Naval History and Heritage Command

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

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File 9/9/4

          The following comments on the conduct of the convoy on the morning of August 20 are quoted:-

U.S.S.SHAW, Lieutenant-Commander M.S. Davis.-2 The firing of the transports was toward all directions of the horizon, and sometimes almost in line with the destroyers. Shrapnel fell within 200 yards of the SHAW. The FINLAND fired near the SHAW at a spot which was so close that the possibility of there being a submarine within such close distance without being seen by our lookouts is quite impossible. The gun crews in all probability became excited, and it is probable that they were firing at fish or driftwood.

U.S.S. JACOB JONES, Lieutenant-Commander D.W. Bagley.3 Convoy dispersed southward and S.S. FINLAND and S.S. SAN JACINTO fired several shots. Convoy frequently changed course and did not remain in a body, but each vessel acted individually.

WM. S. SIMS.