Oblong Quarto (ca. 18.5 x 27.5 cm or 7 ¼ x 11 ¾ in). 38 black cardstock leaves (three blank) with tissue guards. Ca. 117 mounted gelatin silver photographs from ca. 9.5 x 15 cm (3 ¾ x 6 in) to 5.5 x 6.5 cm (2 x 2 ½ in). Eight images with period ink captions on paper labels attached to mounts (captions relate to up to four photos); three images captioned in negative. With one newspaper clipping (ca. 24.5 x 16 cm or 9 ½ x 6 ¼ in) and two printed postcards (ca. 13.5 x 8.5 cm or 5 ¼ x 3 ¼ in and slightly smaller). Period brown sheep boards fastened with metal bolts; elaborate blind-stamped design of two Chinese dragons above Tsingtao Pier on front board. First leaf with period gilt print introduction, titled “My Oriental Album.” Boards rubbed on extremities; several leaves with minor tears or rubbing on extremities not affecting images; several tissue guards with creases, minor tears, or minor losses; eleven photos previously removed from album; two images with creases, but overall a very good album with interesting photos.

A lively collection of gelatin silver photographs showing a US sailor’s service in the Pacific theatre of WWII, including the Philippines, Tsingdao (modern day Qingdao, China), and Honolulu (Hawaii). It was compiled by one C.T. Campbell, a Motor Machinist’s Mate (MoMM) 1st Class.

Over 40 photographs in the album show the Philippines: views of Leyte-Samar Naval Base, Manilla National Post Office, Guiuan Church, and Manicani-Barrio School, as well as snapshots of the locals and the compiler with his crewmates and friends. There are also photographs from at sea. They include a series of photos showing a seaplane landing and being loaded onto a ship and photographs of the USS Topeka (1944), USS Logan (1944), and USS Leary (1945).

Other photographs in the album include St. Michael’s Cathedral, Zhanshan Temple, Kiautschou Governor’s Hall, and an American road convoy in Tsingtao (Qingdao) and views of Waikiki Beach, the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial, and Lau Yee Chai restaurant (demolished in 1968) in Honolulu.

The newspaper clipping shows and describes the formation of a new landmass after a submarine volcanic eruption in the Izu islands, off the coast of Japan. The two postcards are from Qingdao, China, showing “Pacific Road” and “Tsingtao stand [sic] beach” (possibly Golden Sand Beach).

Overall, an interesting collection showing the service of a Motor Machinist’s Mate in the Pacific theatre at the end of WWII.