Briefing Document: James Calhoun Anderson

Date: October 26, 2023

Subject: Summary of Biographical Information and Wartime Service of James Calhoun Anderson

Sources: Excerpts from "Pasted Text" (provided)

Executive Summary:

This document provides a biographical overview of James Calhoun Anderson, focusing on his early life, legal career, and ultimately his service and death during World War II. Anderson, a Texas native, was a lawyer who entered the US Navy as an Ensign and was lost when his ship, the SS George Thatcher, was torpedoed off the coast of Africa in 1942.

Key Themes and Facts:

Early Life and Family:

James Calhoun Anderson was born on November 8, 1911, in Cisco, Eastland County, Texas.

His parents were Maude Calhoun Anderson (born 1888, died 1961) and James T. Anderson (born 1884, died 1955).

The family lived in Cisco throughout his childhood and early adulthood. Census records confirm their residence in Cisco in 1920 and 1930.

The text highlights the consistency in family location, placing his formative years in rural Texas.

Education and Career:

Anderson graduated from Southern Methodist University.

He worked as a lawyer, initially with his cousin in Fort Worth.

By 1935, he was living in Sherman, Texas.

In 1940, he was residing in Fort Worth, working in private practice at James & Conner in the Waggoner Building.

Military Service:

Anderson registered for the draft in Fort Worth on October 16, 1940, while employed at James & Conner, and his mother was listed as his next of kin.

He entered the US Navy as an Ensign in August 1942, his father listed as his next of kin after his enlistment. His father's address was the same as his mother's at 300 W 5th St., Cisco, Texas.

He was assigned to the SS George Thatcher, a Liberty ship, his service designation was Ensign O-141509.

He was trained at Treasure Island, near San Francisco, before being assigned to the SS George Thatcher.

The Sinking of the SS George Thatcher:

The SS George Thatcher was torpedoed by U-126 on November 1, 1942, off the west coast of Africa. This was the ship's maiden voyage.

The ship was part of a convoy escorted by two Free French corvettes.

"At 20.04 hours on 1 November 1942 the George Thatcher ... was torpedoed by U-126 about 100 miles off the west coast of Africa..."

Prior to the attack, torpedo tracks had been seen by escorts on October 29 but were ignored.

The first torpedo struck between the #2 and #3 hatches on the starboard side, and the second hit at the #4 hatch, igniting a cargo of gasoline.

The attack caused significant damage, including the loss of a lifeboat and the blowing of rafts overboard.

"The torpedo struck on the starboard side between #2 and #3 hatches. One minute later, a second torpedo hit at the #4 hatch, setting fire to the cargo of gasoline, destroying one lifeboat and blowing the rafts overboard."

The ship initially listed to starboard and then righted itself, allowing the remaining lifeboats to be launched.

The ship was carrying 8 officers, 31 crewmen, 15 armed guards, and 12 US Army passengers.

"The master, the chief mate, three crewmen, five armed guards (including the officer) and eight passengers were lost."

The survivors were rescued by the corvettes and landed in Point Noire on November 3.

The SS George Thatcher continued to burn and sank on November 3.

Anderson's Fate:Ensign James C. Anderson was declared missing on November 1, 1942, and later declared dead on November 2, 1943.

He is remembered on the Tablets of the Missing at the North Africa American Cemetery and Memorial in Carthage, Tunis, Tunisia.

Analysis and Implications:

Tragic Loss: The text paints a stark picture of the dangers faced by merchant mariners during WWII. The SS George Thatcher was only one of many vessels sunk in the conflict. Anderson’s loss underscores the sacrifices made by individuals during the war.

**The brutality of the attacks is emphasized by the mention of the ship being hit twice, setting fire to its cargo. This highlights the intense violence and the lack of time for preparation of crew and passengers.

Personal History: The meticulous recording of Anderson's biographical information alongside his naval service demonstrates a dedication to recording his life in the context of historical events.

Impact of War: Anderson's life, marked by his legal career, was abruptly interrupted and ended by the war. This underscores the profound impact that global conflicts have on individual lives.

Conclusion:

James Calhoun Anderson’s story, as outlined in the provided text, is a poignant example of an individual's life intersecting with the larger context of World War II. His service and loss serve as a reminder of the personal sacrifices made during the war, and his story is preserved through the documentation of his life, service, and final resting place. This briefing document provides a foundation for further research or a starting point for remembrance.