On the 75th anniversary of D-Day, we highlighted the lost Operation Neptune minesweeper USS Osprey, which went down in the early morning of 6 June 1944, clearing a way for the invasion fleet.
In that Warship Wednesday, we covered that her bell had apparently been recovered sometime around 2007 and gave a lead to the dive op that may know more about it.
Well, one thing led to another and, after the post was shared, the NHHC got involved and, as noted by the BBC:
The US authorities contacted the UK coastguard when pictures of the ship’s bell appeared on the internet.
An investigation was launched by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency when it was established the bell had not been reported to the receiver of wreck.
Acting receiver Heloise Warner said the agency “put the word about” that it was searching for the bell and it was subsequently left anonymously at an undisclosed location last month.
“It’s absolutely fantastic that such a poignant part of our history is back in our possession,” she added.
It is expected the NHHC will soon take possession of the recovered bell.
Bravo Zulu, guys, and, as always, thanks for sharing! Let’s continue to save history together.
A hearty toast to those lost on Osprey, who will never be forgotten so long as their names are still written:
- Lieutenant Van Hamilton
- Seaman 2nd Class John Medvic
- Fireman 1st class Walter O’Bryan
- Quartermaster 2nd Class Emery Parichy
- Motor Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Joseph Vanasky, Jr
- Motor Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Cleo Whitschell