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- COMMANDER SOUTH ATLANTIC

3)THE FIRST RECIFE CONTACT


During the early part of 1941, the United States began the policy of sending Naval Observers to various key Brazilian Ports. First to arrive was Lieutenant Commander, later Captain, W. A. Hodgman, USN Retired. He reached Recife on February 26, under orders from the Office of Naval Intelligence.   


The Observer had a staff originally consisting of one Chief Yeoman. He obtained office space, first in the American Consulate, and later, on the third floor of the Bank of London Building, on Rua do Bom Jesus. The latter is close to the Recife waterfront, and from his office, the Observer could overlook the harbor, watch ship movements, and, by this proximity, keep an eye on port activities in general. 



Sul America building. The U S Consulate was located at the 6th floor with a broader view of the harbor.


In other respects, the location was not a good one, for Rua do Bom Jesus was in the least desirable place of the city. It is on the island called “ Bairro do Recife”, connected by three bridges with the main part of the city, to which it gives its name. No sailor who has had liberty or shore duty in Recife will be likely to forget the “Island”. Though shore headquarters were later mover, it is safe to say that “Bomb Jesus Street will also be long remembered by visitors there".    
 



Detail of Rua do Bom Jesus the most visited place by many sailors circa 1941.   



Rua do Bom Jesus seen during daylight. Nothing resembles the busy  street where sailors  had liberty all night long.  


HyperWar - Commander South Atlantic Force. U.S. Naval Administration in WW II


 

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