| February 18, 2001
All Hands Alert Holland Club History Shipmates I am attempting to construct a history of Holland Club. I need help from anyone who has any facts, information or documents that would assist me in this effort. I think it is very important that this be done and done now. Holland Club is losing members almost daily due to receiving their Final Patrol orders we our losing some of our history everyday. As I looked at the first Holland Club roster, I was amazed at the names I found listed there. I began to realize what an honor it is as a member of the Holland Club to be included on the same roster as these men. These submariners who created our Submarine heritage. The men who served on R-boats, S-boats, O-boats, Fleet boats. From Diesel Power to Nuclear Power. The wartime heroes of our Submarine Navy. Admirals, Captains, Medal of Honor winners. What a great feeling to find my name even being linked to these legends of the Submarine Force. The honor just to be a member of the Holland Club. It would be a terrible shame if our organization, the United States Submarine Veterans which should be so diligently gathering, preserving and protecting were to instead lose this invaluable information, our history by failing to act in a proper manner as the self proclaimed caretakers of our Submarine heritage. Perhaps all hands should re-read and rededicate our personal commitment to our organizations very own Creed. To perpetuate the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives in the pursuit of their duties while serving our country. Shipmates I need your help. I don’t pretend that I have the necessary literary skills to properly create such an important document but at least I can try and perhaps those with greater literary skills would be willing take up the task. . I need the following information on Holland Club. Date established / by whom / and where (location or place) First Holland Club Commander / Name and Biography First Holland Club member / Plank-owners / Commissioning crew Subsequent Holland Club Commanders Noted members / awards / actions / Historical Naval Events / Submarine Disasters or rescue etc. I would appreciate any help from anyone, especially those commissioning crew / Plank owner (the senior) members of USSVI or the Holland Club. The only source of information I have is a few copies of the American Submariner dating from 1995. Please help fill in the blanks and preserve our "history". Pride Runs Deep Bill Britt britt@valunet.com Holland Club Commander |