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Editorial
June 1, 1942
Imperial Valley Press
El Centro, Imperial County, California
What is this article about?
William Allen White's editorial discusses Lt. John D. Bulkeley's praise for 'mosquito boats' after piloting one to evacuate Gen. Douglas MacArthur from Corregidor. It suggests these swift torpedo boats could sweep Japanese forces from the sea and potentially revolutionize naval warfare, challenging the dominance of large battleships.
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MOSQUITO BOATS
(William Allen White)
Lt. John D. Bulkeley, who piloted the torpedo boat which left Corregidor with General Douglas MacArthur on his hazardous escape, expresses faith in the striking power of the swift little craft, that is born of first hand experience.
"With a couple of hundred of these boats we could sweep the Japs from the sea," he is quoted as saying.
Lieutenant Bulkeley may be overstating the case for this popular weapon. But the chances are experience in this war may yet raise the little boats to a status not yet dreamed of. They may well change the concepts of the experts as to what the navy of the future should be.
The war so far has not made the big battleships and cruisers obsolete. But it has proved that they are helpless if not adequately protected by air power. Perhaps the test between large vessels and swarms of swift little zip-boats will come and show up another weakness in the larger, slower and more cumbersome warships. This war as the last war most probably will result in radical changes in fighting equipment. One thing is sure, the big battleship will go if it proves to be a liability, and instead of fighting the war spends its time protecting itself - and we say 'if.'
(William Allen White)
Lt. John D. Bulkeley, who piloted the torpedo boat which left Corregidor with General Douglas MacArthur on his hazardous escape, expresses faith in the striking power of the swift little craft, that is born of first hand experience.
"With a couple of hundred of these boats we could sweep the Japs from the sea," he is quoted as saying.
Lieutenant Bulkeley may be overstating the case for this popular weapon. But the chances are experience in this war may yet raise the little boats to a status not yet dreamed of. They may well change the concepts of the experts as to what the navy of the future should be.
The war so far has not made the big battleships and cruisers obsolete. But it has proved that they are helpless if not adequately protected by air power. Perhaps the test between large vessels and swarms of swift little zip-boats will come and show up another weakness in the larger, slower and more cumbersome warships. This war as the last war most probably will result in radical changes in fighting equipment. One thing is sure, the big battleship will go if it proves to be a liability, and instead of fighting the war spends its time protecting itself - and we say 'if.'
What sub-type of article is it?
Military Affairs
War Or Peace
What keywords are associated?
Mosquito Boats
Torpedo Boats
Naval Strategy
Wwii Warfare
Macarthur Escape
Battleships
Japanese Navy
What entities or persons were involved?
Lt. John D. Bulkeley
General Douglas Macarthur
William Allen White
Japs
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Potential Of Mosquito Boats In Naval Warfare Against Japan
Stance / Tone
Optimistic And Speculative Support For Innovative Small Craft
Key Figures
Lt. John D. Bulkeley
General Douglas Macarthur
William Allen White
Japs
Key Arguments
Bulkeley's Firsthand Faith In Mosquito Boats' Striking Power
Hundreds Of Boats Could Sweep Japanese From The Sea
War Experience May Elevate Small Boats' Status
Small Boats Could Change Future Navy Concepts
Large Ships Vulnerable Without Air Protection
Potential Test Revealing Weaknesses In Big Warships
Wars Lead To Radical Changes In Equipment
Battleships May Become Obsolete If They Prioritize Self Protection