OldNFO posts a hilarious story about scrounging to keep the subs on patrol:
On June 11, 1942, disease, and perhaps an increasing desire not to use one’s own hand to wipe one’s nether regions, drove Lt. Cmdr. James Coe of the submarine Skipjack to send an “urgent” message to the powers that be.
Since July 1, 1941, a requisition had been submitted for 150 rolls of toilet paper to replenish the dwindling supply aboard the Skipjack. However, as the boat patrolled the Pacific, no sign of the all-important bathroom item appeared — even as other war materiel came in.
The TP was needed because crews ate very well when out at sea. I've posted Tasting History episodes before, and this one does not disappoint. I'd eat that in a New York minute.
Subs have one galley to feed everyone from the CO down to the most junior seaman, just about every surface ship has two (or more). When you are feeding the man who writes your performance evaluations the Supply Officer has incentive to keep the galley stocked well and the cooks being assigned tasks they do best.
ReplyDeletePlus, decent food goes a long way towards maintaining good morale when you are locked in a sewer pipe with 100 other flatulent guys for weeks at a time.