The fleet settled into a cycle of strikes, kamikaze attacks, withdrawal, and replenishment during July 1945. British pumping rates had improved, but ships still remained alongside tankers much longer than American ships supplied by fast fleet oilers. The account then turns from machinery to coalition manpower when HMCS Uganda prepared to leave. After victory in Europe, Canadian personnel could choose whether to volunteer for continued Pacific service, and most of the cruiser company chose to return home. The resulting departure saddened the squadron and embarrassed officers who had expected to remain through the end of the campaign.
Notable Point · 2:53:39-2:54:53
British Pacific Fleet replenishment and HMCS Uganda's departure
A memoir passage pairs the British Pacific Fleet's slower replenishment system with the political and human consequences of Canada's Pacific-service policy.