This is a WWII US Naval grouping of Lieutenant junior grade Alexander B Holland of Denver, Colorado. Lt Holland served aboard USS YMS-26, a minesweeper that saw service from February, 1942 through March, 1944 when it was transferred to the French Navy. These compact ships were 136 feet long and had a displacement of 270 tons. A crew of 32 men operated this class of minesweeper. The only armament was a single 3" anti aircraft gun and two 20mm anti aircraft guns. They were diesel powered, with 2000 horsepower turning two shafts. A total of 494 of the YMS class minesweepers were built during WWII. The most significant event that YMS-26 participated in during the war was mine clearing in the harbor of Casablanca, Morocco during the North Africa campaign. Included in the grouping are one officer's billed hat with grey cover, one officer's grey overseas cap with Lt insignia, one officer's billed hat with dark blue cover, one officer's blue overseas cap with Lt. j.g. insignia, one sea bag with Holland's name, rank, service number stenciled on it, a apir of Lt. line officer's shoulder boards, Holland's dog tags, a 1940 copy of "Blue Jacket's Manual" with Holland's name on the fly leaf, a 1941 copy of "Watch Officer's Guide" with his name on the fly leaf, a box of assorted naval buttons and insignia, tan and white hat covers and a black rain cover for the billed caps. This is a nice grouping for the beginning collector and displays well.

Item # AA1621

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