Harv

8. At this time, I was measuring our probable chances for remaining afloat against our rate of progress toward the beach, when the dark shape of a vessel appeared close inshore, but due to the lack of moonlight, it could not be made out. The forward guns were trained anticipating possible action from enemy submarines on the surface, as the water was quite deep close to shore. However, this unknown vessel turned about and drew away without coming closer.

9. It was now 2230 hours, GCT, on the 22nd, and the loading of the SC 503 was completed. I then ordered the sealed jettisoning bag containing our secret and confidential publications be placed on board in the custody of Lieut. (jg) Ansel H. Wilson, USNR, LST #333 Executive Officer, and dispatched that vessel for Algiers. At this moment the stern grounded.

10. Soundings showed five fathoms of water at frame #27, and fearing that the ledge on which the stern was resting might prove so acute that the strain might cause the after section to break off and slide into deep water, I determined on further measures. The two LCT's were brought alongside and secured port and starboard, and we proceeded to force the vessel further on the beach. By 2400, GCT, twenty feet of progress had been made and it became apparent that, while the stern was still sagging, no further progress could be made. The bow anchor was then dropped at 0045, GCT, I then ordered the exhausted survivors into the two LCT's, and beached closeby the vessel to await daylight. At 0715, I returned aboard and found that the stern was still settling very slowly. An officer an armed guard was placed in the landing boat alongside the vessel, and proceeded with the two LCT's to Dellys for food, water, and rest.

11. At 1330 hours, GCT, Captain Sullivan, USN, returned from inspection of the vessel, and gace me verbal orders to turn over the LST #333 to Lt. Comdr. A.H. Anderson, USN, for ComTaskFor #84, for purposes of salvage. At 1530, GCT, written orders were received, and, together with remaining survivors, proceeded by Army Truck Convoy to Algiers.

SUMMARY

12. Recognition should be given the Commanding Officers of the LCT's #244, #19, and to the SC 503, who so ably assisted me under the trying conditions of working a darkened ship, littered with wounded, dying, and the dead. Their speedy compliance with my every order made the beaching of the ship, and transfer of the wounded possible. Lieutenant H.M. Powell, (CEC), Lieutenant I. Silverman (MC), and Lieutenant (jg) J.R. Herbert, (CEC), of the C.B. Battalion passengers, the latter with a head wound, together with the ship's officers, functioned with cool efficiency throughout the ordeal. As to the remaining personeel of this vessel, they cannot be too highly commended; their discipline and fighting spirit did much to spur me, and make me disregard my minor personal injuries. The LST #333 had her remaining guns manned and was ready to do battle throughout the ordeal.

The two only known surviving pictures of the LST 333 other than the picture above.

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