I'm doing a history of the MARINE ROBIN which is still active on the Great Lakes. I'm seeking info on any of her 1944-7 voyages. I can also use scans or copies of ROUND ROBIN, the newsletter that was issued when bringing troops home. I would appreciate hearing from anyone with such information.
Re: Marine Robin
Posted by Ron Carlson on May 14, 2019, 1:24 pm, in reply to "Marine Robin"
Eric,
For one suggestion, you can do a "Ship Search" at http://www.convoyweb.org.uk/hague/index.html. This is a page from the excellent website ConvoyWeb which lists the names of ships in convoys during World War II, with originating and destination ports, applicable dates and other information. I did a search for MARINE ROBIN and found her in 17 convoys between September 1944 and June 1945. Click on the link for each convoy for more information. Additionally at the bottom of the results page is "To continue the search for OTHER voyages of MARINE ROBIN, click here." Following the link may show other voyages, as when she was not in convoy but steaming independently. The above website will cover only 1944 and 1945.
Good luck.
Ron Carlson, Webmaster Armed Guard / Merchant Marine website www.armed-guard.com
Re: Marine Robin
Posted by Eric Hirsimaki on May 14, 2019, 2:02 pm, in reply to "Re: Marine Robin"
Hi,
Thanks. I have been accessing the Ellis Island website and other sources but there are a few holes to confirm or correct. The boat's voyages were typical but interesting. I've been using Glenn Wyler's narrative (The Buzzard's Tale) for human interest and details but there are some errors in it. I can probably flesh things out. Fortunately I have a couple of ROUND ROBIN issues to supply more details though the wartime period is rather sparse. Your suggestion should prove to be a big help.
I have documents from when she was a bulk freighter on the Lakes so the story will be pretty complete. She was in the Hanna fleet then and I was the fleet dispatcher, my uncle was a wheelsman on her for years and me and my family were her last passengers before she laid up for good.
Your help is most appreciated.
Eric
PS - I had two uncles that sailed Merchant Marine on tankers in the Caribbean during the war and got no credit for it. Five years later one was drafted into the Army. They got a raw deal -- as you know.
