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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 the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations

Action Copy.

                   Cablegram Sent      Nov 10, 1917

To Opnav Washington                           Serial No. 1383

Via Q 26                       Prep. by JHR   Appvd. by COS

Sent                      Initials            File No.

     Copies to: COS, JVB, JHR.1

1383. Class B.2 Torpedoed and sunk November ninth unknown ship Latitude 54,15N Longitude 0,15W Norwegian steamer name unknown near Flamboro Head3 A 1254 Latitude 35,15N Longitude 8,20W R 556 Latitude 36,52N Longitude 5,36E. Torpedoed but still afloat I 387 Latitude 54,09N Longitude 0,08W  Sunk by gunfire MARQUISE Latitude 53,29N Longitude 5,31W Submarine sighted 20 miles North of Ushant. 1850

Sims.    

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. The number just before the signature is a stamp.

Footnote 1: “COS” is Sims’ chief of staff Capt. Nathan C. Twining; “JVB” is Sims’ personal aide Cmdr. John V. Babcock. Babcock also oversaw intelligence matters for Sims’ staff; “JHR” is Lt. Cmdr. John H. Roys who served as a liaison officer with British intelligence.

Footnote 2: Class B means approximate location is known.

Footnote 3: That is, Flamborough Head on the northeast coast of England.