Crew members in Algeria

Thomas Young's headline

The treatment Mason's crew received varied as much as the ports they visited. A "wait and see" attitude was best. Two of the most memorable experiences were Northern Ireland and Algeria.

In July of 1944, the ship arrived in Belfast, Northern Ireland. While the Republic of Ireland was technically neutral during World War II, Northern Ireland had been at war since 1939, had suffered through the blitz, and saw over 300,000 American servicemen and women pass through their tiny country.

The crew's concern about how the Irish would treat them was soon replaced by joy. The men of the Mason still talk about this profoundly positive experience.

William C. Bland III, Seaman First Class, said, "Then we went to Ireland and the Irish people didn't look at our skin color. They looked on us as Americans -- as American fighting men. In other places they called us 'Tan Yankees' but in Ireland they called us 'Yanks,' the same thing they called they white sailors. And it was good."

War correspondent Thomas Young's story about this port began: "Irish First to Treat USS Mason Crew Like Real Americans."

February through April of 1945 brought consecutive convoys to Oran, Algeria. The crew enjoyed picnics on the beach of this exotic land but were disturbed by the poverty they found. People were going through the ship's garbage cans.

Crew members decided to wash out the cans and put food in them. Captain Blackford's reaction: "We're not supposed to give it to them, but I didn't say you couldn't put it out there." Another successful mission for USS Mason.


Belfast During the Second World War Photo Gallery

Next>>