Loading Trays for Depth Charge Release Tracks and Extensions.
Reference:
(a) BuOrd conf ltr DD601/L9(Re6b) to ComDesLant of October 1943.
(b) Drawing No. 81788 (Philadelphia Navy Yard)
(c) Drawing No. 388748
(d) Drawing No. 423655
(e) Drawing No. 423654
(f) Drawing No. 423653
(g) Drawing No. 423652
(h) Drawing No. 423651
(i) Drawing No. 423650
(j) Drawing No. 423626
(k) Drawing No. 423625
(l) Drawing No. 422650
(m) Drawing No. 422649
(n) Drawing No. 388792
(o) Sketch No. 110342 (New York Navy Yard)
Enclosure: (herewith)
(A) One (1) copy each of references (a) to (o) inclusive.
1. There have been numerous requests from the service
for loading trays to facilitate the loading and handling of depth charges in depth charge release tracks. References (b) and (c) show the loading trays for the depth charge release tracks Mark 3 and Mark 6, and track extensions Mark 3 and modifications and for the depth charge release track Mark 9 and modifications, respectively. These trays have been authorized by reference (a) for installation, but have been limited to ships where Navy Yard availability permits, and where such installation is desired by the Commanding Officer of the ship concerned.
2. Loading tray installations are also limited by
space considerations, and if permanently secured to tracks or extensions, as in the case of the tray shown on reference (b),
may for some ship installations completely block off, or considerably restrict the passageway to the after end of the ship. It is for such limited space conditions that the loading trays shown on references (d) to (m) have been designed. When not in use, these
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loading trays can be easily folded into the forward ends of the tracks or extensions, and secured. In this position, the trays project a maximum of 610 from the forward ends of the tracks
or extensions. These trays are designed for use with the depth charge release tracks, Mark 1, Mark 1 Mod 1, Mark 3, Mark 4, Mark 5, Mark 6, Mark 7, and Mark 9 and modifications and with
the track extensions Mark 1, Mark 3 and modifications, and Mark 7.
3. When in the secure position, the fold-up loading
trays serve as a satisfactory means of securing the forward ends of the tracks or extensions, and the forward horizontal gate bars need not be installed. For tracks or extensions having double vertical gate bars, as shown on references (n) and (o), the fold-up loading trays cannot be used unless the bars and their upper securing cross members or plates are removed.
4. The fold-up loading trays are, by this letter,
authorized where such installations are desired by the commanding officer of the ship concerned and are to be fabricated and installed by Navy Yards, Naval Stations, Naval Operating Bases, tenders, repair ships and ships forces.
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IN REPLY ADDRESS
BUREAU OF ORDNANCE, NAVY DEPARTMENT
AND REFER TO No.
DD601/L9
(Re6b)
NAVY DEPARTMENT
BUREAU OF ORDNANCE
WASHINGTON, D. C.
Enclosure A
5 October 1943
From
The Chief of the Bureau of Ordnance
To:
Commander Destroyers, Atlantic Fleet
Subject:
Depth Charge Release Tracks Mark 3 - Recommended Alteration to Incorporate. Installation of Loading Trays on.
Reference:
(a) CO, DD601 conf. ltr. DD601/L9-3 Serial 018 of 17 July 1945 to BuOrd via ComDesRon SIXTEEN and ComDesLant.
(b) First Endorsement to ref. (a) by ComDesRon SIXTEEN to BuOrd via, ComDesLant of 19 July 1945
(c) Second Endorsement to ref. (a) by ComDesLant to BuOrd of September 10, 1943.
(d) BuOrd Deg. No. 81788.
(e) BuOrd Dwg. No. 388718.
Enclosure: (Herewith)
(A) One (1) copy of reference (d).
(B) One (1) copy of reference (e).
1. Paragraph 1 (b) of reference (a) requested authorization for the installation of a portable cradle extension to Mark 3 depth charge release tracks to assist in loading depth
charges. The Philadelphia Navy Yard has designed a loading tray for the subject tracks which, although not portable, is approved by
the Bureau. A copy of the drawing of the Philadelphia Navy Yard design is forwarded as Enclosure (A).
2. To assist in loading depth charges into Mark 9 and
Nods of depth charge release tracks, the Bureau has designed a loading tray which is similar to the Philadelphia design for the Mark 3 release tracks. A copy of this design is forwarded as Enclosure (B).
3. Authorization for the installation of loading
trays on depth charge release tracks is limited to ships. where Navy Yard availability and where such installation is desired by the Commanding Officer of the ship concerned.
Depth Charge Track Mark 7 - Clarification of Ordalt 1432.
Reference:
(a) Ordalt No. 1432, Depth Charge Release Track Mark 7.
1. Reference (a) describes a change of the Depth
Charge Track Mark 7 to incorporate a self-latching hand release control.
2. It has been reported in at least two executions
of reference (a) that instruction 7b2 has not been carried out properly, possibly through misinterpretation of the note on the Bureau of Ordnance Drawing 284488, piece 4, which is as follows:
9/16" DRILL - 90°C' SINK
".10 DEEP - BOTH SIDES
It was intended by this note that the 9/16" drill should be made completely through piece 284488-4, with a 90° countersink 110
deep on both sides. The error noted is that the hole has not been drilled completely through piece 284488-4. This may result in the handles operating upon shock and thus accidentally releasing depth charges.
3. It is requested that all installations of Depth
Charge Track Mark 7 be investigated to ascertain whether piece 284488-4 has been drilled as described in paragraph 2. If such is not the case, steps should be taken to complete this action.
U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE O-1952
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