Project 888
Name: Robert Edmon BATTEN
Rank / Rating: S1-Seaman First ClassService #: 322 01 61 DOB: Sep 06, 1926 From: Charlton, Iowa Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Everett Vance (Foster Parents) Went Aboard: April 27, 1944 Age When Ship Went Down: 18 years, 10 months, 24 days Spouse: Children: Grandchildren: Bio Submitted By: Admin |
 BATTEN, Robert E |
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Seaman First Class Robert Batten was born on September 6, 1926, in Charlton, Iowa. His photo is displayed above. He went aboard USS Indianapolis on April 27, 1944. He had quit school at age 17 and lied about his age just so he could go into service for his country. He was known aboard Indianapolis as the ship’s boxing champion.
Bob had a sister who was married and was living in Iowa. Her husband, coincidentally, was a brother of a Mailman Third Class sailor who was also serving onboard USS Indianapolis.
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| Mailman Third Class Harold Vinton Briley (See Bio of Harold) had just celebrated his 35th birthday and had been on the ship since May 1945. Harold Briley had one daughter that was only a few years old that he left behind. She went on to become a professional journalist and did many interviews and stories about this story in her career. Bob and Harold hadn’t met each other until shortly before the ship sank. When the news came out of the sinking and loss of lives, both the husband and wife were each faced with losing a brother; a double tragedy in their family. Given this double tragedy, Capt. McVay received a letter from Bob’s sister. The letter along with Capt. McVay’s response is transcribed below: October 25, 1945 Dear Capt. McVay No doubt you have received many letters as this and believe me I’m sorry to be adding another one. I am writing you concerning my husband’s brother and also mine. These boys were aboard the Indianapolis, and we would like so very much to get a little information about them. These boys are Harold B. Briley, mailman 3/c of Farragut, Iowa and Robert E. Batten S1/c -Gunner’s Mate of Davenport, Iowa. Any information you can pass onto us concerning either or both of these boys will be greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Mrs. H. V. Briley October 31, 1945 My dear Mrs. Briley, Your letter of October 25th concerning your husband’s brother, Harold V. Briley, and your brother Robert Edmon Batten, has just reached me here in the Bureau of Naval Personnel where I have been on temporary duty since my return from Guam the middle of last month. I regret that I can add nothing to my letter of September 24th to Mrs. Lele C. Briley, regarding the manner in which Harold V. Briley, Mailman third class, United States Naval Reserve lost his life nor can I add anything to my letter of September 25th to Mr. James M. Batten, regarding the manner in which your brother Robert Edmon Batten, Seaman first class, United States Naval Reserve, lost his life. It is difficult I know for you to understand why we cannot furnish more information. However, when it is realized that the ship sank in the middle of the night in a very short time and that no records whatsoever were saved that may explain our difficulty in piecing together a coherent story. Very sincerely, CHAS B, McVay, III | |
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