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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 Sir Oswyn A. R. Murray, Permanent Secretary to the Admiralty

1st June 1918.

M-2. 19575.

From:     Force Commander.

To  :     Secretary to the Admiralty.

SUBJECT:       Supplies and materials for

              Northern Bombing Project.

     1.   The Force Commander has receive<d> from the Commander U.S.Naval Aviation Forces, Foreign Service,1 a letter relative to supplies and materials which will be required for the Northern Bombing project. I am quoting his letter in full for your information and such comment thereon as you may desire to make:-

 1.  It has developed by inquiry into the transportation conditions existing in France, and particularly from Paris to the North that they are in such shape that shipments are gotten through only with difficulty and delay, and with frequent loss. The advice of all experts consulted is that the Navy send as much as possible from the Pauillac Base to the Northern Project by water.

2.   With a view to acting in harmony with the desires of the railroad transportation officials of the Allies, it has been decided to utilize the British supply system in that area in so far as may be possible. An arrangement already exists with the British Admiralty which covers the supply of such items of food, fuel, clothing and equipment as may be required. It is now desired to extend Northern Bombing Project. The advantages to be gained from this are saving of transportation, and saving of personnel which would be required to duplicate the British supply system.

3.   It is, therefore, requested that an endeavor be made to reach an agreement with the proper British Authorities, Admiralty, Royal Air Force, or Army whereby the squadrons comprising the Northern Bombing Project, may obtain, throught their supply system, the food, fuel and maintenance supplies which may be necessary. It is also desired, for the purpose of saving transportation, and for expeditious delivery, to secure from the British authorities the ground tools which may be needed in the construction of the aerodromes. These tools will consist of picks, shovels, rakes, hoes, wheelbarrows, crowbars, axes, carpenter’s tools etc.

H.I.Cone.              

     2.   It is, of course not practicable at the present time to furnish full details as to the quantities and character of the maintenance supplies which will be necessary, but it is believed that if the proposed method of procedure is agreed to in principle, the details of supply can be satisfactorily arranged without difficulty.

/s/ WM.S.Sims.

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

Footnote 1: Capt. Hutchinson I. Cone.

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