H.D. Gault to Frances Owens, 08/24/1942

WCU Author/Contributor (non-WCU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Diana E. New (Creator)

Institution

Western Carolina University (WCU )

Web Site: http://library.wcu.edu/

Advisor

Brian Gastle

Abstract: Harry Davison Gault, Jr. worked with Samuel Owens on a submarine tended by the Canopus as a Torpedo’s Mate First Classman during the ship’s time in Mariveles Bay from December 29, 1941 until the surrender of the Bataan on April 9, 1942. Gault was 53 years of age—29 years Owens’ senior—and had been enlisted in the Navy since 1918. When the Canopus was ordered scuttled and sunk on April 10, Gault and Owens had already been stranded on the fortified island of Corregidor for four months after their submarine was sunk by the Japanese. After the fall of the Bataan, the Canopus sent submarines to Corregidor as rescues for their men. The ship was not able to rescue all of their men before its sinking on April 10 and while Gault made it off of the island, Owens had not. After Gault had been rescued, he learned that the Japanese had made it to the island before Owens could be rescued and that Owens was among the remaining Navy personnel who had been taken prisoners of war. Gault wrote this letter to Owen’s mother, Frances Elvira Alexander Owens—Mrs. Steven John Owens—while finishing up his service with the U.S.S. Otus on August 24, 1942, one month before his reenlistment.

H.D. Gault to Frances Owens, 08/24/1942
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Created on 12/14/2017
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Language: English

Date: 2017

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