Varnum Continentals

Preserving and Sharing Rhode Island Military History to Inpire and Educate the Public.

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You are here: Home / Speaking Program / [MAR. 11 DINNER MEETING] Guest Speaker: Roy R. Manstan on U-boat Hunters During World War I

[MAR. 11 DINNER MEETING] Guest Speaker: Roy R. Manstan on U-boat Hunters During World War I

March 4, 2019 By James Mitchell Varnum

Roy R. Manstan
Roy R. Manstan

Soon after America declared war on Germany in April 1917, the Secretary of the Navy established the Naval Experimental Station in New London, CT, on the grounds of Fort Trumbull. The mission was to create technologies to counter the U-boats that prowled the Atlantic and Mediterranean. In a coordinated effort to exploit a submarine’s vulnerability — they were all very noisy — the civilian staff and naval personnel at the Station developed “listening devices,” precursors to modern passive sonar. The presentation covers the development of these devices and also includes the role of the Newport Torpedo Station.

Please join us at the March Varnum Continentals Members Meeting as author and engineer Roy R. Manstan, shares this story. Manstan retired from the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport, RI, and previously was the diving officer for the NUWC Engineering and Diving Support Unit (EDSU). Manstan is the author of two non-fiction books about naval technology in wartime: “The Listeners: U-boat Hunters During the Great War” and “Cold Warriors: The Navy’s Engineering and Diving Support Unit”.

The Listeners: U-boat Hunters During the Great War
The Listeners: U-boat Hunters During the Great War

Please RSVP by 5:30 pm Friday, March 8 to Scott Seaback at 401-413-6277 or by email at scott@ritemps.com.

MEETING DATE: Monday, March 11
TIME: 5:30 pm (social hour); 6:30 (dinner followed by presentation)
LOCATION: Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, 6 Main Street, East Greenwich, RI
DINNER MENU: Traditional Irish Dinner of corned beef and cabbage, all the sides, and a fabulous dessert
FEE: $20/person


Join the Varnum Continentals for $50!

At only $50 per person annually, membership keeps you in the Varnum loop and supports our efforts to preserve U.S. history and educate the public. Members get a monthly newsletter and can also attend our monthly dinner programs that feature authoritative and engaging speakers on historic and military topics. CLICK HERE TO JOIN NOW!



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Filed Under: Speaking Program, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: Navy, sonar, submarine, varnum memorial armory, world war I

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] Unpacking the U.S. Civil War Bull Run Cannon

September 19, 2023 By James Mitchell Varnum

It took some work at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, but the Bull Run cannon’s gun tube is finally free of packed trash. We tried compressed air and plumbing augers, but what worked (with a lot of effort) was an American Civil War-period artillery worm! An unconventional use of an historic artifact, perhaps, but it got the job done.

About the Varnum Continentals

The Varnum Continentals are committed to the preservation of the historic heritage of our community, our state, and our nation. Please take a virtual tour of our museums to learn more about our mission to encourage patriotism. You can participate with us through active membership and/or philanthropic support in our non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Museum tours are welcomed and our facilities may be rented for suitable events.

Our Mission

The Varnum Continentals are committed to encourage patriotism through the Varnum Armory Museum, the Continental Militia, and the James Mitchell Varnum House and thus to preserve, support, and communicate the military history of our community, our state, and our nation.

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