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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Lieutenant Kenneth Whiting, Commander, First Aeronautic Detachment, to Vice Admiral William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters

File No. 4/6/4.

CABLEGRAM RECEIVED       <August 21, 1918.>

     Origin Amair Killingholme                    Ser.No. 2.

LC#1                      CONFIDENTIAL.

Simsadus.

2.Seaplane No.1062 Pilot Ensign Ives returned from Submarine search at 14º40’. Reports dropping two bombs on submarine at 13 35 which was lying on Bottom about 6 miles due east of Withersea alongside wreck buoyed by green buoy. Submarine could be plainly seen was camouflaged. First bomb failed to explode. Second bomb was marked direct hit and esploded bubbles of oil and air were seen to rise to surface. Submarine did not move and is still in same place. 4 trawlers and drifters stood over and dropped depth charges. Second depth charge landing on submarine. Air still coming to surface when seaplane left. Another seaplane with same observer has been dispatched.1 Whitting. 201521.

Amair K.

                         10 PM AUG 21, 1918.

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B.

Footnote 1: No submarine was destroyed on this date. Kemp, U-Boats Destroyed: 54-55.