Naval History and Heritage Command

Rear Admiral William B. Fletcher, Commander, United States Patrol Squadrons Operating in European Waters, to Contré-amiral Zépherin Alexandre Antoine Schwerer, Chief of Cabinet, and Navy Minister, Patrol Forces, Atlantic Ocean and English Channel

Exhibit “R”.

UNITED STATES PATROL SQUADRONS

FLAG OFFICE

          Brest, France

19 Sept. 1917.

From:     Commander U. S. Patrol Squadron.

To:       Monsieur Le Contre-Admiral Schwerer,

          Commandant Superieur des Patrouilles

          de l’Ocean et de la Manche Centrale.

Subject: American Patrol Vessels arrived at Brest.

Admiral:-

     I have the honor to inform you that the following named U. S. Vessels arrived in Brest, September 18, from the United States, for service in French Waters:-

     The trawlers displace from 500 to 600 tons; they have no evaporators, so require to make up feed water from a shore supply.

     They are fitted with mine sweeping gear, such that vessels must sweep in pairs. They have had no practice with this sweeping gear.

     It may be a question as to whether or not this gear is as suitable for sweeping purposes in these waters where tidal currents are strong as is the sweeping gear used by French vessels, so that a change of equipment is a matter which it may be advisable to consider.

     With these vessels six 110 foot Vedettes arrived, manned by French crews, for service in these waters.

     Will you please let me know the place and the manner in which you wish to employ these vessels so that they can be prepared and directed as you may wish?

     They will need some rest and some of them require minor repairs incident to their passage from America.

Very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

W. B. FLETCHER.