Welcome to Instalment 100.
Instalment one hundred what a real milestone. I hope everyone has been enjoying the series thus far. When I started out on these instalments I never expected to complete one hundred of them nor enjoy doing them so much.
Hawaii
As the Fleet approached the Islands of Hawaii on July 16th they made a close pass to the Island of Molokai which was operated as a leper colony. The Fleet at 4 miles was an impressive site for the settlement and their visit was appreciated by the Jesuit brothers. Three Divisions then proceeded directly to the island of Ohau and anchored off Diamond Head.
The Third Division under Rear Admiral Emory had not participated, and had turned south to make a visit to the Island of Maui. The visit to Maui was scheduled to take on coal and to visit with Queen Liliuokalani who had made her residence on the Island since being deposed. A detachment of officers led by Admiral Emory met with the Queen at her home and listened to her talk of the Islands and what had been taken from her. Admiral Emory discussed the possibility of the Japanese invading the islands, in a way to say – the American occupation has prevented the Japanese from coming to the Islands. The Queen had replied, “In that case, you people would have been here too, no?” In the end, the visit brought no reconciliation and Admiral Emory and his staff left having confirmed the feelings of the former Queen.
A picture of Honolulu in 1908.
The reception of the Fleet by the Islands was subdued. The 25,000 Japanese inhabitants and the local population remained in seclusion. There were fireworks, but only because July 16th was Japanese Day on the island. The Anglo-Saxon population did its best to receive the Fleet with a great welcome. A parade of 2,500 sailors was planned through downtown Honolulu culminating with sailors each getting a garland of flowers around their neck from one of the Hawaiian women waiting at the end. For fun sailors went to Pearl Harbor to see the gun emplacements being constructed or to the top of Diamond Head. For sure they had an opportunity to enjoy the sun and waves of Waikiki Beach.
A picture of the parade through downtown Honolulu.
The Fleet had anchored off Honolulu with a clear view of Diamond Head. From here they were able to take turns and go pier side to receive coal to top off their bunkers for the next stage of the cruise. Coaling was a long slow process, especially in the tropical heat. For July the temperatures must have been unbearable within the ships sitting still and many sailors must have found ways to sleep topside to avoid the oppressive heat below.
A picture of the Fleet coaling
A couple of picture which said to me “Only in Hawaii”
Regards
Sean
