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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 Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels

CABLE DISPATCH.

SENT: June 14, 1917     To; Secretarynofthe Navy.

THROUGH: Admiralty.     Via Naval Attache, Washington1

     91. Following for United States Chief of Naval Operations2 from Vice Admiral Sims begins Total losses week ending 12th June 193975 tons. Pressure during latter part of week greatly increased and estimated number of submarines now operating corresponds to greatest number during worst fortnight in April.3 24 submarines are known to be operating around United Kingdom the majority of which left their bases in comparatively short time which is new practice. Irregularity of enemy operations prevents accurate estimations of his plans. We must expect periods of varying activity. Principal area of activity still remains on Atlantic approach routes to South Westward of Ireland and England. Five or six apparently working in White Sea and one or more to West of Gibraltar and a large number in addition operating in Mediterranean. 43 encounters with submarines during week 7 by destroyers 13 auxiliary patrol 6 special service vessels4 2 patrol cruisers 2 submarines 2 seaplanes and 11 merchant vessels 2 French and 1 Russian. Minelaying about average concentrated South-east and West Coast British Islands. 10 ships lost in one day. Defeat of submarine campaign can only be effected by increasing number of anti-submarine craft immediately.. If safety of oil and other valuable and urgently needed supplies for Allied Forces is to be insured greatly increased numbers of anti-submarine craft are necessary message ends.

Sims

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. Copied to: “1st. S.L.”, VAdm. Sir John R. Jellicoe. Document is labeled with: “Copies:/Confirmation./Chronological File./Subject File.”

Footnote 1: Commo. Guy R. Gaunt.

Footnote 2: Adm. William S. Benson.

Footnote 3: During this period, 15 April to 29 April, a total of 535,000 tons of shipping were lost, a marked increase from the first 10 days of the United States’ participation in the war in which 205,000 tons were sunk. See: Sims to Daniels, 27 April 1917 and Sims to Daniels, 8 May 1917.

Footnote 4: The British Special Service vessels, or Q boats, were decoys, heavily armed and manned by a Royal Navy crew and intended to destroy U-boats should a German submarine be lured into attacking them.

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