Memorial: USS R-12 (SS-89) WWII Memorial
USS R-12 (SS-89) WWII Memorial
The R-12 Memorial Stone and the WWII Memorial in the Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter, RI
Description
The U.S. Submarine Veterans of World War II assigned USS R-12 (SS-89) to the State of Rhode Island Veterans' Memorial Cemetery at 301 S. Country Trail in Exeter, RI. On the 6th of October 2007, the Ocean State Chapter of the Submarine Veterans of World War II and the U.S Submarine Veterans, Inc. (USSVI) held dedication ceremonies last Saturday for a memorial to the submarine USS R-12 (SS 89), lost in 1943. The ceremony was held at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery on Route 2. The event also included a “tolling the boats” ceremony, remembering all 52 submarines lost during World War II. Guest speaker was CDR Michael Holland, commanding officer of the submarine USS Providence. Attending the ceremony was state Rep. Kenneth Carter (D-Exeter/North Kingstown) who is chairperson of the House Veterans Affairs Committee. A wreath was laid at the foot of the memorial by representatives of the Ocean State Chapter Submarine Veterans of World War II and the United States Submarine Veterans Inc. On June 12, 1943, the R-12 was on a torpedo practice run when a forward battery compartment began to flood. The commanding officer from the bridge gave orders to blow main ballast and close the hatches. But the R-12 sank in an estimated 15 seconds. The commanding officer, two ships officers and three enlisted men were on the bridge at the time and were the only survivors. Four U.S. officers, 36 enlisted and two Brazilian observers were killed. The R-12 rests in 600 feet of water near the Key West, Fla., operating area. On May 18, 2003 the SubVets of WWII Ocean State Chapter dedicated a memorial to the submariners lost during WWII. The ceremony was held at the Rhode Island Veteran's Cemetery in Exeter, RI. About 200 submariners, families and friends attended. Donald Kane, 1st Vice President, SubVets WWII was the principle speaker. His remarks about the men and life on board a WWII submarine were well received by those present. Senator Jack Reed (RI) also spoke. Source: Polaris magazine (Oct. 2003 ed)
Location
Address:
Veterans Memorial Cemetery Veterans Lane Exeter RI 02822
Website:
http://www.ussvi.net/mem/state-ri.htm
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The R-12 Memorial dedicated on 6 October 2007 by the Ocean State Chapter of the Submarine Veterans of World War II and the U.S Submarine Veterans, Inc. (USSVI)
R-12 Lost on 12 June 1943 with all hands
a Memorial
