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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 Rear Admiral Samuel McGowan, Chief, Bureau of Supplies and Accounts

October 15th. 1918

My dear McGowan:

          Just a word about depth charges. You know these so called “Ash Guns <Cans>” are really the most important weapon that we now use against the submarine. The recent developments in anti submarine tactics require many depth charges to allow what we call a sustained barrage. We cannot place these tactics into full effect until we have a large reserve supply on hand at each base and every assurance that it will be maintained. It is for this reason that I have been cabling requesting that the question of the transportation of these depth charges be expedited as much as possible.

          I do not know where the hitch is but doubtless you will be able to find out. I will be very much obliged if you will have one of your reliable strikers take this in hand and see if he can insure a continued supply at the rate which we have requested.

          If you happen to glance at the newspapers from time to time you will know that we have the festive Hun on the run and it is only a matter of time until we get from him everything that we are fighting for in this war.

Very sincerely yours,

Source Note: TL, DLC-MSS, William S. Sims Papers, Box 71. Addressed below close: “Rear Admiral Samuel McGowan, U.S.N./Chief of Bureau of Supplies and Accounts,/Navy Department,/Washington,.”

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