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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 Rear Admiral Henry B. Wilson, Commander, Patrol Forces in France

24th. November 1917.

From:- Force Commander.

To  :- Commander, U.S.Patrol Squadrons Based on the Coast of France.

Subject – New Destroyers – Commissioned personnel of.

     1.   In carrying out the policy of sending Officers from Queenstown to bring out new destroyers, it is desired to also give Officers who are serving in other Destroyers and Yachts the same opportunity.

          It is considered that these latter Officers should as far as possible, first, have experience in the Queenstown Destroyers, and to accomplish this you will submit a list of five Commanding Officers of Yachts for transfer to Command of Queenstown Destroyers and a similar list of three Commanding Officers now attached to the destroyers under your Command.

          These selections should as far as practicable be governed by

(a)  Length of service in European Waters.

(b)  Seniority.

          In case your recommendations are at variance with these conditions you will give specific reasons therefor.

     2.   With regard to your destroyers, also submit whether you recommend “Seconds” to Fleet up to Command stating names. It may be possible to reward deserving Officers with Queenstown destroyers with Commands in the “Coal Burners”.

WM. S. SIMS.  

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B.

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