The Beginning and End of The USAT Merritt

Photo Credit: Museum of Russian Culture, San Francisco



The USAT MERRITT was built in China and launched in 1912.   Manila was it's home port.   It's purpose was to transport troops and supplies.  

In 1932,  it was sold to Vincencio  Fernandez, a private businessman, and renamed  SS BISAYAS. 

In the Pacific Theater in World War II, the Japanese military, targeting the United States Navy, on January 2, 1942, sank the ship in the Manila Harbor. 

The Japanese forces raised the ship and renamed it  HISHIGATA MARU, placing it in service with the rest of the its fleet assigned to protect  the Japanese mainland.  On February 1945 it was hit by United States aircraft  and sank in the Philippine  waters off San Fernand Lingayen.

The Last of the Czarist Navy

In Honor of Admiral Yuri Stark

So many owe him for their improved future, the opportunity to find freedom and to begin a new life outside the clutches of communist Russia.  Without a doubt, he exemplified one of the best Russian Naval Officers to represent the humanity of leadership instilled in the Russian Imperial Navy.  Admiral Stark was a largely unsung hero whose valuable contributions are being honored now.

            Russian Cemetery, St. Genevieve des Bois, south of Paris, France

                                          
                             Cemetery Photo Credits Julia Keld

                               Russian Imperial Naval Flag

Admiral Stark in Paris, France

   Before leaving the Philippines, Admiral Stark made arrangements to re-connect with his children in Paris.   To sustain himself and support his children, he worked at a series of menial jobs.  Somehow he was able to make ends meet.  When the Nazis occupied Paris,  he chose not to placate the invading force, and so the availability of jobs diminished.  After the war ended he was elected to become the chairman of an association of Exiled Russian Naval Officers.   In 1948, he celebrated the start of his naval career 50 years ago.  At the end of 1949, his failing health forced him to relinquish his chairmanship of the Exiled  Russian Naval Officers association and relocated to the "Russian House," a residence for elderly, ailing Russian immigrants located outside of Paris.   

On March 2, 1950, at the age of 72, Admiral Stark drew his last breath.  He is buried at the Russian Cemetery, St. Genevieve des Bois, not far from the "Russian House."  At his grave site, with his personal Alexander flag at half mast, and the background  filled with a choral chorus  directed by Count Galizine, Admiral Stark entered  into his last  outpost.  God Bless His Soul.

From Vladivostok To Manila

On October 23, 1922, the Siberian Flotilla, consisting of twenty three less-than sea-worthy vessels, set sail out of the Golden Horn Bay, Vladivostok.
           
What ensued turned out to be a three month perilous, agonizing, extremely difficult journey.  Beset with pestilence, famine, death, inhospitable, and untrustworthy neighboring countries. flotilla passengers witnessed the loss of two of their vessels.

During a brief stay in Shanghai, many physically and suffering from exhaustion  begged to remain in Shanghai.  Continuing to search for help, a successful contact was made with the United States.  General Leonard Wood, Governor of the Philippines, offered the refugees  sanctuary.   
                  

On January 19, 1923, Admiral Stark and what remained of the flotilla gathered at Mariveles, north of Manila. This would be a new beginning for the refugees, but an end for part of the mighty Imperial Russian Navy.  

Remaining flotilla ships were sold. With these funds and the support of the American Red Cross, Admiral Stark made sure that the basic needs of the remaining members would be taken care of  living in an encampment at Olongapo.  

As quotas were lifted in various countries, refugees took advantage of relocating to South America, Australia, New Zealand, etc.  In time, quotas were lifted in the United States, thus, those who wished to go there, now had the opportunity.  With free passage paid for by the U.S. government.

On May 23,1923, Admiral Stark delivered his final address and watched as the USAT Merritt lifted it's anchor and slowly set sail out of the harbor with 526 Russian refugees on board bound for the United States, Treasure Island in the San Francisco bay.       

Stark's Flotilla Sets Sail

Stark in Swedish means "strong."

Yuri Karlovich Stark was born in St. Petersburg, October 20, 1878, of Swedish/Finnish stock.  His ancestors played an integral part in the development of the Russian Imperial Navy.  Peter The Great's progressive movement included establishing a great naval force.  Yuri Karlovich Stark followed his ancestral footsteps.

Upon completion of the Naval Cadet Training School in St Petersburg, he received his first commission on the cruiser "Aurora." His naval career took him to many places including the Far East waters.  He survived the tragic "Siberian Ice" Campaign of 1920-1921.  He was rescued and miraculously rehabilitated by the medical treatment he received in Harbin.  In time, he chose to retire in Harbin.

In 1922, the Bolsheviks  were making great strides to overcome the existing Russian government, causing great unrest.  Civilians were fleeing the country.   Admiral Yuri Stark came out of retirement to be in charge of the "Siberian Flotilla" to offer support to the thousands of fleeing civilians. 

On October 23, 1922,  with several thousand refugees aboard 23 less-than sea-worthy vessels, the Siberian Flotilla set sail out of the Golden Horn Bay, Vladivostok, to an unknown future.  Admiral Stark and many of his passengers will never see Russia again.  

    Credit: Russian Historical Society of Australia

Admiral Yuri Karlovich Stark

                                                           Admiral Yuri Stark

                                        Admiral Stark seated first row center.                             

                                       Photo Credit: Igor and Denis Stark

                                               
                                               
                                                   Photo Credit:  Paul Stark

Freedom Not Allowed in Honolulu

Honolulu Star Bulletin  June 20, 1923

Refugees Flee Red Terror

     Honolulu Star Bulletin   June 20, 1923