Skip to main content
Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels to Vice Admiral William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters

CABLEGRAM RECEIVED       August 19,1917

Origin Daniels, Secy. Navy.                                         Serial No. NA342

Via N C B D                                                               Date No. 14018

Copies to Chief of Staff; Babcock; Admiralty.

Action referred to: Pay Inspector Tobey

From Daniels, Secretary Navy

To Alusna. London

NO 342.   Legation Copenhagen, Denmark informed German fleet in Holtenau section of Kiel Canal has on fuel, provisions and equipment and is prepared to sail.

     It was inspected August 11th by the Grand Admiral1 and is thought to be sailing for Russia

     One Kaiser, three Deutschland, two Braunchsweig, one Wittelsbach,2 24 torpedo boats, 4 destroyers. 14018.

Daniels, Secy-Navy

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG45, Entry 517B.

Footnote 1: Großadmiral Alfred Von Tirpitz.

Footnote 2: Kaiser, Braunschweig,  and Wittlesbach were all classes of battleship, and Deutschland a class of cruiser. The German fleet never mobilized.

Related Content