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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Admiral Sir David Beatty, Commander-in-Chief, Grand Fleet, to the Admiralty

TELEGRAM       No 108

Date 16.8.18       

Recd. 11:30 pm     

From  C-in-C Grand Fleet

To    Admiralty.

F. A.

108. I have learnt indirectly that the recent minelaying experiment by U. S. San Francisco has discovered source of previous failure and that not more than 10 per cent of failures is expected in future. I understand Admiral Sims1 has full information and request I may be furnished with same. In view of above facts it is intended to continue laying American mines and second minelaying squadron will leave Inverness on Sunday for that purpose.

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. Addressed below close: “A.C.N.S. [Assistant Chief of Naval Staff VAdm. Sir Alexander L. Duff]/DOD (K)[Director of Operations Division Capt. A. Dudley P.R. Pound]/DDOD (M) for action [Deputy Director of Operations Division Capt. Bernard St.G. Collard]/D.A.S.D. [Director of Anti-Submarine Division Capt. William W. Fisher]/D.M.S. [Director of Minesweeping Capt. Lionel G. Preston]/D.T.M.[Director of Torpedoes and Mines Capt. Frederick L. Field]/D.M.M.[Director of Mercantile Movements - unknown].” Document reference: “28-8-IR,” and in columnar fashion: “File No 1/2/A/J.”

Footnote 1: VAdm. William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters.

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