The USS Density Reunion 2001 Report – Page 3

12th to 14th September 2001,
at the Embassy Suites Hotel, Dallas, Texas, USA

(Our initial report from Dallas on the 11th and 12th is here)

Below:
Radio London's Ben Toney and Tom Danaher with members of the USS Density crew at the Reunion Banquet, 14th Sept 2001.

SONG OF THE MINESWEEPERS
They are half of all the screwball who go out on the ocean deep,
And try to find a dangerous spot that's never seen a sweep.
They lower away their paravanes and cross their fingers well,
Because if they should hit the son of a gun, they'll all be blown to hell.

CHORUS:
So early in the morning and very late at night,
You'll find the sweepers steaming;
A motley-looking sight.
Old tin cans and fishing boats, loaded down with gear,
And then you'll see a signal hoist,
"Proceed. The way is clear."

When the fleet is bottled up in some foresaken gap,
And the transports can't proceed, because they're in an awful trap,
Because mines are laid all over, to the port and starboard too,
They just whistle for the sweepers and they will see them through.

CHORUS:
So early in the morning and very late at night...

When you're going into waters that you know are full of 'bubbles',
And you simply have to brush one to end your earthly troubles,
Then the sweepers scurry along ahead, like a pack of little mutts,
You'll solemnly salute them, for it takes a bit of guts.

CHORUS:
So early in the morning and very late at night...

For a battleship's a precious thing and a cruiser's lots of dough,
That's why they're astern of the sweepers when the fleet has got to go.
Who cares about an old tin can that's twenty years out of date,
Except the wives and sweethearts of the crew that shares her fate?

CHORUS:
So early in the morning and very late at night...

Oh, it takes a bit of doing to sit and hold on tight
When you're sweeping a narrow channel in the blackness of the night,
And you know there's someone waiting with a heart that'll scarcely beat
For fear of the word that 'her' sweeper is no longer with the fleet.

CHORUS:
So early in the morning and very late at night...

Left to right:
Bill Brandstetter, Ben Toney, Charlie Stock,
Tom Danaher, LaVerne Bailey and Russell DuPuis Sr

The original flag from the USS Density

 

Norman St John
The British contingent!

October 26th, 2001 – Norm writes:

"I am so disappointed that I was unable to make it to Dallas. However, the events of Sept 11 prevented this. I did eventually get to the USA on the 20th Sept.

I have written to Tanya and asked for the names and addresses of the folk who attended (and those who also couldn't make it) as I will write a personal note to each of them. I only hope that I make we able to meet them all one day."

Chris and Mary Payne with Paul Mustill. Paul has lived in Dallas for over ten years, and is a big Radio London fan.

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