Commander Joseph K. Taussig, Commander, Destroyer Division Eight, to Commanding Officers, Queenstown Destroyer Force
From: Commanding Officer, U.S.S. Wadsworth
Memo for Commanding Officers, Wadsworth, Nicholson, Tucker, Cummings, Benham, Winslow.
1. Wadsworth, Nicholson, Benham sail from Queenstown 1 p.m. B.S.T. 22 June 1917, proceed to positions five, fifteen and twenty five miles south of Daunt Rock Light Ship respectively, then set course to 242° true. Rendezvous Lat. 47.30 N. Long. 20.00 W. at 4 a.m. G.M.T. 24 June.
2. Tucker, Cummings, Winslow leave Berehaven at time designated by C.O. Tucker. On clearing Bantry Bay proceed course 242° true, interval 10 miles between ships. Rendezvous Lat. 47°30’ N. Long. 20.00 W at 4 a.m. 24 June.
3. On arrival rendezvous form line of sections (first section on right) interval 800 yards. Section composed as follows: 1st Section, Wadsworth, Tucker, Benham: 2nd Section, Nicholson, Cummings, Winslow. Unless signal is made to contrary course will be 280° true, speed 15 knots. It is possible that scouting line may be ordered from this formation.
4. In falling in with convoy take positions in accordance with attached sketch.1 If disposition of convoy is not [as] shown in sketch, take positions as near as practicable in order to guard flanks.
5. If submarine is sighted open fire upon it immediately.
6. If any ship is torpedoed, the flanking destroyer (Benham and Winslow) will stand by torpedoed vessels and do necessary rescue work. Other destroyers will open out to cover flanks of remaining vessels.
7. In case of fog the Wadsworth and Nicholson will follow astern of Birmingham; the Benham, Tucker, Cummings, Winslow will each follow astern of a transport in this order from right to left.
8. On arrival St. Nazaire return to Queenstown independently. If necessary to refuel at St. Nazaire take only sufficient oil to carry you to Queenstown with safe margin for unforeseen emergencies that may arise.
J.K. Taussig.
Source Note: D, RNW, Joseph K. Taussig Papers, Mss. Coll. 97. Naval Historical Collection. A copy of this document was included as a part of Taussig’s diary entry for 20 June 1917.
Footnote 1: This sketch is no longer with this document.
