World War Two

April 16, 1943

Airport Is Carved Out of Wilderness

Vineyard Gazette
The airfield on the central plain of Martha’s Vineyard is beginning to shape up as something more than raw earth, mud, and the destination of building materials trucked over the roads from the st
World War Two
Naval Auxiliary Air Facility
Martha's Vineyard Airport
August 31, 1945

Experimental Base a Well-Kept Secret

Vineyard Gazette
The well-kept secret of the Army's experimental base at Katama during the fall and early winter of 1943 is disclosed at last, in this issue of the Gazette. Ten miles of heavy pipe were delivered, with other equipment, beginning in August, and during the following months five one-mile lengths of pipe were laid in the ocean with the aid of tugs, and welded together into an experimental pipeline under conditions similar to those which would be encountered in laying a gasoline supply line under the English Channel.
World War Two
South Beach

1945

August 17, 1945

Improptu Parades Feature Jubilee

Vineyard Gazette
World War Two

Enthusiasm of a variety that was wild by Island standards followed the 7 o'clock broadcast on Tuesday night that Japan had surrendered. The natural instinct and tendency to celebrate was manifested by just about every person able to walk and appear out of door; and it seemed, in the down-Island section, at least, that all were present.

August 10, 1945

A Cheer and a Prayer for the Impending Arrival of V-J Day

Vineyard Gazette
World War Two

This looks like V-J Day as the Gazette goes to press in a sunny and remarkably invigorating atmosphere. The morning began with clear skies and a feeling of both warmth and coolness in the air, the best that August can offer.

Early news broadcasts contained no hint of Japanese surrender, but by 8 o'clock the radio flashes were indicating the decision of Japan to surrender on the terms of the Potsdam declaration. Confidence began to appear more and more, and the day of liberation from war seemed to be at hand.

August 7, 1945

How Island Will Recall News of Atomic Bomb

Vineyard Gazette
World War Two
Wars
The first atomic bomb was dropped on Japan Sunday, but the Vineyard knew nothing of It until yesterday, and then only through the radio announcements. In the night there was wind and rain, and this morning a heavy fog wrapped the Island, not as impenetrable, however, as that which still shrouds the scene of destruction in Japan. The events have no association except in our own minds, but this is how Islanders will recall the time when the release of atomic energy was made known to the world.
May 11, 1945

V-E Day On Vineyard Brings Joy, But No Antic Celebration

Vineyard Gazette
World War Two

"The tumult and the shouting dies,

The captains and the kings depart. Still stands our ancient sacrifice,

An humble and a contrite heart."

 

May 4, 1945

Vineyard Roll of Honor

Vineyard Gazette
World War Two
The roll of service men is printed herewith in revised form which the Gazette hopes is accurate. Every effort is made to keep the list up to date. All official sources of information are used when possible, but the Gazette is heavily dependent upon the families and friends of service men for their listing in proper classifications.
 
In a few instances the names of summer residents will be found in the list.
January 12, 1945

Final Figures Show $705,367.50 Bonds Sold

Vineyard Gazette
World War Two
Final figures for the Sixth War Loan drive, so far as It applies to the Vineyard, are now available, and stand at sales of $705,367.50, compared with the quota of $203,218. The amount is somewhat increased since the total given at the formal end of the drive, since all sales of E bonds made dur­ing the month are credited to the drive. According to S. C. Luce Jr., chairman, the Tisbury and up-Island towns, listed as one district, turned in $59,350 in E bond sales, with a quota of $35,000, and $521,400 in all other bonds, with a quota of $105,518.

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