If you want to look at similar pages for other ships go to: * * * Index - Use this to find your Ship * * * (http://forum.oldweather.org/index.php?topic=3210.msg52142#msg52142)
Welcome on board the USCGC Unalga I
This post covers a log page from 1924; the following post covers a log page from 1942.
For
Unalga II (1946-1947) see: Unalga II -- Reference: Transcription
Example and Log Description
(http://forum.oldweather.org/index.php?topic=3497.msg54086#msg54086)
(http://www.pmel.noaa.gov/arctic/rediscover/gallery/unalga/07_15_1.jpg)
Have a look around the forum, and don't hesitate to pose questions! There are lots of people who would be happy to respond. Each time you join a new ship have a look for one of these pages.
Feel free to add your own questions and comments to: Unalga -- Discussion: Questions and Comments (http://forum.oldweather.org/index.php?topic=3342.0)
Comments on the log:
- The log is typed.
- This is not a standard log format.
- The
date should be entered where it appears on the first page (the weather
page). For this reason, the 'Progress Bar', just above the image of the
log page, will be out of sequence and should be ignored. Note also that
the date in the log is in US order (month, day, year) and on the Date
tab the order is day, month, year following the Royal Navy format.
- There
is no column in the log corresponding to the 'Ther Attached' on the
Weather Observation tab, so that box should be left blank.
- There
is no box on the Weather Observation tab corresponding to the
'Clouds/Moving from' column on the log page, so any data in that column
should be skipped.
- This log shows the amount of cloud rather
than the amount of clear sky, but the number should be entered exactly
as it is in the log.
- The number of weather records per day varies. Transcribe what is written and skip blank rows.
- Note
that on the RN ships we encouraged transcribers to record the names of
people, places, and ships mentioned in the log. Now that we are in the
Arctic, there are some new items that are of interest. The scientists
would appreciate your recording sightings of sea ice on the Sea Ice tab
and sightings of animals on the Animals tab. The historians would
appreciate your recording refueling on the Refueling tab.
Links to helpful transcribing information:
- Guides for US logs (http://forum.oldweather.org/index.php?topic=3078.msg49657#msg49657)
- Type What You See - Yes, but ... (http://forum.oldweather.org/index.php?topic=3191.msg51625#msg51625)
- HELPFUL REFERENCE POSTS (http://forum.oldweather.org/index.php?topic=3301.0)
- Handwriting Help (http://forum.oldweather.org/index.php?board=8.0)
- What Does THAT mean? (http://forum.oldweather.org/index.php?board=9.0)
- Technical Support (http://forum.oldweather.org/index.php?board=14.0)
- Maps of Alaska
- http://www.charts.noaa.gov/OnLineViewer/AlaskaViewerTable.shtml
- http://www.charts.noaa.gov/OnLineViewer/501.shtml
- David
Rumsey excellent map of Alaska, 1924
(http://www.davidrumsey.com/luna/servlet/detail/RUMSEY~8~1~201795~3000712:Commercial-Atlas-of-America--Rand-M?sort=Pub_List_No_InitialSort%2CPub_Date%2CPub_List_No%2CSeries_No&qvq=w4s:/where/Alaska/when/1924;sort:Pub_List_No_InitialSort%2CPub_Date%2CPub_List_No%2CSeries_No;lc:RUMSEY~8~1&mi=1&trs=2)
- Map
of Canada:
http://www.davidrumsey.com/luna/servlet/detail/RUMSEY~8~1~3209~450046:British-Columbia---with-Vancouver-R?sort=Pub_List_No_InitialSort%2CPub_Date%2CPub_List_No%2CSeries_No&qvq=w4s:/when/1922;q:canada;sort:Pub_List_No_InitialSort%2CPub_Date%2CPub_List_No%2CSeries_No;lc:RUMSEY~8~1&mi=8&trs=12
Links to further info about the ship:
- http://naval-history.net/OW-US/Unalga1/USCGC_Unalga1.htm
- http://www.uscg.mil/history/webcutters/Unalga_1912.pdf
(includes a crewman's description of her WWII service.) - http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/u1/unalga.htm
(http://www.djcosmik.com/oldweather/unalgai1930s001.jpg) (http://www.djcosmik.com/oldweather/unalgai1930s002.jpg)
Weather Page:
Example: http://www.djcosmik.com/oldweather/unalgai1930s001.jpg
The
written details are transcribed as follows, though the page you are
working on will not display a grid in this way. Note that the data in
some columns is not transcribed and that some logs do not have all the
columns included on the Weather Observation tab, so, before clicking OK,
check that your data is in the correct fields. It is more important to
be accurate than to be fast. Only transcribe what is written. Ask on the
forum for handwriting help if unsure.
