Skip to main content
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

Action Copy.                                 File No. 28/11/3

CABLEGRAM RECEIVED <August 21, 1918.>   JFG

Origin    Opnav Washington                        Ser. No. 171

Ref’d to       Date                Action, Notes and Initials

     S-1       Aug. 22        Quoted to Comdr. Mine Force1

See A 644                    

     31 ARD

CONFIDENTIAL

Simsadus:

171  In view of probable mining operations in Mediterranean Sea2 and probable necessity equipping mine base at Bizerta or elsewhere Department desires an officer fully experienced in requirements of such a base detached from Base 17 or 183 as soon as possible for duty temporarily in Bureau of Ordnance to assist in procuring mine and base equipment. He should bring plans of present base complete list equipment and recommendations and suggestions of Commander Mine Force. Lieutenant Bagby4 suggested for this detail. 20021. 171

BENSON             

744 AM August 22 1918   

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. Handwritten date is confirmed by the time/date stamp at the end of the cable.

Footnote 1: RAdm. Joseph Strauss, Commander, Mine Force.

Footnote 2: For more on Mediterranean mining operations, see: Allied Minelaying Conference, 15 August 1918.

Footnote 3: Invergordon and Inverness, Scotland.

Footnote 4: Lt. Oliver W. Bagby was still stationed at Base 17 in October 1918 when the Navy Supplemental List was published, though it is entirely possible he did receive a temporary assignment to the Bureau of Ordnance.

Related Content