Skip to main content
Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, to Admiral William S. Benson, Chief of Naval Operations

Information Copy

 

     CABLEGRAM RECEIVED    15 November, 1917,

Origin Opnav Washington                         Serial No. 1135

Via   N C B 18 D                              Date No 10015

Copies to COS, JVB1                            File No. 55-1-2

Action referred to:

           COS

Simsadus

1135 For Benson. To meet Hospital needs of rapidly increasing personnel, Bureau of Medecine & Surgery considers it advisable to send abread [i.e., abroad] as soon as possible Base of supplies Hospital for Eastern Coast, Great Britain, Present Base Hospital of French Coast reports it arrived none too soon and that delay in establishing for efficient work is to be expected, after arrival. Commander Orin Gould Murfin has full knowledge this connection.

     What do you advise?2 10015

Benson                    

1-10 AM                   

Source Note: Cy, RG 45, Entry 517B. While this message bears Benson’s signature, it did not originate with him. This is clear from the fact that Benson is also listed as the intended recipient and that he was in England as part of the House mission. The letter must have come from the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, which, as standard operating procedure, attached Benson’s signature. It was sent to the headquarters of VAdm. William S. Sims (“Simsadus”) so that it could be forwarded to Benson, who was then in London where Sims’ headquarters were located.

Footnote 1: “COS” is Sims’ Chief of Staff Capt. Nathan C. Twining; “JVB” is Sims’ aide Cmdr. John V. Babcock.

Footnote 2: See: Benson to Office of Chief of Naval Operations, 20 November 1917.

Related Content