Return to Naval History and Heritage Command home page. Return to Online Library listing

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORY AND HERITAGE COMMAND
805 KIDDER BREESE SE -- WASHINGTON NAVY YARD
WASHINGTON DC 20374-5060

Photo #  NH 46892:  Ferry lighter Knickerbocker coming alongside USS Huntington in Brest harbor, France, 16 May 1919


Online Library of Selected Images:
-- CIVILIAN SHIPS --

Knickerbocker (American Ferry Lighter, in service 1919)

In 1919 the small coastal and harbor steamer Knickerbocker was employed as a ferry lighter, taking homeward-bound troops to troop transports anchored out in Brest harbor, France. She does not appear to have been part of the U.S. Navy, and may have operated under U.S. Army control. We have no other information on this ship, except that her appearance is that of a typical steam lighter of the type used in many U.S. seaports. She should not be confused with the harbor tug Knickerbocker of 1873, which saw U.S. Navy service in 1917-1919.

This page features all the views we have concerning the ferry lighter Knickerbocker.


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 107017

Homeward Bound U.S. Troops


Boarding USS Seattle (Armored Cruiser # 11) from the ferry lighter Knickerbocker, in Brest Harbor, France, circa early 1919.
Note the 3"/50 anti-aircraft gun on Seattle's deck, in the right center foreground.
Also note that Knickerbocker is fitted with a mast in front of her pilothouse. This feature was removed by at least May 1919.
The original image is printed on post card ("AZO") stock.

Donation of Dr. Mark Kulikowski, 2010.

U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.

Online Image: 113KB; 900 x 570 pixels

 
Photo #: NH 46892

USS Huntington
(Armored Cruiser # 5, ex-West Virginia)

Lighter Knickerbocker bringing troops of the 356th Infantry and casual companies out to the ship for passage home, in Brest harbor, France, 16 May 1919.
Photographed by "S & H" (probably Sponagle and Haynie).

Courtesy of Lieutenant Commander Ellis M. Zacharias, USN, 1931.

U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph..

Online Image: 93KB; 740 x 485 pixels

 
Photo #: NH 104811

USS Louisiana
(Battleship # 19)

View on board, looking aft on the port side as the steam lighter Knickerbocker approaches. The latter is loaded with troops who are to be transferred to Louisiana for transportation home to the United States, 1919. Probably photographed at Brest, France.
The original photograph was printed on post card ("AZO") stock.

Donation of Dr. Mark Kulikowski, 2007.

U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.

Online Image: 60KB; 740 x 475 pixels

 
Photo #: NH 105871

USS Louisiana
(Battleship # 19)

Taking aboard troops of the "Arrow" Division for passage home from France, 1919. The men are embarking on Louisiana from the ferry lighter Knickerbocker. Location is probably Brest harbor.
The original photograph is printed on post card ("AZO") stock.

Donation of Dr. Mark Kulikowski, 2008.

U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.

Online Image: 68KB; 740 x 480 pixels

 
Photo #: NH 107020

Homeward Bound U.S. Troops


On board the ferry lighter Knickerbocker ready to transfer to a larger ship for passage to the United States, in Brest Harbor, France, circa early 1919.
Note that Knickerbocker is fitted with a mast in front of her pilothouse. This feature was removed by at least May 1919.
Also note the troops' packs, with helmets and blanket rolls.
The original image is printed on post card ("AZO") stock.

Donation of Dr. Mark Kulikowski, 2010.

U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.

Online Image: 128KB; 900 x 590 pixels

 
Photo #: NH 106612

Ferry Lighter Knickbocker


Delivering Soldiers of the 356th Infantry and Casual troops to USS Huntington (Armored Cruiser # 5) for transportation home to the United States. Photographed at Brest, France on 16 May 1919 by "S & H" (probably Sponagle & Haynie).
The original image is printed on post card ("AZO") stock.

Donation of Dr. Mark Kulikowski, 2009.

U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.

Online Image: 119KB; 900 x 590 pixels

 
Photo #: NH 105521

Ferry Lighter Knickerbocker


With troops on board, ready to board a transport (probably USS Mount Vernon) in 1919.
Photographed by Grassel.
Note packs and bedding rolls carried by the troops, and awning frame on Knickerbocker. Location is probably Brest harbor, France.

Donation of Charles R. Haberlein Jr., 2008.

U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.

Online Image size: 91KB; 740 x 530 pixels

 


NOTES:

  • To the best of our knowledge, the pictures referenced here are all in the Public Domain, and can therefore be freely downloaded and used for any purpose.

  • Some images linked from this page bear obsolete credit lines citing the organization name: "Naval Historical Center". Effective 1 December 2008 the name should be cited as: "Naval History and Heritage Command".


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


    Return to Naval History and Heritage Command home page.

    Page made 26 February 2010
    New images added 11 June 2010