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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Diary of Commander Joseph K. Taussig

[Extract]

Saturday

Nov. 17

     Went ashore at 10 o’clock to tell Admiral Bayly1 good bye. I told him that although these were war times I had never operated under pleasanter or more satisfactory conditions. He said that we had come to Queenstown with a thorough knowledge of destroyer work, that we had made use of our knowledge and that we had done splendidly. He I thanked him and he then said he would not have told me that we had done well if he had not really thought so. I think Roger Williams2 who had been to dinner with the Admiral last night must have told him that father was much interested in “My son Joe,” as just when I left Admiral Bayly said “Tell your Father that I say you have done splendidly.”3 . . . In the mean time Johnson4 had come up so we went together to the Dixie where we had lunch as Price’s guests.5 Others there were Pringle, Daniels, Russell and Knox.6 The two latter who Command the Walke and Perkins are to take their ships back to the United States for extensive overhaul. They will escort the Bridge across. Authority came to retain the Duncan on this side so Roger Williams is happy.7 After lunch I stopped on the Wadsworth got my things together and left in the Dixie’s launch when Johnson stopped by for me. The side was tended by four Chief petty Officers and when we shoved off there were “three cheers for Captain Taussig.” . . .

 

Source Note: D, RNW, Joseph K. Taussig Papers, Mss. Coll. 97, Naval Historical Collection.

Footnote 1: VAdm. Lewis Bayly, R.N.

Footnote 2: Lt. Cmdr. Roger Williams, commanding officer, Duncan.

Footnote 3: Taussig’s father was RAdm. Edward D. Taussig, who had retired in 1909.

Footnote 4: Lt. Cmdr. Alfred W. Johnson, formerly commanding officer of the Conyngham. He later took command of the Kimberly.

Footnote 5: Probably Cmdr. Henry B. Price.

Footnote 7: Williams had been trying to get himself sent to Europe for several months, without success. Upon finally getting across the Atlantic, he learned he had orders to escort ships back to the U.S. immediately. Seeing his disappointment, Taussig appealed to Bayly on his behalf, and Bayly requested VAdm. William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters to order Williams’ ship to Queenstwon. Sims apparently did so. See: Taussig Diary, 15 November 1917.