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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

CABLEGRAM SENT      Nov. 23, 1917.

To Opnav Washington                    Ser. No. 1638

Prep. by [TBK?]1 COS                  Code Q27

Copies to: COS, JVB, WAE.2

1638. British official return Allied and Neutral shipping for week ending November 18th, 52,181 gross tonnage; British ships damaged, 12,478 gross tonnage.3 03123.

SIMS.

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. Identifying number in top right-hand corner: “11-9-5 ‘B’” and in columnar fashion: “1/3/O/K.”

Footnote 1: These initials are crossed through and difficult to read. They may have been Tracey B. Kittredge, who in 1918 is listed as working in the intelligence section of Sims’ staff.

Footnote 2: “COS” was Chief of Staff Capt. Nathan C. Twining; “JVB” was Cmdr. John V. Babcock, Sims’ personal aide who also handled intelligence matters; “WAE” was Lt. Walter A. Edwards, the aide for aviation.

Footnote 3: A gross ton (long ton or English ton) is equal to 2,240 pounds; a net ton (short ton) is equal to 2,000 pounds.