11281. na. History of Beach Patrol – 13th Naval District. United States Coast Guard. War Diary Office. nd. c.1944. 101 p. A photocopy of a typed manuscript, with illustrations, detailing the history of beach patrols on the Oregon and Washington coasts during the Second World War. On July 25, 1942, Coast Guard Headquarters authorized all Naval Districts that were adjacent to the coast to organize a well-armed and maintained beach patrol, with proper communication equipment to relay messages. Normal foot patrol procedures required men to travel in pairs, armed with rifles, or sidearms and flare pistols. In 1942, the Coast Guard recognized that the use of dogs, with their keen sense of smell and their ability to be trained for guard duty, would help enhance the patrols. The first dog patrols began at Brigantine Park , N.J. , in August 1942 and were so successful, that within a year, the animals and their handlers were on duty in all the districts. Dog patrols were usually conducted at night and consisted of a dog and dog handler. With thousands of miles of coastline to protect, horses were added patrols were put into action in many places. These “sailors on horseback” now receive long overdue credit for a job well done. Extremely detailed, includes the coast lookouts that preceded beach patrols, control stations, dog patrols, horse patrols, communications, morale, Medical Department, the beach patrol in action, and more. This manuscript was never officially published and no library holdings were located. Great reading and a valuable reference. (VG). (Spiral Bound Photocopy $21.)