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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 Albert Gleaves, Commander, Convoy Operations in the Atlantic

CABLE DISPATCH.

TO:  Marine, Paris.                                               FROM:  French Naval Attache1

THROUGH:  Admiralty.                                          DATE:  29.6.17.

     No. 3149  Please communicate to Admiral Gleaves on behalf of Admiral Sims the following telegram (begins)  Send immediately all destroyers under my command to Queenstown except those necessary to escort incoming American transports2

SIMS  Ends        

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

Footnote 1: Adm. Maurice-Henri Baron Mercier de Lostende.

Footnote 2: Gleaves desired a division of the Queenstown-based destroyers remain with the troop convoy as it sailed through the submarine danger zone en route to the United States. See, Gleaves to Senior Officer Present, St. Nazaire, 3 July 1917, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517. According to William Still, Sims’ actions offended Gleaves and he “did not forgive Sims for this second affront.” Still, Crisis at Sea: 359.

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