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Admiral William S. Benson, Chief of Naval Operations, to Vice Admiral William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters

Action Copy.                       File No. <4/6/16>

Cablegram Received  09106 June <6, 1918,>    EWC1

Origin    Opnav Washington              Ser. No. 6865

Ref’d. to

Date

ACTION, NOTES and INITIALS.

A-1

6 June

<W.A.E [Walter A. Edwards] June 6, 1918>

 

 

<Retransmit to [Hutchinson I.] Cone Paris EWC>

<7/6/18>

<R/Ts>

<Our 2490 C-16>

31 ARD.

Simsadus.

6865. Your 88542 – 4 Marine day bombing squadrons organized and complete with officers and enlisted personnel can be sent to you as soon as transportation and details can be arranged. These squadrons will be short 36 pilots. In accordance with our 24163 you should detail the 36 day pilots you have trained to these squadrons until additional Marine pilots are sent over to replace them. Marine pilots and Second pilots to go with squadrons are trained in gunnery and bombing except for finishing adaptable training abroad. Organized and complete Headquarters personnel for this unit of 4 squadrons will go with it. Personnel will have complete personnel equipment and can bring tents for temporary use until field is prepared if you think necessary. Request your recommendation and suggestions.4 09006 6865.

Benson.  

Not:-

     “personnel” comes clear twice.

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. Document reference: “Our 8854 R/T J. 2060.”

Footnote 1: Initials of the transcriber.

Footnote 2: Document referred to has not been found.

Footnote 3: Document referred to has not been found.

Footnote 4: The First Marine Aviation Force arrived in Brest on 30 July 1918, with three flying squadrons and one headquarter squadron. Rossano, Stalking the U-Boat: 330.