Subject: Tidal Waves
As I wrote of previously, I observed a tidal wave that
hit Midway perhaps in late 1956. I was berthed in the very front room of the
old wooden barracks next to the chow hall and across the street from the Admin
Bldg. About 0500 hrs one morning I heard a siren go off. I got up to look out
the front window to see what it was all about and the main street in front of
the barracks was covered with water that I would estimate to be two or three
feet deep. As I continued to watch the water slowly retreated and about
fifteen minutes later it had all disappeared. It looked very similar to the
picture that Traycee found and posted.
Wayne, I believe you were there
the same time that I was and can verify this event.
The second event
occurred as I was coming off the mid watch on Eastern. We received a report
that there had been an earthquake in Alaska and a tidal wave was expected to
hit Midway Islands. I sought the highest elevation that I could find and that
was the old WWII Air Control on Eastern. The tidal wave never occurred but if
it had it surely would have taken the tower with it. This probably occurred in
mid 1957.
Bob Pepper