How was the 37mm gun lashed on JFK's PT109?

Answer 1

Finally a on topic question!!!
At that time in the war Elco & the Navy had not made a mount for the 37mm. Crews in the field including the 109, made field mounts using coconut logs lashed together. The 37mm's were nose cannons from Bell P-39 Aircobras. Since the 69 sucked as a fighter, the PT guys put the firepower to good use. At the time of the Solomons camagain, the PT's found the Enemy were using shallow draft barges to resupply the islands. Torpedos were no good for these targets so Heavy cannon were used. Eventually 40mm Bofors and 5" rockets were added to Later PT boats.

As for the sinking.... The 109 was a early 80ft boat without radar. They were in the dark without lights and not at speed. They should have seen the destroyer, but oh well the rest is history.

Answer 2

Take a look at Robert Donovan's book on PT109. Lashing or bolting to a wood frame that sat on the deck is mentioned, IIRC. And ignore all the landlubbers blaming Kennedy for the collision that sunk the boat. Any REAL sailor knows how hard it is to keep watch for other, blacked-out ships, especially when they're camoflauged and neither ship has radar.

Answer 3

Don't know.
But I do know this: No ship can run down a PT109. They are too fast, by far.
Something was not right on that PT109.
Kennedy should have been Court Marshaled and thrown in the brig.
Instead he became a hero for not doing his job.
(Ask any sailor if it's possible for a ship to run down a PT Boat. Something was wrong.)

Answer 4

I would imagine its mount was bolted to the foredeck

Answer 5

birdsnake same for that Kerry guy should have been cout marshaled