Date = 28/10/1924
Location | Place Name | Name = McLoughlin Bay, B.C., Canada
| | | | Not in log | | | | | | |
| Hour | | Wind Dir | | Force | | Bar Height | | Ther Attached | | Dry | | Wet | | Water | | Weather Code | | Cloud code | | Clear Sky | |
| 4 | NW | 1 | 29-10 | | 44 | 44 | | bc | Cum-Nim | 7 |
| 5 | NW | 2 | 29-09 | | 46 | 45 | | c | Cum-Nim | 8 |
| 6 | SE | 2 | 29-06 | | 47 | 46 | | c | Cum-Nim | 9 |
| 7 | SE | 2 | 29-00 | | 47 | 46 | | c | Cum-Nim | 9 |
| 8 | SE | 2 | 29-00 | | 48 | 47 | | c | Cum-Nim | 8 |
| 9 | SE | 2 | 28-97 | | 48 | 47 | | c | Cir-Cum | 8 |
| 10 | SE | 2 | 28-97 | | 48 | 47 | | od | Nim | 10 |
| 11 | SE | 4 | 28-93 | | 47 | 47 | | od | Nim | 10 |
| 12 | SE | 5 | 28-93 | | 49 | 49 | | bc | Cum-Nim | 8 |
| 1 | SE | 4 | 28-92 | | 49 | 49 | | o | Nim | 10 |
| 2 | SE | 4 | 28-94 | | 48 | 48 | | c | Cum-Nim | 9 |
| 3 | SE | 4 | 28-94 | | 48 | 48 | | c | Cum-Nim | 8 |
| 4 | SE | 4 | 28-96 | | 48 | 48 | | c | Cum-Nim | 8 |
| 5 | SE | 3 | 29-00 | | 47 | 47 | | c | Cum-Nim | 8 |
| 8 | NE | 3 | | | | | | c | Cum-Nim | 7 |
| 12 | NE | 1 | | | | | | c | Cum-Nim | 9 |
Noon: Location | Place Name | Name = Queen Charlotte Snd. Scarlett Point 149 True, 4 miles.
8am: Location | Place Name | Name = Fitzhugh Sound, off Safety Cove
8pm: Location | Port Name | Name = Alert Bay, B.C. Canada.
Notes for transcribers:
- The
log keeper sometimes uses a dash instead of a decimal point (e.g.,
29-10, 28-97, etc.) in the barometric pressure reading (Bar Height).
Dashes should be transcribed as dashes - TWYS. Our software will process
them correctly.
- If any of the wind directions or cloud codes
are in included in the interface drop-downs, you may choose those
instead of what is written. 'North' may be entered 'N', and 'Cu-N' may
be entered 'Cum-Nim'.
- There are fields on the page (bottom
right) specifically for refueling. If the amount of oil and/or coal
received is mentioned, the data should go on the Refueling tab. There
may be entries for 'Coal Expended', 'Coal On Hand', 'Fuel oil Expended'
and 'Fuel oil On Hand', but there is no need to enter these numbers
unless they interest you (in which case they would go on the Events
tab).
Record of the Miscellaneous Events of the Day:
http://www.djcosmik.com/oldweather/unalgai1930s002.jpg
This
page has been completely transcribed below to help new transcribers
become familiar with both the writing and the language used. Nobody is
expected to transcribe all the text! Following it are some comments
about transcribing the page.
Midnight to 4:00 a.m.
Light Easterly to Northwesterly airs; partly cloudy.
William Bowman, Ensign
(T).
4:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
Light Northwest airs to light Southeast breeze; mostly cloudy. 4:00, up
anchor and stood down Lama Passage and Fitzhugh Channel on various courses
at 110 revolutions per minute. Off Safety Cove at end. Washed down decks.
