Code Name locations Copper, Xray, Bobcat

[Buck Beach]

I'm doing some research of early 1942 merchant ship movements (Fold 3 WW II War Diaries) . In Feb 1942 Cincpac pages, there are various references to Pacific Convoys going to and from the above locations.

Tried to embed a photo example but failed so here is a transcript example:

Convoys

#2033-6 ships, departed S.F. Feb. 12 for Xray
#2034-3 ships, " S.F. Feb. 18 for Xray
#2035-21 ships, " west coast Feb. 16 for Copper, ETA Feb. 28.

#2036-7 ships, " west coast Feb.25 for Copper.
#2037-12 ships, " west coast Feb.20 for Copper.
#4057-6 ships, " Copper Feb.13 for West Coast, ETA Feb. 28

#4058-15 ships " Copper Feb. 24 for West Coast.

Does anyone know where these locations are?

Buck

Holy Mackerel it looks like the embed worked sorry it is so large.

[LargeSlowTarget]

"Bobcat" was the first codename for Bora Bora, after the codename for the construction unit sent there. It was later re-designated "Blueberry".

[Buck Beach]

One down, two to go.

Thanks Uwe

Buck

[DuckofTindalos]

Hm, "Copper" is about 2 weeks away from the West Coast. Maybe it can be narrowed down that way.

[Buck Beach]

FYI other Cincpac diaries shows trip between W.C.(Calif) and P.H.(or visa-verse) was around 7 to 10 days

[JeffroK]

I reckon one might be Samoa, in the right time period but cant see anything confirming it?

[Buck Beach]

I was able to ascertain that Xray was further than Bobcat because there were several references of ships/convoys stopping off at Bobcat for fuel before proceeding to XRay.

I also found a record of a tow being abandoned by the Regulas on Dec 10, 1941 at 026 True 255 miles from Copper. "My course 123 speed 10"

Buck

[JeffroK]

http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/AAF/I/A ... l#coralsea

So urgent was the Pacific situation that the task force being prepared for Australia assumed top priority, while that for the Pacific island (FIVE ISLANDS) ranked second in importance, with the forces being prepared for European theaters following after.1 Task Force FIVE ISLANDS carried the basic air units for garrisoning the South Pacific islands, and these were as follows: (1) Fiji, to which the 70th Pursuit Squadron was en route; (2) Canton, to which the 68th Pursuit Squadron was assigned, but which it would never reach, going from Australia to Tongatabu; (3) Christmas, assigned the 12th Pursuit Squadron; (4) New Caledonia, whose 67th Pursuit Squadron originally had been directed to Australia; and (5) Palmyra, for which the 69th Pursuit Squadron had been earmarked. necessary ground services were allotted for each of the units, and in preparing them for shipment, al Arnold directed that they be afforded a high priority, both for personnel and equipment.13

[JeffroK]

ORIGINAL: Buck Beach

I was able to ascertain that Xray was further than Bobcat because there were several references of ships/convoys stopping off at Bobcat for fuel before proceeding to XRay.

I also found a record of a tow being abandoned by the Regulas on Dec 10, 1941 at 026 True 255 miles from Copper. "My course 123 speed 10"

Buck

http://www.regulus.8m.com/history.htm
On the morning of December 7th, the REGULUS was at Midway. There is nothing to indicate that the cargo ship which had so long been confined to shipyards, to the routine of chipping and painting, had suffered the fate of other portions of the U.S. Pacific Fleet: Staleness. She was prepared for her own peculiar action, the kind not always mentioned on the front pages of angry newspapers. Within a week she had crossed the submarine-infested Pacific and was funneling her essential cargo to the wounded and half-crippled ships lying around Ford Island. Peal Harbor became the home base of the REGULUS, and for one hard month she lived in the dreary underside of war, carrying more cargo to the forward bases, and then returning for more cargo. On 13 January 1942, she went to San Francisco, for a period of overhaul, having learned that a ship can suffer the wounds of war without once seeing a shell.

[Buck Beach]

Thank you all.

Buck

[LargeSlowTarget]

Copper = Territory of Hawaii

See "Glossary of US Naval Code Words" at http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/ref ... P-474.html

It does not include "Xray", but the introduction says the glossary is incomplete...

[JeffroK]

Makes sense with regard to the movements of the Regulus, I thought I had looked at that table, maybe I should wear my glasses more!

[Buck Beach]

ORIGINAL: LargeSlowTarget

Copper = Territory of Hawaii

See "Glossary of US Naval Code Words" at http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/ref ... P-474.html

It does not include "Xray", but the introduction says the glossary is incomplete...

Wow its a surprise to me the trip time to Hawaiian waters took that long. I made the trip to Pearl in 1961 in 5 days on a MATS transit ship.

Thanks again Uwe.

[inqistor]

If Bobcat is for Bora Bora, I would guess Xray would be from X-MASS. I can not think anything else having something common with "X"

[Buck Beach]

ORIGINAL: inqistor

If Bobcat is for Bora Bora, I would guess Xray would be from X-MASS. I can not think anything else having something common with "X"

I sort of feel, from some of the other "War Diares", that X-Ray was further west between Bora Bora and Australia or New Zealand. Could have been Noumea.

Buck

[Symon]

ORIGINAL: Buck Beach
I sort of feel, from some of the other "War Diares", that X-Ray was further west between Bora Bora and Australia or New Zealand. Could have been Noumea.

Buck

I do believe X-Ray would be Brisbane. Did some research on convoy 2033 and found it was escorted by CA New Orleans. So, thinks I, it’s time to go to the Disposition Day Book and see what was up with New Orleans for February. Wouldn’t ya know it, found New Orleans (Feb., page -2-) and the entry is:

(xix) U.S. convoy (6 merchant ships) escorted by U.S. Cruiser (8”) “New Orleans” is en route Brisbane from U.S. West Coast approx. E.T.A. 5/3.

February … Daily Appreciation – Pacific Naval Activity; Dispositions Allied and Enemy Naval Forces. Significantly, it’s listed under the .. B) ANZAC AREA: British and Allied Forces heading.

So, knowing the ETA, I skipped down to May and found the following on page -1-, A) ANZAC AREA: British and Allied Forces:

A) (iv) U.S. Convoy 2033 (6 merchant ships) escorted by U.S. 8" Cruiser “NEW ORLEANS” is on route Brisbane from U.S. West Coast E.T.A. 1700 today 5/3.

So whatcha think? Brisbane? It sure as heck isn't Christmas, that was Birch.

Ciao. JWE

[Symon]

Oh, yes. I tnank all you pathetic little clones for your pms suggesting this is all fake. You kept it all private, otherwise I would spread your logins everywhere.

Just FYI, here's a screenie of the requisite pages. So go away and urinate on an ecectrical fire somewhere.

[PaxMondo]

John,

You worry too much about others' opinions. Kick back! Enjoy a beverage!* Think: "da islands Man!" [8D]

* I ever get south, we'll have a cooler full. [;)]

[Buck Beach]

It is not an important issue but I am now thinking Xray was Sydney. I found a Cinpac Diary entry that the USS Flusser had departed XRay for Noumea. Continued next post

[Buck Beach]

Now from the War Diary of the USS Flusser while she was in port in Sydney.



Thank you all for your help.

Buck