I can't speak to the bayonets (except to note that we didn't have any on the Ustafish), but I can speak to the ship totals. According to the Naval History and Heritage Command website (http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/org9-4.htm), the Navy had 160 surface warships and 342 total active ships as of April 7, 1917; as of September 30, 2011, there were 122 surface warships (including aircraft carriers, but not including the amphibious assault ships that anybody else would call an aircraft carrier) and 285 total ships.
Of course, in December 1916, there were only 130 surface warships and 245 ships total. Governor Romney picked his date carefully.
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Date: 2012-10-24 02:15 am (UTC)Of course, in December 1916, there were only 130 surface warships and 245 ships total. Governor Romney picked his date carefully.