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DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER
805 KIDDER BREESE SE -- WASHINGTON NAVY YARD
WASHINGTON DC 20374-5060
Photo # NH 63182: Flag at half-mast on USS S-4 as she is towed into the Boston Navy Yard, 18 March 1928

Online Library of Selected Images:
-- EVENTS -- The 1920s -- 1920

Salvage of USS S-4 (SS-109), December 1927 - March 1928


This page features all the views we have related to the raising and towing to port of the sunken submarine S-4, between December 1927 and March 1928.

For more images concerning the salvage of USS S-4, see:

  • Drydocking of USS S-4 (SS-109), March 1928; and
  • Drydocking of USS S-4 (SS-109), March 1928 (Part II).

    For views related to the sinking of USS S-3, see:

  • Sinking of USS S-4 (SS-109), 17 December 1927.

    For other images concerning USS S-4, see:

  • USS S-4 (Submarine # 109, later SS-109), 1919-1936.


    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 41831

    Commander Harold E. Saunders, USN
    (left center)

    Turning on the air lines, attached to the sunken submarine S-4 (SS-109), to force her to the surface during salvage operations off Provincetown, Massachusetts, where she had been sunk in collision with USCGC Paulding on 17 December 1927. Original caption gives this photo's date as 19 March 1928, but it may have been taken somewhat earlier.
    Probably photographed on board USS Falcon (AM-28).

    U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

    Online Image: 99KB; 740 x 600 pixels

     
    Photo #: NH 41836

    USS S-4
    (SS-109)

    "Naval divers who worked hard and faithfully at the difficult task of raising the submarine" (quoted from the original 1928 caption). Probably photographed at the Boston Navy Yard, Charlestown, Massachusetts, circa 19-20 March 1928, shortly after the salvaged S-4 entered dry dock there.
    Those present are identified in the original caption as (standing, left to right): Michaels, Eadie, Wilson, Carr and Eissn. (Kneeling, left to right): Grilley, Mattox and Doherty.
    "Michaels" may be Chief Torpedoman Michels. "Eadie" is Chief Gunner's Mate Thomas Eadie, who was awarded the Medal of Honor for rescuing Michels during the salvage work. "Grilley" is probably Ensign Frank W. Crilley.

    U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

    Online Image: 109KB; 740 x 600 pixels

     
    Photo #: NH 784

    USS S-4 (SS-109)


    Those who accomplished the most in the salvaging operations on the S-4. They are (from left to right, in front):
    Saunders, who was in charge of the raising of the sunken submarine;
    Captain Ernest J. King; and
    Lieutenant Henry Hartley, Commanding Officer of USS Falcon (ASR-2).
    Photographed circa March 1928.

    U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

    Online Image: 100KB; 740 x 605 pixels

     
    Photo #: NH 41832

    USS S-4
    (SS-109)

    Being towed to the Boston Navy Yard, Charlestown, Massachusetts, after being raised off Provincetown, Massachusetts, where she had been sunk in collision with USCGC Paulding on 17 December 1927. Original caption gives this photo's date as 19 March 1928, but it may have been taken the day before.
    Note the salvage pontoons supporting S-4, four located forward and two aft.
    The ship immediately astern of S-4 is probably USS Falcon (AM-28).

    U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

    Online Image: 178KB; 740 x 615 pixels

     
    Photo #: NH 41823

    USS S-4
    (SS-109)

    Being towed to the Boston Navy Yard, Charlestown, Massachusetts, on 18 March 1928, after being raised off Provincetown, Massachusetts, where she had been sunk in collision with USCGC Paulding on 17 December 1927.
    Note flags flying at half mast on S-4 and the accompanying tugs.
    Among the salvage pontoons present are YSP-6 and YSP-10.

    U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

    Online Image: 68KB; 740 x 575 pixels

     
    Photo #: NH 63182

    USS S-4
    (SS-109)

    Is towed into the Boston Navy Yard, Charlestown, Massachusetts, on 18 March 1928, after being salvaged. Her flag is flying at half-mast in honor of the crew members who lost their lives when she was sunk in collision with USCGC Paulding off Provincetown, Massachusetts, on 17 December 1927.
    This view looks to port from off the starboard forward side of S-4's fairwater.

    U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

    Online Image: 76KB; 740 x 620 pixels

     

    For more images concerning the salvage of USS S-4, see:

  • Drydocking of USS S-4 (SS-109), March 1928; and
  • Drydocking of USS S-4 (SS-109), March 1928 (Part II).

    For views related to the sinking of USS S-3, see:

  • Sinking of USS S-4 (SS-109), 17 December 1927.

    For other images concerning USS S-4, see:

  • USS S-4 (Submarine # 109, later SS-109), 1919-1936.


    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 14 October 2005