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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 the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations

CABLEGRAM SENT  March 24, 1918.

To:  Opnav, Washington                   Ser. No. 5507

5507.  Comparative tests American and British depth charge throwers held.1 Results indicate nearly equal efficiency. Eighteen feet greater range obtained with American type. The most serious disadvantage American type in impossibility to project charge from double barrelled thrower on one side only as might be necessary when close to vessel of convoy. British throwers will be retained where already installed, American type will be installed on vessels not already provided with throwers. Recommend American type throwers be provided all vessels of patrol forces operating in European waters and allowance of ten in excess at bases for possible necessary replacements. 08124.

Sims.

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

Footnote 1: For pictures of the two types of depth-charge throwers, see: Illustrations for March 1918.

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