Within a day after USS Memphis was driven ashore, it was apparent that she would not be worth saving. Though nearly normal in appearance above the water, her bottom was driven in, her hull structure was badly distorted and her 23,000 horsepower steam powerplant was in ruins. In addition, she was an outdated type of warship, prematurely rendered obsolete by the early Twentieth Century's rapid technological and tactical advances.
Accordingly, the Navy Department decided to remove her guns, supplies and such of her equipment as could be put to use on other ships. This work was given to the crew of battleship New Hampshire. Once it was completed, Memphis was left where she lay, in about half as much water as her normal draft. Close examination revealed her stripped condition, with guns removed, turrets turned off the center line, and much topside gear gone. Her bell was presented to a local church, a token of appreciation for the work performed by Dominican citizens in rescuing her crew.
Despite its battered condition and exposed location, her hulk resisted the forces of nature and remained essentially intact. Though sold in January 1922, she proved too tough for scrappers during th next decade and a half. Not until 1938 was Memphis finally dismantled, returning the Santo Domingo shoreline to its natural state.
This page features all the views we have concerning salvage activities on USS Memphis' wreck.
For other views related to the loss of USS Memphis,
see:
If you want higher resolution reproductions than the Online Library's digital images, see: How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions. |
Click on the small photograph to prompt a larger view of the same image.
For other views related to the loss of USS Memphis,
see:
If you want higher resolution reproductions than the Online Library's digital images, see: How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions. |
Page made 10 January 2005