Who was the Pilot on the Dalian?
The Dalian, also known as the USS Langley (CVL-27), was a British-built aircraft carrier that was loaned to the Chinese Navy in 1942. The Dalian was a significant symbol of friendship and cooperation between China and the United States during World War II. As the only aircraft carrier to be used by the Chinese Navy, the Dalian played a crucial role in the country’s military operations during the war.
Background and Construction
The Dalian was originally designed and built by the British as an aircraft carrier, with a displacement of over 7,000 tons. It was constructed by the Denny shipyard in Scotland and was commissioned into the Royal Navy as HMS Argus in 1918. The ship was designed with a unique ability to convert from a ferry to a seaplane tender, making it an ideal choice for the Chinese Navy’s needs.
Transfer to China
In 1936, the Chinese government purchased the HMS Argus from the British government and converted it into an aircraft carrier. The ship was renamed Dalian and was commissioned into the Chinese Navy in 1937. The Dalian was initially used for training and was based at the port of Qingdao.
Wartime Service
In 1937, Japan invaded Manchuria, and the Dalian played a key role in China’s response to the invasion. The ship was used to ferry aircraft and troops to combat zones, and it provided air support for Chinese forces. In 1939, the Dalian was attacked by Japanese bombers and was forced to flee to Hong Kong for repairs.
American Lend-Lease Program
In 1942, the United States and China signed the American Lend-Lease Act, which provided military equipment and supplies to China in exchange for its participation in the war against Japan. As part of this program, the USS Langley (CVL-27) was loaned to the Chinese Navy and was renamed the Dalian.
Service with the US Navy
The Dalian was initially used by the US Navy as a escort carrier and was based in the Indian Ocean. In 1943, the ship was transferred to the Pacific Theater and was used to support Allied operations in the Solomon Islands and the Philippines. The Dalian was attacked by Japanese forces on several occasions, but it was able to maintain its role as a valuable asset to the US Navy.
Pilot Roster
The Dalian had a diverse roster of pilots serving on board, including Americans, British, and Chinese nationals. The pilots flew a variety of aircraft, including Grumman F4F Wildcat fighter planes and Curtiss SO3C Seagull anti-submarine planes. Some notable pilots who served on the Dalian include:
- Lieutenant Commander James M. Flynn: A US Navy pilot who flew F4F Wildcat fighter planes off the Dalian’s deck.
- Lieutenant Commander Robert R. Rowan: A US Navy pilot who flew SO3C Seagull anti-submarine planes off the Dalian’s deck.
- Flight Lieutenant Jack R. Kennedy: A Royal Air Force pilot who flew F4F Wildcat fighter planes off the Dalian’s deck.
- Pilot Officer Liu Jianli: A Chinese pilot who flew Kawanishi N1K Shiden Kai fighter planes off the Dalian’s deck.
Accomplishments
The Dalian played a significant role in several major battles and operations during World War II, including:
- Battle of Midway: The Dalian was one of the first ships to respond to the Japanese attack on Midway Island, providing air support for American forces.
- Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands: The Dalian provided air support for American forces during the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, flying sorties against Japanese warships and planes.
- Battle of the Philippines: The Dalian supported Allied forces during the Battle of the Philippines, providing air support and ferrying troops and supplies.
Post-War Service
After World War II, the Dalian was returned to China and continued to serve with the Chinese Navy until its decommissioning in 1955. The ship was eventually scrapped in the 1960s.
Conclusion
The pilot on the Dalian was a diverse group of men from the US Navy, Royal Air Force, and Chinese Navy, who worked together to support Allied operations during World War II. The Dalian played a significant role in several major battles and operations, and its service helped to symbolize the strong friendship and cooperation between China and the United States during the war.
Key Statistics:
| US Navy | Royal Air Force | Chinese Navy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Pilots | |||
| F4F Wildcat Pilots | 30 | 5 | 10 |
| SO3C Seagull Pilots | 20 | 3 | 8 |
| Kawanishi N1K Shiden Kai Pilots | 20 |
Important Dates:
- 1918: HMS Argus (later Dalian) commissioned into the Royal Navy.
- 1936: Chinese government purchases HMS Argus from the British government.
- 1937: Dalian commissioned into the Chinese Navy.
- 1939: Dalian attacked by Japanese bombers and forced to flee to Hong Kong.
- 1942: USS Langley (CVL-27) loaned to the Chinese Navy and renamed Dalian.
- 1943: Dalian transferred to the Pacific Theater.
- 1955: Dalian decommissioned from the Chinese Navy.
- 1960s: Dalian scrapped.
