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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

October 18, 1918.

Opnav.                                          11 – 2 - 1

SECRET

Your 3301.1 It is proposed to base these vessels on Berehaven temporarily for purpose of training and to shift them to French coast after they are trained in case enemy submarine operations make that a more favorable base of operations than Berehaven. At present concentration of submarines in area west of Brest seems to have been discontinued and judging from last year’s experiences it is not likely to be renewed before April.

SIMS.                   

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

Footnote 1: :See: William S. Benson to Sims, 17 October 1918. The vessels in question were U.S. submarines that Sims asked for after witnessing the successes of British submarines against German U-boats.

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