Skip to main content

Naval History and Heritage Command

Vice Admiral William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations

Chronological Copy

Cablegram Sent 14 January 1918. ROC

To Opnav, Washington.             Serial No. 2920

Prep by CS         NCT1    D.R.

                                  25 R.

VERY SECRET

2920. My 2794 your 2127.2 Recommend Captain Richard H. Leigh be detached duty Washington and ordered to report to me for such duty as may be assigned.3 Have assigned him temporary duty Liaison Officer Anti-submarine Division Admiralty on request of Director that Division, cordially approved by First Sea Lord,4 but under his orders one eight four three dash eight six this is in addition to his duties in Bureau of Steam Engineering. Attitude of Admiralty officials changed since my two seven nine four was sent. They are now keenly interested and I foresee much benefit from Captain Leigh’s stay here and duty to which he has been assigned. Recommend same action case Lieutenant W. R. Carter.5

00014

          Sims.

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. Sims’ recommendations were approved in a cablegram from Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels on 15 January.

Footnote 1: Sims’ Chief of Staff, Capt. Nathan C. Twining.

Footnote 3: The then Assistant Chief of the Bureau of Steam Engineering, Leigh arrived in London in December to conduct tests of American designed underwater listening devices, the results of which were reported to Sims on 9 January. For additional information on Leigh’s mission, see: Leigh to Sims, 7 December 1917, and for a summary of the results of these tests, see: Sims to Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, 9 January 1918.

Footnote 4: Capt. William W. Fisher and Adm. Sir Rosslyn Wemyss.

Footnote 5: Worrall R. Carter.

hide
Related Content
Anti-Submarine Warfare