The PT Boat Forum
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ť Forum Category: PT Boats of WWII
http://www.ptboatforum.com/cgi-bin/MB2/netboard.cgi?cid=101&fct=showf

ť Forum Name: PT Boats - General
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ť Topic: Elco 77 Foot PT BOATS
http://www.ptboatforum.com/cgi-bin/MB2/netboardr.cgi?cid=101&fid=102&tid=5043

Here are some great photos taken at the Motor Torpedo Boat Squadrons Training Center that highlight the Elco 77 Footers.

Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Aug 20, 2021 - 4:26am
Total Posts: 3547 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am

Nice series of photos Frank, thanks. Great details of the early boats, hint hint Italeri.

That 20mm looks like it would be hard on the back, or maybe I'm thinking like the old man I am.

Posted By: Jeff D | Posted on: Aug 20, 2021 - 8:02am
Total Posts: 2203 | Joined: Dec 21, 2006 - 1:30am

Heck when your 18-23 years of age those things are pretty easy. That angle does look very uncomfortable but then again he has the strap on

Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Aug 20, 2021 - 8:05am
Total Posts: 3547 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am

These images are great Frank, thanks for posting them.

Dick . . .

Posted By: Dick | Posted on: Aug 20, 2021 - 11:30am
Total Posts: 1489 | Joined: Aug 27, 2006 - 6:36pm

Your welcome Dick. Hope all is well. Once again the little PT BOATS Leading the Charge

Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Aug 20, 2021 - 12:48pm
Total Posts: 3547 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am

I have a question about the Lewis machine guns on the bow of the early 77 boats, were they actually used? While looking up PT-34, I stumbled onto NavSource, and they state, (Not known if Lewis machine guns were ever installed/later removed) Not very clear.

Posted By: Stearman | Posted on: Aug 30, 2021 - 8:41pm
Total Posts: 151 | Joined: Nov 1, 2017 - 9:38pm

Stearman,
I was reading Iliff Richardsons War Diary written from PT34 and he states they had 2 Lewis guns mounted on the bow aboard PT34 and Al Ross Father manned the forward 30 cal to shoot at Jap floatplanes using one! You should read it for yourself. See pages 73, 128 and 142 where he mentions the 30 cal.
Jerry

Jerry Gilmartin
PT658 Crewman
Portland OR

Posted By: Jerry Gilmartin | Posted on: Aug 30, 2021 - 11:20pm
Total Posts: 1498 | Joined: Oct 8, 2006 - 11:16pm

Stearman

The 41 boat did in fact have have the guns on her forward deck before arriving in the Philippines. This photo clearly shows one of those guns on the starboard side of the boat while in transit

Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Aug 31, 2021 - 5:37am
Total Posts: 3547 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am

Thanks Jerry and Frank, that does answer my question. I will read that Jerry! I could not imagine manning that position, must be why the later boats didn't have them.

Posted By: Stearman | Posted on: Aug 31, 2021 - 7:52pm
Total Posts: 151 | Joined: Nov 1, 2017 - 9:38pm

Dad once told me that when they started out on patrol, he would tip the Lewis down to let the water drain out of the barrel, then fired a round to clear it.,

Posted By: alross2 | Posted on: Sep 2, 2021 - 3:18pm
Total Posts: 994 | Joined: Oct 30, 2006 - 8:19pm

I actually was wondering about that Al. Someday, I hope to build a 77 footer and RC it someday, or if I win the $300,000,000 Power Ball Saturday, I will be tendering my offer for PT-48!

Posted By: Stearman | Posted on: Sep 2, 2021 - 9:07pm
Total Posts: 151 | Joined: Nov 1, 2017 - 9:38pm