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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels to Secretary of War Newton D. Baker

( C O P Y )

June 29,1918.      

From:     The Secretary of the Navy.

To:       The Secretary of War.

SUBJECT:  Organization of a Naval force to operate Naval guns on

          shore overseas.

Reference: (a) CNO letter File Op-34-F s.46-195 dated May

              17,1918.1

          1. Copy of reference is enclosed for the information of the Secretary of War.

          2. This force will consist of about five hundred officers and men of the Navy, under the command of Captain C. P. Plunkett, U. S. N.2

          3. Five 14-inch railroad mounts and fifteen 14-inch, 50 caliber guns, together with twelve hundred rounds of ammunition, is in process of shipment to St. Nazaire, France, in accordance with the request of the War Department.

          4. The Commanding Officer of this force has been directed to report to the Commanding General of the American Expeditionary Force3 as soon as the above material is erected and ready for operation.

          5. Additional personnel, material, and ammunition will be supplied by this Department from time to time as may be necessary.4

Josephus Daniels   

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

Footnote 2: Capt. Charles P. Plunkett.

Footnote 3: Maj. Gen. John J. Pershing.

Footnote 4: On this same date, Daniels issued an order to all Navy Bureaus directing that the above orders be carried out and that “sufficient personnel,” including replacements, be assigned to it. He added, “in the absence of definite Naval regulations covering the operation of this force, that all orders and regulations that are existing, or which my hereafter be issued by proper authority, should be carried out to the fullest extent, keeping in mind that the mission of this force is to render immediate and effective service in the field.” DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B.

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