Edward E. Reavely Journal, USS Chester

Access and use

Location of collection:
University of Richmond
Rare Books and Special Collections
Boatwright Library
University of Richmond
28 Westhampton Way
Richmond, VA 23173
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Lynda Kachurek
Phone: (804) 289-8458
Fax: (804) 287-1840
Restrictions:

here are no restrictions on accessing material in this collection.

Terms of access:

Copyright restrictions may apply. Unpublished manuscripts are protected by copyright. Permission to publish, quote, or reproduce must be secured from the repository and the copyright holder.

Preferred citation:

[page], SC-9, Edward E. Reavley Journal USS Chester, Book Arts, Archives, & Rare Books, Boatwright Memorial Library, University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia.

Summary

Extent:
1 Volumes
Abstract:
This collection contains a journal written by Edward E. Reavley during his time on the USS Chester during World War I while serving in the Navy
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[page], SC-9, Edward E. Reavley Journal USS Chester, Book Arts, Archives, & Rare Books, Boatwright Memorial Library, University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia.

Background

Scope and content:

While serving on the USS Chester, Reavely kept this journal documenting both the work and the emotions of life aboard the vessel during wartime. As with most logs, he documented weather and daily activities, but one will also find emotional descriptions as well, including anxiety caused by sailing through areas known for submarine activities and attacks on other ships. The journal contains a photo of Reavely inside the interior front boards and a copy of his service record tucked in the back of the book.

Biographical / historical:

Born on 6 November 1896 in Sale Creek, TN, Edward Earl Reavely enlisted in April 1917, and served as Quartermaster First Class on the destroyer USS Chester in 1917. During World War I, the ship was frequently an escort ship to convoys passing between Britain and Gibraltar. Per the included military records, Ensign Reavely transferred to the USS Tampa on 11 May 1918 and was unfortunately killed when the Tampa was hit by a torpedo and sunk on 26 September 1918. A manuscript note on the interior of the item reads,

"Torpedoed on the USS Tampa off coast of England a good pal gone but not forgotten By his shipmates."
According to documents available at the East Tennessee Veterans Memorial Association, Reavely was awarded the Purple Heart and memorialized at the Brookwood American Cemetery (Brookwood, England).

Acquisition information:
This item was purchased from William Reese Co. with funds from the Beverly Lyle Britton Fund.
Arrangement:

This collection contains one item.