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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 Captain Joel R. Poinsett Pringle, Chief of Staff, Destroyer Flotillas

FLOTILLA FLASH

DESPATCH

RECEIVED

USND LONDON    14 MAY 1918        

MELVILLE,

     1688 My 1665 Your 12691 Proposed plan is to proceeded with (period) Notify CAMMEL LAIRDS of Modification of refit schedule (period) It is noted that USS DOWNES has already proceeded to Liverpool (period) Send USS BALCH as per plan (period) No other vessel need be substituted for USS PARKER (comma) Which can proceed on this duty upon completion of repairs of damage resulting from collision with Engadine (period) It is presumed that in accordance with previous instructions these three vessels have been or will be fitted with tracks for maximum number of depth charges and with tanks for K tubes installation (period) All work practicable should be done towards installation of DIRECTORSCOPE2 and other new fire control instruments (comma) including distance control for searchlight (comma) so that instruments themselves can be installed by ships force when received (period) Admiralty have been requested to supply kite balloon winches for all three vessels and all work necessary for their installation should be proceeded with so that they may be installed if received in time (period) All work on USS BALCH and USS DOWNES should be completed not later than May 30th ----02314--1688.

SIMS.

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. Document is marked: “Copy No. 4.”

Footnote 1: For the former, see: Sims to Pringle, 11 May 1918. The latter has not been found.

Footnote 2: A directorscope was an instrument used on American vessels to detect submarine periscopes.

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