OLYMPIA in action!
This image is of the Cruiser OLYMPIA
in action at the Battle of Manila Bay, May 1, 1898.
The photo would have been taken during the second phase of the battle,
when the outcome was already assured. The photographer would have been
on the BALTIMORE, which, at this point was leading the line of battle.
Some experts consider this photo to be fake. At the very least, it is
heavily retouched. It would seem unlikely that it is entirely fraudulent
since some items should in the photo were not commonly known at the time.
Still, the view appears skewed.
Several items are of interest in the photo. First,
from the aim of the forward eight inch guns, and the group of officers
and crewmen on the navigation bridge, Cavite, must be off to the left of
the photo. The officer on the far right is apparently Commodore
George Dewey, since he appears to be wearing a golf cap instead of
a regulation hat (Dewey was unable to locate his regulation hat and opted
for the unusual headgear). Also, the observation post was built over top
of the forward conning tower is clearly visible. On the observation
post is apparently Lieutenant Calwell, the vessel's navigator.
To visit the website bibliography,
click
here. To visit the website video bibliography, click
here
Support
this Site by Visiting the Website Store! (help
us defray costs!)
We are providing the following
service for our readers. If you are interested in books, videos, CD's etc.
related to the Spanish American War, simply type in "Spanish American War"
(or whatever you are interested in) as the keyword and click on "go" to
get a list of titles available through Amazon.com.
Visit Main Page
for copyright data
