday night by Patrolman Boss Johnson of the Welch police force and admitted to Grace Hospital for treatment. The officer said the Gary man resisted arrest and struck him on the head with an instrument before being shot in the left leg.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Alex Johnson
Gary
Boss Johnson
Welch
Grace Hospital
Johnson
Mrs Bertha Williams Dies At Home In Gary
Mrs. Bertha Williams dies at her Gary home after a long illness due to cancer. Born April 22 a daughter of Brooks F Gross and the late Mrs Gross she is survived by Virgil Williams two children Janice Lee and Elizabeth Caral and three brothers Luther D Gross Henry F Gross James C Gross A funeral will be held at Cedar Bluff Virginia with Rev Farley Beavers conducting and burial in the family cemetery.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Farley Beavers
Fighten Selectees Leave For Induction
Eighteen selectees of board No. 1 Welch left yesterday for Huntington to enter the armed forces after passing physical exams. The group includes Cecil C. Pagett Pikeville Ky Carl W Pennington Roderfield Lance E Oblinger Welch James H Brooks Asco Claudine Brown Eckman James H Farmer Asco Alvert L Blankenship Mallory James E Stone Jr Davy James E Davis Capell George F Corso Keystone James R Cottle Welch Clarence E Smith Jr Davy Curt is Regan Jenkinones Howard G Clay Davy Raymond L Phillips Marytown Robert C Large Welch Tommy McGraw Hemphill and James C Foley Davy.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Board No. 1
Welch
Huntington
Armed Forces
Cecil C. Pagett
Pikeville
Carl W. Pennington
Roderfield
Lance E. Oblinger
James H. Brooks
Asco
Claudine Brown
Eckman
James H. Farmer
Alvert L. Blankenship
Mallory
James £. Stone, Jr
Davy
James E. Davis
Capell
George F. Corso
Keystone
James R. Cottle
Clarence E. Smith, Jr
Curtis
Pvt Battle Freed Arrives in States for Home Coming
Pvt Frank Battlo a prisoner of war since February 1943 notified his parents Mr and Mrs Tom Battlo that he had arrived in the United States and would be home Sunday night. He was liberated April 26 after entering service in late 1941 and being captured in the North African campaign.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Pvt
Frank Battlo
Tom Battlo
Battle
Driver Course To Be Set Up In Schools
Charleston West Virginia June 13 The state board of education met but withheld public actions until after a three day session. The agenda included possible recommendations to the teacher retirement board about extending active duty for 21 college instructors aged 65 under a 1945 act. The list names Joseph Rosier president of Fairmont State College and J Frank M president of Concord State Athens.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Charleston
W. Va
State Board of Education
Joseph Rosier
Fairmont State College
J. Frank M
Concord State
Athens
Second Spotted Fever Fatality Reported in Kanawha County
A second West Virginia death from Rocky Mountain spotted fever was reported in Kanawha County. Dr. W Langs, Kanawha County health director, cited Hoyt Rhodes, 10, as a victim and noted a new case near Frame. Eugene Caraway Hinkle is named.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Charleston
W. Va
West Virginia
Kanawha County
W. Langs
Hoyt Rhodes
Frame
Langs
Eugene Caraway Hinkle
Falls Mills Pool Opens with Permit and Courtesy Card Rules
The Falls Mills Swimming Pool opened on Tuesday with lifeguards enforcing entry only to holders of a swimming permit or a courtesy card. Permits are issued at Dr J E Blaydes office while courtesy cards come from club members. Improvements were noted and further plans mentioned.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Falls Mills
J. E. Blaydes
Deanna Durbin Weds Film Producer in Simple Las Vegas Ceremony
Deanna Durbin, 23, married film producer Felix Jackson in a small Las Vegas ceremony officiated by Rev A C Melton. Durbin’s manager Clarence Heckman served as best man. Durbin divorced Vaughn Paul last December after nearly five years. Jackson, 43, was previously married three times and obtained a final decree last January. the couple met in 1937.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Las Vegas
Deanna
West Today
Felix Jackson
Clarence Hi
A. C. Melton
Immanuel Community Church
Clarence Heckman
Los Angeles
Miss Durbin
Vaughn Paul
Pacific War Actions Fire, Air Strikes Across Southeast Asia
Allied forces press the campaign across Borneo and the Philippines. PT boats harass shore targets near Jesselton and rail lines are hit with air support from Beaufighters and P-40s. Australian air units pound hill 105 near Tarakan as ground forces advance. In Luzon bombers and fighters attack enemy positions blocking the Cagayan valley while ground troops push toward Bagabag. Mindanao mopping up continues near Wangan and Mandog areas.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Jesselton
Labuan
Tarakan
Royal Australian Air Force
Luzon
Philippines
Cagayan
San Luis
Bagabag
MacArthur
Mindanao
Wangan
Davao Port
Mandog
Also Mentioned on This Page
James R
Bob) Newman
Lumpkin
Bob
Frances
Macon
Hone Company
Brother Bob
Gen
Cates
Gen. Cates
G. E. Newman
Sparrier
Capudine
William L. Stevenson
A. J. Stewart
WEA
Sgt
General de Gaulle
Vincent Paoliello
Tazewell St
Albert L. McGrady
Hetzel Asks
Freshie
Cole
Welch News
Irvin Proffit
Gary Man
Bertha Williams
Fighten
States
Milky Way
Ote Sendeceen
Howard Camp
Sherry
Howard C
Deanna Durbin
Greenbros,inc
CONTI
Bluefield Jewelry Cos
Dad
Bluefield Sewelry C
Henry Podgin
Princeton Ave
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!