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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 Rear Admiral Joseph Strauss, Commander, Mine Force

28/1/1.       

Subject Copy.

     CABLEGRAM SENT                     23 July E C.1

Aminfor, Inverness (C.M.F.)2           451

M-4                                C of S.

31 ADR

S E C R E T

451. C-in-C Grand Fleet3 considers mines laid 65 feet below surface do not provide reliable surface mine barrage and strongly urges future operations in area A higher tier American mines be laid at depth which will insure destruction. Have not given my consent to to the change but incline to believe it desirable lay mines as suggested by Commander-in-Chief, laying upper tier mines 38 feet below surface. Request recommendation Commander Mine Force as to advisability laying mines this way and as to possibility doing so with material on hand. If such change should be made do you consider it practicable and advisable to use one D-5 float with 30 feet antennae and omit the other D-5 float with 40 feet antennae This would place mines 38 feet below surface. What delay in operations would result from such change?4 Expedite answer. 01324   451.

/S/ Sims                     

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. Handwritten date, which is confirmed by the time/date stamp. Document reference: “1/2/A/J.”

Footnote 1: Initials of the transcriber.

Footnote 2: That is, Commander Mine Force.

Footnote 3: Adm. Sir Doveton Sturdee, R.N., Commander-in-Chief, Grand Fleet.

Footnote 4: Strauss’ response has not been found.

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