Vice Admiral William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters, to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, 5/19/1918

Documentary Histories

WWI

Vice Admiral William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters, to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations

Subject Copy.

Cablegram Sent May 18 <19>, 1918

To Opnav, Washington Serial No 8138 LEM

Prep. By O-1 NCT D.R.

31 ARD

8138. YOUR 6076. Foll<o>wing route instructions recommended for USS MERCY. Vessel should be routed to pass fifteen miles south of Fastnet thence fifteen miles south of Old Head of Kinsale thence direct Daunt Rock Lightship and Queenstown to arrive during daylight.1 Recommend vessel carry regular markings of hospital ship both day and night and that no secret instructions be given her. Further recommend Germany be informed of her sailing route, and destination and that she is first US Hospital ship sent to Europe during war. When in wireless touch vessel should inform Commander-in-Chief Queenstown2 via Valencia3 expected hour of arrival. <02419.> 8138

Sims

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

Footnote 1: All of these places are along the southern coast of Ireland, proceeding from west to east, starting with Fastnet Rock, the most southerly point on the Irish coast.

Footnote 2: Adm. Sir Lewis Bayly.

Footnote 3: Valentia Island is off the west coast of Ireland in County Kerry.

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