Guide to the Norman W. Lindsey photographs
1945-1946
Collection number: HMC-1462.
Creator: Lindsey, Norman W.
Title: Norman W. Lindsey photographs.
Dates: 1945-1946.
Volume of collection: 0.2 cubic feet.
Language of materials: Collection materials are entirely in English
Collection summary: Photographs taken by a U.S. Army serviceman who served in Alaska during World War II.
Biographical note:
Norman W. Lindsey was born in 1926 to Frank and Emma Lindsey. He served in the U.S. Army’s 730th Coast Artillery Amphibian Motor Torpedo Boat Battery (C.A. Btry 730) on Shemya Island from May 1945 to November 1946. His tasks while stationed there were to keep the landing strip open during storms and aiding in rescue missions for downed airman. He was an avid photographer (as this collection shows). He returned to his hometown of Wallowa, OR and worked in the lumber industry until his retirement. He passed away in 2004 in Lakeview, OR.
Collection description:
This collection contains one photograph album, as well as four loose photographs, mostly documenting Norman W. Lindsey’s time in Alaska as a member of the Coast Artillery Amphibian Motor Torpedo Boat Battery from circa 1945-1946. The photographs depict life on Shemya Island. There are various pictures of WWII aircraft (fighters and bombers) as well as several pictures of artillery at the base. There are several pictures of the battery sign reading “C.A. Btry 730.” A large portion of the collection is dedicated to landscape and building photographs of Shemya and Dutch Harbor. Another significant portion depicts the soldiers in individual portraits or group photos as they live their lives on the island (several images include various animals). There are three pictures depicting WWII propaganda, enticing soldiers to the Aleutian Islands. There is a variety of photographs of dogs and a pet palace the soldiers created for them to live in outside of the barracks. Finally, there is a panorama photo of Shemya.
Arrangement: This collection is in the original order n which it arrived in the Archives.
Digitized copies: This collection has not been digitized. For information about obtaining digital copies, please contact Archives and Special Collections.
Rights note: The Archives holds copyright to items in this collection created by Norman W. Lindsey.
Preferred citation: Norman W. Lindsey photographs, Archives and Special Collections, Consortium Library, University of Alaska Anchorage.
Works used in preparation of inventory: “Norman W. Lindsey (1926-2004) – Find a Grave Memorial.” Find a Grave website. Last accessed May 7th, 2024. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/26754854/norman-w-lindsey
Related materials: For other archival collections relating to World War II in Alaska, please see our “World War II in Alaska” topic guide.
Acquisition note: Norman W. Lindsey’s son Ed donated this collection to the Archives in 2024.
Processing information: This collection was described by Rachel Nill in 2024.