Skip to main content
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

5 August 1918

From:     Sims

To:       Opnav

          Admiralty has decided to release information concerning nature of mysterious ships. First Lord1 in speech last night at entertainment at Palace Theatre for overseas force described a Q ship action and stated that the game is played out.2 The intention is to have belief Admiralty has abandoned the use of these vessels but to keep them in service.     21305.

Sims

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. Document reference: “IL 2304.”

Footnote 1: First Lord of the Admiralty Sir Eric Geddes.

Footnote 2: For more on Geddes’ speech, see: The Mystery Ship, Encounter with a Submarine: 5 August 1918.

Related Content