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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Captain Nathan C. Twining to Deputy Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Sir Henry D. Oliver, R.N.

30. GROSVENOR GARDENS,

LONDON, S.W. 1.

November 30, 1917.

FROM: Chief of Staff to Vice Admiral Wm. S. Sims, U. S. Navy,

TO  : Vice Admiral Sir Henry D. Oliver, R. N.

SUBJECT: 110 ft. submarine chasers.

     1.   Shortly before leaving for France, Vice Admiral Sims directed me to procure certain information regarding 110 ft. submarine chasers, the information having been requested by either yourself or the First Sea Lord.1

     2.   First, as regards the boats of this type already furnished to the French. I am informed that these chasers are stationed at Brest and Dunkirk, and that the French have formed a high opinion as to their sea-keeping qualities. They state that on one occasion one of these vessels was able to do escort duty from Brest to Cherbourg when other escort vessels were obliged to seek shelter.

     3.   Second, as to the probable date of readiness of the chasers intended for Great Britain. I am to-day in receipt of the following cable from Washington:-

     “Chasers for distant service should be commissioned, trained and ready to move abroad about January 1st. About twenty-five are commissioned now. The most difficult problem will be the transportation across Atlantic. For this purpose will utilize certain tugs now fitting out.”

NCTwining          

Captain, U. S. Navy,

  Chief of Staff.  

Source Note: TDS, UK-KeNA, Adm. 137/655. Document is on “U.S. NAVAL FORCES OPERATING IN EUROPEAN WATERS/U.S.S. MELVILLE FLAGSHIP.”

Footnote 1: Adm. Sir John R. Jellicoe, R.N.