7:30, set clocks 15 minutes ahead.
N.H. Leslie, Lieutenant
(j.g.)
8:00 a.m. to meridian.
Light to fresh Southeast breeze; overcast with drizzling rain to partly
cloudy. Standing thru Fitzhugh Sound and Queen Charlotte Sound on various
courses. 9:30, held quarters followed by battery and signal drill. Inspected
magazine. 9:00, set clocks ahead 15 minutes. 12:00, Scarlett Point bearing
149o True, distant 4 miles. Crew employed painting about the spar deck.
William Bowman, Ensign
(T).
Meridian to 4:00 p.m.
Fresh to moderate Southeast breeze; overcast to partly cloudy. Standing
thru Queen Charlotte Sound, Christe Passage, Galetos Channel, Queen
Charlotte Sound and Broughton Strait on various courses at speed of 110
revolutions per minute. Off Yellow Bluff at end. 1:00, set clocks ahead
15 minutes. Deck force employed painting water-ways on spar deck.
W.H. Jacobson, Ensign
(T).
4:00 p.m. to midnight.
Moderate Southeast to breeze to light Northeast airs; mostly cloudy. Stood
into Alert Bay, British Columbia, Canada, on various courses. Engine
working to bells and at 4:05 anchored in that place in 9 fathoms to 30
fathoms of starboard chain; right tangent Cormorant Island, bearing 170o
True; Cannery Wharf 70o True. 5:00, set clocks ahead 15 minutes; ship's
time now 120th meridian time.
N.H. Leslie, Lieutenant
(j.g.)
Notes for transcribers:
- Entering
any or all of the information on this page is optional, although
including the ice, people and places mentioned below is encouraged. Note:
When transcribing descriptions or context, please do not edit what is
written in the log. It is OK to transcribe only a small segment of the
text if the log entry is long.
- Leaving
port and going to sea may be recorded on the Events tab (further
details with the speed and course changes may be ignored):
Events | Event = 4:00, up anchor and stood down Lama Passage and Fitzhugh Channel on various courses or simply Stood down Lama Passage and Fitzhugh Channel - Places
sighted or traversed may be helpful for locating the ship. Since the
ship doesn't stop there, they are entered on the Location tab as Place
Names:
Location | Place Name | Name = Lama Passage
Location | Place Name | Name = Fitzhugh Channel
Location | Place Name | Name = Safety Cove
Location | Place Name | Name = Fitzhugh Sound
Location | Place Name | Name = Queen Charlotte Sound
Location | Place Name | Name = 12:00, Scarlett Point bearing 149 True, distant 4 miles
Location | Place Name | Name = Christe Passage
Location | Place Name | Name = Galetos Channel
Location | Place Name | Name = Broughton Strait
Location | Place Name | Name = Yellow Bluff - Since the ship anchored at Alert Bay, that can entered on the Location tab as Port Name:
Location | Port Name | Name = Alert Bay, British Columbia, Canada - Anchor
bearings might precisely locate the ship's anchorage; because they
include bearings, they are entered on the Location tab as Place
Names:
Location | Place Name | Name = right tangent Cormorant Island, bearing 170 True
Location | Place Name | Name = Cannery Wharf 70 True
- Transcribing
the degree symbol here is optional, but in some cases it helps to make
the meaning clearer. Because the entry boxes will not accept a degree
symbol, we have developed the convention of using a lower-case 'o' to
represent degrees.
- All the full stops (periods) used in the log
entries have been transcribed, but full stops in common abbreviations
may be omitted.
- For more information on the last two points, see
Type What You See - Yes, but ...
(http://forum.oldweather.org/index.php?topic=3191.msg51631#msg51631)
Log keepers quirks:
- A
typed log book is a blessing for readability, but you may still find
spelling oddities. We do encourage you to transcribe all spelling errors
as written
- sometimes they are correct but obsolete spellings. Again, if unsure ask on the Forum.
Other information and comments:
- If you are interested in locations, here are the probable
coordinates of some of the places mentioned using Google Maps' decimal
coordinates. (Do not enter these, but keeping your own Google map to
track the voyage can be fun.)
