Skip to main content
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 Rear Admiral Henry B. Wilson, Commander, United States Patrol Squadrons Operating in European Waters

Subject Copy.                                File No.

Cablegram Sent May 16, 1918.  TOH

To Comfran, Brest.                            Serial No. 2277

Prep. by M-4                  NCT  D.R.

33ARD              

VERY SECRET

2277. Your 2329.1 U.S. Naval expedition for service on shore in France consisting of five 14 inch gun railway mountings with complete train for each gun and mount will be shipped to France about June 1st.2 Originally intended operate with British Army, now probably operate with United States Army. Expedition under command Captain Plunkett,3 Navy will furnish all personnel for erection operation and supply. Cable just received from Navy Department designates St. Nazaire port debarkation subject approval Pershing.4 Space and facilities for erection with crane capable lifting maximum lift 178300 pounds required. Until otherwise instructed refer all inquiries concerning this matter to me. 09116 2277

Sims          

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

Footnote 1: Wilson’s cable has not been found.

Footnote 2: For more on the Navy’s railway gun, see: William S. Benson to Sims, 9 May 1918. Also see: Sims to Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, 16 May 1918.

Footnote 3: Capt. Charles P. Plunkett, Director, Gun Exercises and Engineering Performances.

Footnote 4: See ibid. Maj. Gen. John J. Pershing was the Commander of the American Expeditionary Forces.

Related Content