Naval History and Heritage Command

Rear Admiral Hugh Rodman, Commander, Battleship Division Nine, to Vice Admiral William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters

[Extract]

U.S.S.NAVAL FORCES OPERATING IN EUROPEAN WATERS

                    Battleship Division Nine

United States Atlantic Fleet

File 7.              U.S.S.NEW YORK? Flagship.

2 November 1918.

From:  Commander BATTLESHIP DIVISION NINE.

To  :  Force Commander

Subject:  General Report - Week ending 2 November 1918.

     1.  INFLUENZA.

          Three out of the four ships here have been in strict quarantine on account of influenza; the maximum number of cases on each ship at any time was as follows:

NEW YORK, Influenza  48  resultant pneumonia  0   Deaths 0

ARKANSAS,      "    259      "      "        43     "    7

WYOMING,       "     18      "      "         1     "    0

          So far the FLORIDA has escaped. The TEXAS is in dock at Newcastle. Prompt and stringest measures were taken for its suppression as soon as it appeared, and has resulted in its diminution.

          It has been epidemic in the Grand Fleet, averaging about seven deaths per day. One Ship, near us, has lost eighteen.

     2.   MOVEMENTS OF VESSELS AND TARGET PRACTICE.

          It had been arranged for the NEW YORK and ARKANSAS to have main battery practice, but this was postponed on account of the epidemic of influenza. It is proposed holding it next week. . . .

Hugh. Rodman.