Skip to main content
Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Captain Richard H. Leigh, Commander, United States Submarine Chaser Base, Corfu, to Vice Admiral William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters

     CABLEGRAM RECEIVED  June 16030 <1918>   HES1

CHASNAV , Corfu               Ser. No. 40

O-5  6-30

31 ARD

CONFIDENTIAL

Simsadus.

40 Hunt number 4. During afternoon 27 June 1 unit chasers pursued enemy submarines which showed periscope twice, was unable to secure position for attack. At 2000 G.M.T. enemy submarine passed directly under my flag boat while on drifting patrol. Conducted attack immediately using 5 depth charges. Directly after attack stopped listned silence for about 8 minutes then few rapid turns submarine engine very close followed by loud crushing sound, afterwards silence. Too dark then see surface water. Following morning large area covered with oil at bombed spot. Consider submarine destroyed Lat. 40° 12N, Lon. 18° 55E.2 Believe during afternoon this submarine which must have been handled by experienced officer purposely maneuvered against chasers and deliberately ran under flag boat in evening. There were 2 unsuccessful attacks by chasers during period of hunt. 40 11529.

Leigh.        

Source Note: TCy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 520, Box 387. Document reference: “6/DH.”

Footnote 1: Initials of the transcriber.

Footnote 2: There is no record of a submarine lost on this day. Kemp, U-Boats Destroyer: 51.