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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Vice Admiral William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters, to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations

Subject Copy.                               File No. <4-7-57>

              Cablegram Sent August 14 1918 NJW

To   Opnav Washington.                      Serial No. 2843

Prep. by A-1                 NCT D.R.

                                         42 ARD

S E C R E T

2843. Your 9416.1 British have abandoned plan of attack on German bases by means of seaplanes towed on lighters. Experience has shown them that general scheme is unsound and results to be obtained would not justify risk of losing surface craft necessary for those operations. British consider and I concur that occasional long reconnaissance flights and raids on enemy light forces by seaplanes carried on lighters practicable. For this work proposes retaining limited number of lighters at Killingholme and allocating remainder to Ireland for work along coast. No additional lighters required for present. Recommend no more be laid down. 082914.

2843. Sims.            

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

Footnote 1: This document has not been located.

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