RPPC SS Northwestern at Ketchikan Alaska Bombed 1942 Dutch Harbor Boat E55

Description

Payment must be made within 3 days of the end of auction. I have been collecting RPPCs and other Real Photos, mostly maritime related, for 25 years. I'm now thinning my collection a bit so check back often to see new listings or check the "Follow This Seller" button. I combine shipping for multi-wins. For multi-wins, please wait for an Ebay invoice from me before making payment. Happy bidding! Steamer NORTHWESTERN: This Northwest Steamship Company vessel was built in 1889 in Chester, Pennsylvania, and was originally named the ORIZABA. She was built for the New York and Cuba Mail Steamship Company. She was operated between New York and Havana until 1906 when she was bought by Northwest (Northern) Steamship Company and renamed NORTHWESTERN. In 1909, Northwest (Northern) Steamship Company merged with the Alaska Steamship Company. The NORTHWESTERN picked up the first load of copper ore worth 0,000.00 from the Kennecott Mine in Cordova in 1911 and hauled it to a smelter in Tacoma, Washington. In July 1933, on a trip south from Skagway, the NORTHWESTERN struck the reef off Sentinel Island north of Juneau and tore a hole in its hull. The ship was then beached at the mouth of Eagle River. The 86 passengers aboard were taken to Juneau by a U.S. destroyer, and then on to Seattle by the S.S. ALEUTIAN. The NORTHWESTERN was repaired and returned to service. Over the years the ship actually grounded eighteen times, but each time she was able to be refloated and repaired. In 1940 the ship was taken over by the United States government War Shipping Administration. In June 1942 she was at Dutch Harbor serving as an accommodations ship when the port was bombed by the Japanese as a diversionary tactic just immediately preceding the Battle of Midway Island. The NORTHWESTERN was mortally wounded by the Japanese bombs and burned for three days after the attack. Her machinery miraculously survived the devastation and three days later her boilers were relit and generators placed on the line to continue to supply power to the Naval Station. Eventually her hulk was towed out into Captains Bay where she still lies half sunk her hull a mass of rust.