The Kangaroo Story
After several months at sea, the Grayson arrived at Brisbane, Australia, and the ship's crew was given liberty.
Some aspiring crew members, after imbibing in the local brew decided they would like to have a ship mascot. They decided to visit the local zoo or an animal farm. How they found it is still a mystery. They hired a cab and went in search of an animal that was noted in Australian history, a Kangaroo. They decided this would be a good pet to have on board. After locating one they went about their business in capturing the animal. They roped him, got him into the cab, and were ready to head back to the ship when another member of this invading party decided he too would get a pet. He spotted an Ostrich. Coming from the southern part of the US he did
not know what it was. Unfortunately, when he attempted to catch the Ostrich, the animal resisted and nearly clawed him to death. Anyway, the group had their kangaroo and decided to get back to the ship which was tied up at a commercial pier on the edge of town.
Upon arrival where the "G" was berthed, the tide was out. In order to avoid any recognition from the officer of the deck, they decided they would get the kangaroo aboard via the fantail. As the tide was out, the fantail was several feet below th elevel of the pier. The first attempt to have him jump was almost fatal as he missed the fantail and landed in the water. They roped him back to the pier and this time
he made the jump successfully. It made such a noise that the men who were sleeping below thought the ship wa shit and scrambled topside. They finally got the kangaroo down below and everything from there on is a mystery.
The next day all hell broke out. Brisbane police and other investigators were aboard regarding the "kidnapping". Fortunately, because of the good relationship between the Australian government and the US Navy, all was forgiven.
It was later learned that the kangaroo was an old one. In fact it was a grandfather and he was lucky not to have had a heart attack.
--Leo Kelleher RM1/c 2/42-2/47
The Kangaroo Story Continued
After being at sea for lons periods we would usually be sent to some port for rest and relaxation. I recall in particular our visit to Brisbane, Australia, in March of 1944, during the period we were carrying on our operations in the New Guinea area. When we docked at a friendly port we were encouraged to go ashore and have fun; which included a bit of carousing. Some of the officers and men even got a little smashed on occasions. One night in Brisbane I was on duty as OD and heard some noise from the fantail. I checked and was surprised to find three of our crew leaning over a hairy creature saying," Grab him by the tail" or "Hang on to his leg". It turned out to be kangaroo
which the men had kidnapped from the Brisbane zoo. The police were called and came by to pick him up and return him to his home. Needless to say, the sailors had had a few too many. The next day a couple of police officers came aboard to talk toour skipper, Bill Pratt, about the kidnapping. Bill handled the problem in his usual able way. He told the officers that we expected to leave in a few days for New Guinea to prevent the Japs from invading Australia and that the men involved with the kangaroo were essential for our operations. The officer in charge then said, "Let's just forget the whole thing, but don't let it happen again". The officers then left the ship and we heard nothing further. Justice was done.
--Dave Prager LT 3/43-6/45
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Information was provided by Dave Craigmile, ENS USS Grayson. Copyright 2000, USS Grayson Association and Richard Angelini.
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