- Fitzhugh Sound, B.C., Canada: 51.443, -127.813
- Alert Bay: 50.5854, -126.9160
Enjoy your voyage on the Unalga
Welcome on board the USCGC Unalga I
This post covers a log page from 1942; the previous post covers a log page from 1924.
For
Unalga II (1946-1947) see: Unalga II -- Reference: Transcription
Example and Log Description
(http://forum.oldweather.org/index.php?topic=3497.msg54086#msg54086)
"...she was forever snapping piston rings."
(http://imageshack.us/a/img194/5296/unalgapageimage.jpg)
Have a look around the forum, and don't hesitate to pose questions! There are lots of people who would be happy to respond. Each time you join a new ship have a look for one of these pages.
Feel free to add your own questions and comments to: Unalga -- Discussion: Questions and Comments (http://forum.oldweather.org/index.php?topic=3342.msg53915#msg53915)
Comments on the log:
- This is not a standard log format.
- There
is no column in the log corresponding to the 'Ther Attached' on the
Weather Observation tab, so that box should be left blank.
- There
is no box in our weather entry tab corresponding to the 'Clouds/Moving
from' column on the log page, so any data in that column should be
skipped.
- This log shows the amount of cloud rather than the
amount of clear sky, but the number should be entered exactly as it is
in the log.
- The log has been completed by several hands with varying handwriting.
- The
date in this example is in the same order as on the Date tab (day,
month, year) following the Royal Navy format. If other pages use the US
order (month, day, year), the date should still be entered on the Date
tab in the order day, month, year.
- The number of weather records per day varies. Transcribe what is written and skip blank rows.
- Note
that on the RN ships we encouraged transcribers to record the names of
people, places, and ships mentioned in the log. Now that we are in the
Arctic, there are some new items that are of interest. The scientists
would appreciate your recording sightings of sea ice on the Sea Ice tab
and sightings of animals on the Animals tab. The historians would
appreciate your recording refueling on the Refueling tab.
Links to helpful transcribing information:
- Guides for US logs (http://forum.oldweather.org/index.php?topic=3078.msg49657#msg49657)
- Type What You See - Yes, but ... (http://forum.oldweather.org/index.php?topic=3191.msg51625#msg51625)
- HELPFUL REFERENCE POSTS (http://forum.oldweather.org/index.php?topic=3301.0)
- Handwriting Help (http://forum.oldweather.org/index.php?board=8.0)
- What Does THAT mean? (http://forum.oldweather.org/index.php?board=9.0)
- Technical Support (http://forum.oldweather.org/index.php?board=14.0)
- NOAA Charts (includes the Caribbean Sea) (http://www.charts.noaa.gov/)
- http://www.davidrumsey.com/luna/servlet/detail/RUMSEY~8~1~201858~3000737:Commercial-Atlas-of-America--Rand-M?sort=Pub_List_No_InitialSort%2CPub_Date%2CPub_List_No%2CSeries_No&qvq=w4s:/when/1924;q:puerto%2Brico;sort:Pub_List_No_InitialSort%2CPub_Date%2CPub_List_No%2CSeries_No;lc:RUMSEY~8~1&mi=6&trs=7
Links to further info about the ship:
- http://www.naval-history.net/OWShips-USCGShipsList.htm#unalga
- http://www.uscg.mil/history/webcutters/Unalga_1912.pdf
- http://www.navsource.org/archives/11/179880.htm
- http://www.scribd.com/doc/33219228/Coast-Guard-Ship-Convoys
A fellow transcriber (wendolk) has created a database to help both transcribers and historians (and contributors are welcome):
Searchable Database (http://forum.oldweather.org/index.php?topic=2872.msg44227#msg44227)
Weather Page:
Example: http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/final/USRC%20Unalga/b0140_cr2_to_jpg/b0140_019_0.jpg
The
written details are transcribed as follows, though the page you are
working on will not display a grid in this way. Note that the data in
some columns is not transcribed and that some logs do not have all the
columns included on the Weather Observation tab, so, before clicking OK,
check that your data is in the correct fields. It is more important to
be accurate than to be fast. Only transcribe what is written. Ask on the
forum for handwriting help if unsure.
