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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 Admiral William S. Benson, Chief of Naval Operations

CABLEGRAM SENT NOVEMBER 4, 1917

To: Opnav Washington     1257

via Q 26  Roys NCT

Copies to COS, JVD, Royes.1

1257. Class A. Queenstown reports armed trawlers SARBA dropped depth charge on thick patch of oil 2 ½ miles S.E. (Mag) from Daunt Rock Lightship on October 31. Position has now been examined by divers and a large submarine found lying on its side. This with two U.C. boats destroyedx by British submarine in English Channel makes three enemy submarines lost in last five days.

     Class B. Further details torpedoing two Brazilian steamers at St.Vincent reported yesterday. Submarines entered harbor at 6:50 a.m. and torpedoed at close range. She was fired at by the x forts and a gunboat, apparently without effect.

     Class D. Admiralty confirm press reports of action in Cattegate., 10 enemy trawlers and one armed merchantman (possible raider) sunk. 65 prisoners. All British ships returned. 21104

SIMS

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. Document is: “Information Copy.”

Footnote 1: Lt. Donald Royce, Capt. Chief of Staff Capt. Nathan C. Twinning, and Cmdr. Joseph V. Daniels.