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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Admiral Sir Lewis Bayly, Commander-in-Chief, Coast of Ireland, to Secretary of the British Admiralty Sir Oswyn A. R. Murray

                            C O P Y                      SECRET

From:     The COMMANDER IN CHIEF, Coast of Ireland.

To:       The Secretary of the Admiralty.

10 June 1918.                                  No. 1673/p.20/15.

U.S.S. WILKES – ACTION WITH ENEMY SUBMARINE.

          With reference to my letter No. 1559/P.20/15, dated the 31st May, 1918,1 I enclose a report from the Senior Naval Officer, Rosslare, relative to the sweeping carried out by Armed Trawler, “Joseph Annison” in this instance.

     2.- Airship S.S.Z.56, which was present during the engagement congratulated WILKES on the placing of her depth charges and subsequently reported that oil was still rising in the same position p.m., 4th June, 1918.

     3.- I am of opinion that it was a 75% action and that Captain Berrien,2 who is one of the best T.B.D. officers stationed at Queenstown, and the Airship S.S.Z. 56, should be suitably rewarded.3

LEWIS BAYLY,            

Admiral            

Commander-in-Chief.     

Source Note: Cy, DLC-MSS, William Sims Papers, Container 47.

Footnote 1: This letter has not been found.

Footnote 2: Cmdr. Frank Berrien, Commander, WILKES.

Footnote 3: Although no German submarine was lost on this date, the event was significant as the WILKES first time coordinating with aircraft in an engagement, a tactic that was still very much in its infancy. Kemp, U-Boats Destroyed: 50; DANFS.

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