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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

Action Copy                                    File No. 16/5/7 C

CABLEGRAM RECEIVED  <August 24, 1918.>  ALS

Origin Opnav Washington                           Ser. No. 299

Ref’d to       Date

  N-1          24 Aug

B                         CONFIDENTIAL

Simsadus.

299 Submarine which was operating off Chesapeake Cape and which sank Norwegian Bark NORDHAV Aug. 17th identified as U-117. Description follows new large mine layer improvement U-70 class, length 262 feet beam greater then that of cruiser.

Armament reported to be 1-5.9 gun forward, 1-4.1 gun aft, 3-22 pounders in echelon abreast conning tower (port gun being foremost of the two within radius, 45 mines, possibly 22 torpedoes probably 4 torpedo tubes. Maximum speed surface probably not greater than 13 knots submerged speed about 8 knots for 1 hour. Has large radius of action and is xxxxxxxx capable of remaining at sea five months 01124 299

Benson        

925 AM Aug.24, 1918.    

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. Document reference: “J/1/3.”

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