We are seeking information on the USS Bristol and her crews. Files and photos may be E-mailed to us and we will incorporate them into these pages.

Note from the webmaster: This invitation below is a good example of waht resides in old family notebooks and helps others piece together Historical events 50+ years later.

10/09/06:

My father was the US Consul assigned to the American Consulate in Cork, Ireland in 1955. As such, he was not only in charge of the post, he was the only Foreign service Officer assigned,so all entertaining fell to him and my mother. They often reminisced about the visit of the destroyer(s). They entertained the officers at their home outside Cork, and, I believe, made arrangements for the seamen and petty officers to be entertained by various local organizations. I'm not sure if the Greene sent a contingent.

While going through some of their papers, I came across two cards. The first read:

The Consul of the United States of America and Mrs. Charles B. Borell request the pleasure of your company at Knockeven, Rushbrooke, County Cork on Saturday, November 12, 1955 on the occasion of the visit of the U.S.S. Bristol and U.S.S. Greene. Reception 4 to 6 p.m.

The Commanding Officer and ten officers of the USS Bristol (DD857) accept with pleasure your invitation to a reception at Knockeven, Rushbrooke on Saturday, November 12, 1955 at 4 p.m.

Executive Officer,
USS Bristol (DD857)

The address on the envelope states simply: "American Consul, Cork." IThe date and lack pf postage indicate it was hand carried directly to my father's office. No doubt an enjoyable opportunity for someone to run an errand in town. I am sure when my father was discharged from the Navy in 1918 as a seaman he little suspected he would be entertaining the officers of a destroyer thirty-nine years later. His duty station was the Naval Air Station at Cape May, where he narrowly missed being shipped out on the Cyclops.

He retired in 1963 and passed on in 1977. My mother followed him in 1997. She always remembered toe visit of the destroyers with great pleasure.

If you would like I could make copies and mail them to you.

Sincerely,

Barry T. Borella
603-253-7877