LITTLE KNOWN NAVY HISTORY!
TRUTH IS STRANGER THAN FICTION!
THE SPANISH TRIED TO BORROW AMMUNITION FROM THE AMERICANS DURING THE SPANISH AMERICAN WAR!
In the first stages of the Spanish-American War, on 14 April 1898, the USS Charleston was ordered to capture the Spanish island of Guam.
The USS Charleston was running on a schedule, too, they had been given only two days to complete this mission.
When the USS Charleston finally reached Guam, time was running out.
With every reason to expect heavy resistance, the USS Charleston fired 13 shots at the Spanish fort of Santa Luz and waited for a response.
The Spanish response was not the expected barrage of cannon fire that the Americans were expecting.
Instead the Spanish sent a single small boat , carrying a Spanish officer to the USS Charleston who politely asked permission to come aboard.
Out of curiosity, the CO of the USS Charleston let him come aboard.
The Spaniard politely welcomed the USS Charleston to Guam.
Then, the Spanish thanked the Americans for their lovely 13 gun salute ... and apologized that they had not saluted back as they were completely out of gunpowder.
The Spanish Officer proceeded to earnestly ask if the Americans if they would lend him some gun powdered so the Spanish could return the favor.
After what had to have been one of the most hilariously awkward conversations in the history of warfare, a confused and presumably very annoyed Spanish officer informed the Americans that Spain had never bothered to inform Guam that they were at war with the US.
This is why, the Spanish didn't bother stocking up on gunpowder.
This is how the strategically important island of Guam surrendered without firing a single shot,
PICTURE: The USS Charleston entering Agana Harbor in Guam in 1898
Hahahahaha! I'd never heard that story before. Thanks for sharing, besilarius!