Leopoldville.

This is coolbert:

As extracted from Sharkhunters KTB # 277 thanks to Harry more on the sinking of the SS LEOPOLDVILLE.

American soldiers crossing the English channel their troop ship sunk, loss of life in part due to improper use of emergency gear.

From the memo as forwarded to Admiral King. SECRET [as of January 230, 1945].

16. "The following recommendations are made with the firm belief that loss of life will be minimized in any future catastrophe in channel waters"

a) "That fire drill and abandon ship drill be carried out on ever ship carrying troops before she proceeds to sea" (the LEOPOLDVILLE had upwards of 6 hours after completing loading and before reaching the channel waters.)

b) "That each soldier, on going aboard, be made to put on his life jacket to see that he thoroughly understand the method wearing it and how it should be secured, further, that he be instructed not to inflate his life jacket until he is in the water."

LIFE JACKETS WORN AND INFLATED THE TROOP JUMPING INTO THE WATER FROM THE DECK OF THE SHIP QUITE OFTEN SUFFERING A BROKEN NECK DUE TO THE IMPACT!!

INFLATE THAT LIFE JACKET ONLY AFTER YOU HIT THE WATER!

In addition and as noted in the memorandum:

"The Belgian crew abandoned ship long before the American soldiers and made no effort to release the various emergency equipment which was on hand."

YELLOW-BELLIED COWARDS! PROBABLY NOT EVEN BELGIAN? FOR EVERLASTING SHAME!

coolbert.