As America entered WWII, the Banks became important in our nation’s response.
Coastal civilians participated broadly in support of our military branches.
Written accounts and documents, along with selected media, is presented separately–avoiding possible cumbersome volume.
(L to R) Schroll, Barbadoes. Lathes, Jackson, Barber and Felisbeuto –at Cape Lookout Bight houseArmy Camp, 1942–RoyerCollectionA bomber flies over the Cape–Carrie Arendell’s store in forefront and Coca Cola House in furthest background–Bight to the left (L to R) 1916 C.G. station, galley, radio shack, 1887 Life-Saving Station, Garage, BoathouseAnchored convoy vessel–Baker House (called “Casablanca” in 1960s with new owners )–the Bight had much greater depth at that periodGun placement and crew
Shackleford Banks Beach Patrol
The “Memorial Slab” near Whale Creek on Shacklford Banks–inscribed in concrete with names thought to be WWII military crew (also referred to as “crew slab”). Coast Guard crews did foot beach patrols from their structure nearby (became Dr. Moore’s camp) and there were Harbor Defense searchlights on Shackleford to illuminate the Inlet. Telegraph/telephone poles extended from Fort Macon to Ocracoke Stations. Copper markers marked locations for the beach patrols.
Civil Air Patrol
With entry into WWII, America was without resources to cover the 1,200 mile coast. Civilians flying private planes formed the Civil Air Patrol–including Base 21 that overflew the Banks and up to 100 miles out to sea.
Gallery
Many photos in the Park Service archives and other sources do not have attached information. Where information is available, it will be included. (the author welcomes additional connected info–it can be included in updates). — See also the Royer and O’Boyle family photos on their respective pages.
Beached boat with convoy in background–Cape Bight1970s Gunmount remainsBomber flies over the CapeRoyerCollectionRoyerCollectionRoyerCollectionRoyerCollectionconvoy in the BightRoyerCollectionRoyerCollectionRoyerCollectionRoyerCollectionTanker sinkingRoyerCollectionRoyerCollectionRoyerCollectionLifeboats from pic labelled as “buoy mine”Bill Royer, Station cookBlimp over the CapeLight #2Tanker sinkingCivil Air Patrol–BeaufortLate 1960s, Charles Reeves and ranger
Credits
Royer Collection, NPS and Core Sound Waterfowl Museum
O’Boyle Collection, NPS and Core Sound Waterfowl Museum