Location | Place Name | Name = At Sea, Caribbean Sea
| Hour | | Wind Dir | | Force | | Bar Height | | Ther Attached | | Dry | | Wet| | Water | | Weather Code | | Cloud code | | Clear Sky | |
| 1 | ExN | 2 | 30.18 | | 81 | 78 | | bc | Sc | 4 |
| 2 | ExN | 2 | 30.17 | | 81 | 78 | | bc | AS-Cu | 4 |
| 3 | E | 2 | 30.15 | | 81 | 78 | | bc | AS-Cu | 5 |
| 4 | E | 3 | 30.14 | | 80 | 77 | | bc-p | NS-Sc | 5 |
| 5 | E | 2 | 30.14 | | 80 | 76 | | bc | Sc | 5 |
| 6 | E | 2 | 30.13 | | 79 | 76 | | bc | Sc | 5 |
| 7 | E | 2 | 30.14 | | 80 | 77 | | c | Ac-Sc | 7 |
| 8 | NE | 2 | 30.15 | | 80 | 77 | | c | Ac-Sc | 7 |
| 12 | ExN | 5 | 30.18 | | 87 | 78 | | c | Sc | 7 |
| 4 | E | 4 | 30.16 | | 90 | 79 | | bc | Ac-Cs | 4 |
| 7 | E | 2 | 30.15 | | 85 | 78 | | c | As | 8 |
| 8 | E | 2 | 30.16 | | 84 | 78 | | c | As-Cu | 9 |
| 12 | E | 2 | 30.20 | | 83 | 78 | | bc | St | 1 |
Noon: Location | Place Name | Name = Ensenada Honda Harbor
8am: Location | Place Name | Name = Ensenada Honda Harbor
Noon: Location | Place Name | Name = Ensenada Honda Harbor
8pm: Location | Place Name | Name = Ensenada Honda Harbor
Notes for transcribers:
- The Cloud Codes should be entered as written; not all of these descriptions appear on the drop-down selection in the entry box.
- There
are fields on the page specifically for refueling. If the amount of oil
and/or coal received is mentioned, the data should go on the Refueling
tab. There may be entries for 'Coal Expended', 'Coal On Hand', 'Fuel oil
Expended' and 'Fuel oil On Hand', but there is no need to enter these
numbers unless they interest you (in which case they would go on the
Events tab).
- All of the other details given are optional, although including the persons mentioned below is encouraged.
- The 'AH's, 'AL's, and 'ATD's can be noted using the Mentions tab:
Mentions | Person | Name = BRADLEY | Context = AH
Mentions | Person | Name = McGOWAN | Context = AH
Mentions | Person | Name = CLAUDIO |Context = AH
Mentions | Person | Name = QUINONES | Context = AH
Mentions | Person | Name = HOLMES | Context = AL
Mentions | Person | Name = STENGAL | Context = AL
Mentions | Person | Name = McCOMAS | Context = AL
Mentions | Person | Name = LORENZ | Context = AL
Mentions | Person | Name = KORTLANG | Context = ATD
Mentions | Person | Name = PHILLIPS | Context = ATD
Looking at people movements on the ship it's not difficult to imagine their meaning:
- AH should stand for At Hospital or Authorized Hospital.
- AL for At Leave/Authorized Leave.
- ATD should stand for Authorized Temporary Duty.
Shortly, these lists on the weather page should comprehend all of the crew members which are officially not aboard the ship.
Record of the Miscellaneous Events of the Day:
Example: http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/final/USRC%20Unalga/b0140_cr2_to_jpg/b0140_019_1.jpg
This
page has been completely transcribed below to help new transcribers
become familiar with both the writing and the language used. Nobody is expected to transcribe all the text! Following it are some comments about transcribing the page.
L.M. THAYER, LIEUT
MONDAY, 13 JULY, 1942
ZONE +3 TIME.
0000 to 0400
Underway as before, stopped and drifting on patrol
off the East Coast of Puerto Rico. 0231 Ahead on course
89o pgc 87o T. at 1/3 speed. 0252 Stopped, drifting. ~
0306 Ahead, various courses at 1/3 speed to change ship's
heading. 0310 stopped, drifting.
