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Photo # NH 41982:  USS SC-219 afire and sinking, 9 October 1918

Online Library of Selected Images:
-- U.S. NAVY SHIPS --

USS SC-219 (1918-1918)

USS SC-219, a 110-foot SC-1 class submarine chaser, was built at Hampton, Virginia, as part of the World War I shipbuilding program. She was commissioned in February 1918 and served in the western Atlantic area until September 1918, when she began a voyage to the European war zone, by way of Bermuda and the Azores, in company with several other subchasers. While in mid-Atlantic during the afternoon of 9 October 1918, SC-219 was refueling alongside USS Chestnut Hill when she suffered a gasoline explosion in her radio room. Set afire by the blast, the submarine chaser sank less than two hours later. Four Sailors lost their lives in this accident and another eight were injured.

This page features all the views we have concerning USS SC-219.

Related Subjects: For images concerning a USS Chestnut Hill crewman who was awarded the Medal of Honor for "gallant conduct and extraordinary heroism" when SC-219 burned and sank on 9 October 1919, see:

  • Chief Gunner's Mate Oscar Schmidt Jr., USN.


    If you want higher resolution reproductions than the digital images presented here, see: "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."

    Click on the small photograph to prompt a larger view of the same image.

    Photo #: NH 41982

    USS SC-219
    (center distance)

    Afire and sinking in the Atlantic on 9 October 1918. Another submarine chaser and what appears to be a tug are standing by.
    Photographed by Chief Yeoman S.D. McGee, USN, from USS Chestnut Hill (ID # 2526), which was escorting a group of submarine chasers across the ocean. One of the SCs is in the foreground.

    U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

    Online Image: 54KB; 740 x 435 pixels

     
    Photo #: NH 99633

    "The Last of The S.C. 219"


    USS SC-219 burning at sea on 9 October 1918, while she was en route across the Atlantic with a group of submarine chasers, accompanied by USS Chestnut Hill (ID # 2526).
    Some of the other SCs, and what appears to be a tug, are standing by the burning vessel, which sank as a result of her damage.

    Collection of George K. Beach, who was a crewmember of USS SC-331 at the time.

    U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

    Online Image: 70KB; 740 x 545 pixels

     
    Photo #: NH 99634

    "S.C. 219 Survivors"


    In a hospital ward, probably in the Azores soon after USS SC-219 burned and sank at sea on 9 October 1918, while she was en route across the Atlantic.

    Collection of George K. Beach, who was a crewmember of USS SC-331 at the time.

    U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

    Online Image: 57KB; 740 x 435 pixels

     

    Related Subjects: For images concerning a USS Chestnut Hill crewman who was awarded the Medal of Honor for "gallant conduct and extraordinary heroism" when SC-219 burned and sank on 9 October 1919, see:

  • Chief Gunner's Mate Oscar Schmidt Jr., USN.


    If you want higher resolution reproductions than the digital images presented here, see: "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."


    Return to Naval Historical Center home page.

    Page made 24 October 2004