From: Dan Faye (d.faye@worldnet.att.net)
Date: Mon Sep 09 2002 - 21:41:55 PDT
What you are describing is actually a steam siren. I believe it was used
exclusively on escort vessel to differentiate them from the assorted sound
of horn of cargo ships in a convoy. The idea was to get everybody attention
PAD in case of submarine attack and avoid braking radio silence or the delay
of flag or light signal in case of sub attack. A code of short and long
blast was indicating the maneuvering intensions of escort ships and the
instruction to the convoy. The relatively short range of the sound assure
discretion in case of a submarine pack attack where the wolf pack was spread
over 20 or 30 milles.The old timer were also reporting with glee the almost
paralyzing effect on the crew of the sub on deck in case of a ramming attack
from a an escort vessel barreling down on them at flank speed with the siren
blaring.
Dan Faye
-----Original Message-----
From: Military Vehicles Mailing List [mailto:mil-veh@mil-veh.org]On
Behalf Of Kevin Vislocky
Sent: Sunday, September 08, 2002 9:25 AM
To: Military Vehicles Mailing List
Subject: [MV] WTB - General Quarters/Battle Stations Alarm
This is a strange request..slightly off-topic for land military
vehicles...but somewhat related... I have been looking for a Navy alarm horn
typically used on Navy destroyers. The alarm horn can be heard in many war
movies when a Navy vessel was under attack. This alarm horn sounded like
three consecutive blasts, the first short in length, the second a little
longer, the third was the longest. The series would then repeat. Does
anyone out there know what I am looking for as far as description or
designation. I thought I would try E-Bay to look for one but am not sure
what it was officially called. Don't know if they exist on the surplus or
collector market. Thanks for any help. Our list members have been a
goldmine of knowledge which is greatly appreciated!! Thank you, Kevin MVPA
#8173
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