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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 Captain Joel R. Poinsett Pringle, Chief of Staff, Destroyer Flotillas

<December 30, 1917>

TELEGRAM.

FROM:     SIMSADUS

  TO:     MELVUS

          523 CONSIDER IMPORTANT THAT DESTROYERS SHOULD CARRY MAXIMUM NUMBER OF DEPTH CHARGES WHICH CAN BE HANDLED SAFELY. FIRE OF AFTER GUN SHOULD BE SACRIFICED IF NECESSARY. INVESTIGATE AND TAKE NECESSARY STEPS TO CARRY OUT ANY PRACTICABLE SCHEME AS SOON AS ADDITIONAL CHARGES BECOME AVAILABLE. IN VIEW OF IMPORTANCE OF HAVING MAXIMUM NUMBER OF CHARGES AT SEA WHERE THEY CAN BE USED AND OF CONSEQUENTLY INCREASED DEMAND FOR REPLACING CAN NOT SPECIAL PROVISION FOR INCREASED STOWAGE ASHORE BE MADE AVAILABLE 23530

SIM.               

          Copy.

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