3 Replies Latest reply on Nov 11, 2020 5:53 PM by Terry Richards

    Seeking Muster Roll/Flight Roster of VGS-11

    Brandon Wood Newbie
    Brandon Wood Jul 21, 2020 2:58 PM

      I have a photograph of the aviators assigned to Escort Scouting Squadron 11 (VGS-11) during November 1942 aboard U.S.S. Altahama (ACV-18) in the South Pacific.  The back of the photo has the last names of the personnel and their rank at the time but I would like to fill out the first names and middle initial if possible for my own records.  The ship's muster roll for Altahama did not turn up any squadron personnel and hoping that someone may have a lead to a roster for the squadron. I was not able to locate a squadron war diary at National Archives that contained this information either.  Thanks in advance.

        • Re: Seeking Muster Roll/Flight Roster of VGS-11
          Alice Lane Tracker
          Alice Lane Jul 23, 2020 8:59 AM (in response to Brandon Wood)

          Hi Brandon,

          Welcome to History Hub

          I found this website asking for (spelled) Altamaha crew members to join. Only a few on the list.

          There are email addresses, perhaps one of those can help you with this.

          http://www.hullnumber.com/crew1.php?cm=CVHE-18

           

          Best Wishes

          Alice Lane

          Research Volunteer

          • Re: Seeking Muster Roll/Flight Roster of VGS-11
            Jason Atkinson Ranger
            Jason Atkinson Expert Jul 30, 2020 10:10 AM (in response to Brandon Wood)

            Dear Mr. Wood,

             

            Thank you for posting your request on History Hub!

            We searched the National Archives Catalog and located the Muster Rolls of U.S. Navy Ships, Stations, and Other Naval Activities, 1/1/1939 - 1/1/1949 in the Records of the Bureau of Naval Personnel (Record Group 24) but were unable to locate muster rolls for Escort Scouting Squadron 11 (VGS-11). We also located the World War II Command Files in the Records of the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (Record Group 38) that includes some squadron rosters but we were unable to locate one for VGS-11.

             

            The officers of the squadron may have been listed on the deck logs for the U.S.S. Altamaha.  Deck logs for the 1940s typically have a roster of ship’s offices attached to the beginning of each month’s logs. Whether squadron officers were included in this list can vary from ship to ship.  The squadron officers may also have been listed in the daily log for when the squadron first transferred to the ship.

             

            In addition, we located the Logbooks of U.S. Navy Ships and Stations, 1941 - 1983 in Record Group 24 that include the deck logs of the USS Altamaha for November 1942. You also may wish to examine the deck logs for December in case they include information about the squadron.  For information about these logs, please contact the National Archives at College Park - Textual Reference (RDT2) via email at archives2reference@nara.gov.

             

            Plus, we located the World War II War Diaries, Other Operational Records and Histories, ca. 1/1/1942 - ca. 6/1/1946 in Record Group 38 that includes the digitized USS ALTAMAHA - War Diary, 9/15/42 to 11/30/42. The images are available online using the Catalog. The war diary states that the personnel of squadron VGS-11 reported aboard the ship 2 November 1942 but does not list any names.

             

            Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and pursuant to guidance received from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), NARA has adjusted its normal operations to balance the need of completing its mission-critical work while also adhering to the recommended social distancing for the safety of NARA staff. As a result of this re-prioritization of activities, you may experience a delay in receiving an initial acknowledgement as well as a substantive response to your reference request from RDT2. We apologize for this inconvenience and appreciate your understanding and patience.

             

            Lastly, we searched online and located an article about Edward Cobb Outlaw that states he served as the executive officer of Escort Scouting Squadron 11 (VGS-11) during this time period.

             

            We hope this information is helpful. Best of luck with your research!

             

            [information provided in part by Nate Patch, subject matter expert]

             

            • Re: Seeking Muster Roll/Flight Roster of VGS-11
              Terry Richards Newbie
              Terry Richards Nov 11, 2020 5:53 PM (in response to Brandon Wood)

              I am also conducting research of a member of VGS-1\VC-11 for my sister-in-law. Her uncle was a radioman\gunner (ARM/3c) on a TBF-1 Avenger and was aboard U.S.S. Altamaha (ACV-18) in the South Pacific November - December 1942. Not sure if he was in this particular picture. His last name was Durner. I'd be interested to know if he is listed on the picture and if so would it be possible to get a copy of the picture. Thank You