-
Adapter and booster casing
EI'.Jll~--
(Hexagonal head)
Fuze bushing
e-...---- Detonator -
J
1.-~!:11"--l't---Bursting Yellow marking ~ charge
-
--;;+-0iw1 ---IH--1>
Minimum wall thickness 0.303 in.
Filling (Net capacity 28.7 cu. in.)
Weight marks-
75m,;;, Gun Shell Mk.II
Type: 75MM Chemical Projectile (MKll ) Origin: USA Weight empty: 10.27 lbs Possible fills (fill weight): Mustard (0.96-1 .35 lbs), Phosgene (1 .2 lbs), Chloropicrin (1.34 lbs), White phosphorus (1 .90 lbs), and Smokes
(Left) These four 75-mm mustard rounds were recovered in 2 006 from a clam processing plant, which turned them over to the Army for demolition. Note how some ofthe shelfs look nearly p ristine, while the one on the bottom is heavily encrusted. (above) D iagram of the 75-mm chemical projectile.
determined. Nonetheless, only a few possible sources exist for the origination of chemical munitions. Although it is far from certain, the recovery of the chemical shell may have its origin in the period shortly after World War I. At the end of World War I, the victors were faced with the challenge of demilitarizing rhe defeated and safely disposing of excess war materials, including chemical and conventional munitions. The United States was also left with a significan t inventory of excess, obsolete, or unserviceable US munitions, including chemical munitions. In January 19 19, theAmericanExpedirionary Forces in France sent a confidential cablegram back co the United States government highlighting this problem. The cablegram stated, "Steamer Eleanor returned with large cargo 75 millimeter mustard gas shells and phosgene. Such material not desired here. H old there until treaty of peace is signed and rhen inform department of disposition yo u recommend." Concerns about the safe sto rage of chemical munitions and bulk chemical agents were hardly new. Phosgene and chlorine, two industrial chemicals that had been used on rhe battlefields in Euro pe, had co mmercial uses and the Chemical Warfare Service actively inves tigated the sale of these chemicals to industry. On the other hand, mustard agent and Lewisite (an arsenic-based blister agent) had no commercial use, and rheir disposal became a pressing concern . Disposal options for d1ese war materials we re then limited to open burn ing, buri al on land, or sea disposal; rhere was no chemical neutralization process available at the time. Sea disposal, an accepted international practice, appeared to be the best option at the time. Herein lies the story of USS Elinor and a possible explanation for the echoes of Wo rld War I chemical warfare materials along the Atlantic Coas t. The ship was actually USS Elinor (Hull No. 2465), rather than the Steamer Eleanor cited in the cablegram . She was a freighter built for the French at the Baltimore Dry SEA HISTORY 13 3 WINTER 201 0-11
D ock and Shipbuilding Company, originally named General de Castfenau. This 4,295-gross- ton freighter with a displacement of 8,785 tons, a length of 353.25, and a beam measuring just over fo rty- nine fee t, had a top speed of eleven knots. In August 19 17, while still under construction, USS Elinor was requisitioned by the US Shipping Board, which took possession of all ocean-going merchant ships under construction or on order in US shipyards. She was launched on 17 October 191 7 and was com missioned for Wo rld War I service the fo llowing March (19 18). Assigned to the Naval Overseas Transportation Service, the Elinor made fo ur voyages to Europe carrying general cargo, vehicles, and munitions, and retu rned either in ballas t or wirh a cargo of war munitions. Elinor was one of fo ur vessels that underwent special preparations in O ctober 19 18 to allow "for carrying of gas cargo." In November, it was decided that the installation of special fi ttings co allow Elinor co transport mustard shells would be discontinued, but because she had already fi nished loading munitions and other materiel she was allowed co operate for ano ther trip. According co a memorandum dared 26 November 19 18, Elinor was loaded with: 1,333 tons of 75-mm gas shells; 3 19.7 tons of supplies and equipment fo r the Mocor Transport Service; 939.9 tons of subsistence, clorhing, and general supplies fo r the Quartermas ter Corps; and 1,929.3 tons of smokeless powder, livens drums, propelling charges, fuses, shells, and cartridge cases. USS Elinor arrived at Nantes, France, on 16 D ecember 19 18. The nexrday, she p roceeded tO the amm unition dock at Ursine Brulee where her cargo was unloaded between 19 December and 5 January. On the 5'h ofJan uary, she was loaded with app roximately 2,900 tons of " O rdnance supplies" [possibly munitions or other Ordnance Corps materials] rhat were co serve as ballast on her return trip across the Atlantic. The cargo classification memorandum from Nantes shows the Elinor departed 5 January 19 19 with 88 cons of ordnance cargo [munitions] retained on board and 2,648 tons of new ordnance
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