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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

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

Cablegram Received  August 24, 1917

Origin: Chief of Naval Operations           Ser. No. Opnav 328

Via  NOD R13                                    Date No. 17023

Copied to: COS, JVB, BAI1

Action referred to: BAI

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Simsadus.

     228. It is possible that about middle of October 5 K-class submarines will arrive England followed about two weeks later by five of the L class. Tenders accompany. What will be their prospective duties and where bases.-2

17023.             

Admiral Benson.    

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

Footnote 1: Sims' Chief of Staff Capt. Nathan C. Twining, his aide Cmdr. John V. Babcock, and Lt. Cmdr. Byron A. Long, who in charge of the Convoys Section on Sims' staff.

Footnote 2: The British contemplated using the American submarines to replace the older British models operating from Killybegs Harbour in Ireland. However, a week later Adm. Henry T. Mayo, Commander-in-Chief, Atlantic Fleet, reported to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations that he had conferred with Sims and British First Sea Lord Adm. Sir John R. Jellicoe, and that they had decided to send one division of submarines to the Azores to operate against German U-boats in those waters. See: Mayo to Officer of the Chief of Naval Operations, 29 August 1917; and British Admiralty Assessment of United States Submarine, 29-30 August 1917, UK-KeNA, Adm. 137/1437. For Sims' response, see: Admiralty to Sims, 31 August 1917.

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