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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

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

Chronological Copy.                          File No. <4/6/1>

               Cablegram Sent June 8, 1918.  JFG

To Opnav Washington (Secnav)            Serial No. 9180

Prep. by A-1             SX   D.R.

                                   33 ADR

CONFIDENTIAL

9180.Your 66821 referred to Cone2 who replies as follows. “Plans have not been formed nor in any manner considered for more extensive use of day and night bombers than for sole purpose of bombing enenmy Naval activities. Entire project being developed U.S. Army and Allied authorities co-operating. To continued successful concentrated attack on submarine bases Zeebrugge, Ostend, Bruges Harbor, and Canal and Ghent we have recommended in my 69603 establishment six day bomb squadrons and six night bomb squadrons one supply and repair base to be established behind these. Has not been intention augment these squadrons or of extending beyond activity above. Have contracted in Italy for six replacements for six night squadrons until after night bomber can be furnished from United States. Army agrees entirely and now conducts our business in Italy. Always been understood that Italian night bombers were available for Army or Navy, depending upon urgency and readiness for using them. Any of these can be taken over by Marine or Army as soon as ready if so desired. Have now under training 30 pilots and 18 observers for one day squadron and 10 pilots for 1 night squadron. Beginning June 10th will have another night squadron training and about July 1st and August 20th will have trained one more day squadron. No reduction in training program should be made as all available Naval Flying Corps personnel can be used by the Allies advantageously. Taking over and preparing field sufficient for six day and six night squadrons in accordance with Department directions. Entire project should be under the Admiral at Dover, England.4 To have bestresults co-operation with Navy will be required.” <08208.> 9180

SIMS               

(In coding refer to No. 6682)

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B.

Footnote 2: Capt. Hutchinson I. Cone, Commander United States Naval Aviation Forces, Foreign Service.

Footnote 3: Cone’s cablegram has not been located.

Footnote 4: RAdm. Cecil F. Dampier.

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