B~ Papanek. Lt. (jg) (R)
0400 To 0800:-
Drifting as before 0450 Underway on course 65pgc
63o T at 1/3 speed. 0530 Reveille 0535 Stopped;
drifting. 0550 General quarters 0647 Underway on
course 35pg.c. 33 T at 1/3/speed. 0705 Increased
speed to ~/3. 0720 Various courses and various
speeds entering Ensenada Honda Harbor. Secured
from general quarters.
R R Russell, LIEUT.
0800 To 1200:
Underway as before onvarious courses at various speeds entering
Ensenada Honda Harbor. 0806 Anchored in Ensanada Honda Harbor
in 5 five fathoms of water to 30 fathoms of chain. Inspected magazines
and smokeless powder samples conditions normal. Accounted
for all small arms and small arms ammunition.
G.F.Hutchinson ~ Ensign (R)
1200 to 1600
Anchored as before. 1245 No. 3 boat away with
sailing party. 0330 No. 3 boat returned and hoisted aboard
B~ Papanek. Lt. (jg) (R)
1600 To 2000: -
Anchored as before. 1810 Anchor aweigh; on various
courses and various speeds standing out of Ensenada
Honda Harbor 1840 Entering Harbor on various
courses and speeds 1908 Anchored in Ensenada Honda
Harbor in five fathoms of water to 30 fathoms of
starboard chains. 1955 Anchor aweigh, various courses
and various speeds standing out of Ensenada Honda
Harbor.
R R Russell, LIEUT.
2000 to 2400
Underway as before. 2005 Held general quarters 2045 anchored
off Cabras Island in 9 fathoms of water to 30 fathoms of port chain.*
2105 at the request of U.S. Army base, Pt. Puerca PR, sent motor
dinghy with Ens. G. F. Hutchinson in charge to investigate reported
sounds of diesel engine motors in vicinity of Pt. Puerca (LMT) Figuera.
Watch ends with vessel at anchor. Issued 44 night rations.
*2046 Secured from general quarters. L.M. Thayer, Lt.
L.M. Thayer Lieut R R Russell, Lieut.
Notes for transcribers:
- The date should be transcribed. Date = 13/07/1942.
- Entering
any or all of the information on this page is optional, although
including the ice, people and places mentioned below is encouraged. Note:
When transcribing descriptions or context, please do not edit what is
written in the log. It is OK to transcribe only a small segment of the
text if the log entry is long.
- With
the exception of the date, entering any or all of the information on
this page is optional, although including the person and places
mentioned below is encouraged.
- G. F. Hutchinson
can be entered on the Mentions tab. You do not need to include
information that has been deleted (by crossing out) from the log:
Mentions | Person | Name = Ens. G. F. Hutchinson Context = 2105
at the request of U.S. Army base, Pt. Puerca PR, sent motor dinghy with
Ens. G. F. Hutchinson in charge to investigate reported
sounds of diesel engine motors in vicinity of Pt. Figuera. or simply Ens. G. F. Hutchinson in charge to investigate reported sounds of diesel engine motors - Ensenada Honda Harbor and other places can be entered on the Location tab:
Location | Port Name | Name = Ensenada Honda Harbor
Note that Port Name is used because the ship is anchored in this location.
Location | Place Name | Name = Cabras Island
Location | Place Name | Name = Pt. Puerca PR
Location | Place Name | Name = Pt. Figuera
- All
the full stops (periods) used in the log entries have been transcribed,
but full stops in common abbreviations may be omitted. See 'Sometimes
we can take a little shortcut' in Type What You See - Yes, but ...
(http://forum.oldweather.org/index.php?topic=3191.msg51631#msg51631) for
more details.
Log keepers' quirks:
- One of the log keepers has an uppercase 'M' that can be mistaken for an uppercase 'NI'.
(http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/1585/unalgam.jpg) (http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/5333/unalgam2.jpg) (McCOMAS) - Ch, Cn and Cb are all used for Cumulo-Nimbus.
The
official instructions
(http://oldweather.s3.amazonaws.com/ow3/final/USRC%20Unalga/b0148_cr2_to_jpg/b0148_108_0.jpg)
tell log keepers to use Ch (last entry in the chart), but Cn is used
more frequently.
For more detail, see: http://forum.oldweather.org/index.php?topic=3342.msg74672#msg74672
Other information and comments: