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Operation Crossroads July,1946 This was "William Day," the practice day. We went out 11 miles and cruised around. At 8 a.m. we sealed all watertight doors and hatches and congregated on deck. We were told the same precautions would prevail: turn away from the blast, head hung down, with arm over eyes. Also we were warned that in case of a possible tidal wave we were to hang on. It was a rainy day today--H hour was postponed an hour because of it. Hope there will be no delay for the big day. We came back into the lagoon about 3 p.m. and dropped anchor in the old spot. I guess I haven't described the setup of this test. The main target ships are a little closer together. In the center, between the Nevada and the Jap Nagato (about 500 yds from each I'd guess) is a floating drydock--the barge from which the A Bomb will be suspended in the lagoon. The other target ships are drawn around this--the DD's, BB's, DL's, CL's, CA's, CV's, and smaller craft. It's the opinion of most of the crews aboard these ships with whom I've talked that the target ships will suffer much damage this time and many are expected to be sunk. We should find out before long.
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