My Dad was a Fireman First Class who was transferred to the water tender classification school at the end of 1943. I always wondered whether he requested the transfer or it was the navy saying you go here now.
Best,
Art
Why the Navy created it is explained here:
https://uniform-reference.net/insignia/usn/usn_ww2_enl_engine_room.html
It was to bring the engine room pay rates into line with the rest.
A bit more brief history going further back is here:
https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/Watertender
No idea how they were chosen, but I would imagine former First Class Firemen who had been doing the duties prior to the creation would have been converted when the new system took effect. That is simply a guess, though.
I’m looking for some background information on why the US Navy created the WT3C rating and how crewman were chosen for training in that role in WW 2. Any help or sources you know of would be greatly appreciated.
Happy Modeling!
Art Rohloff
Hayward, WI
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