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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 William B. Fletcher, Commander, United States Patrol Squadrons Operating in European Waters

Cablegram Sent    Sept. 27, 1917

 

To     Fletcher, Brest.                          Serial No. B 27

Via                         Prep. by B.A.L.  Appvd. By N.C.T.1

File No. <11-6-3 “a”>

Copies to: C. of S.; J.V.B.; B. A. L.2

27. Conditions of arrival of Group 7 reported very unsatisfactory.3 Your paramount duty is to see that our troop convoys are met near shore and piloted safely into harbor. For this purpose you may proceed to destination at discretion to take personal charge if necessary. Convoys must not be delayed or required to anchor or await pilots. I shall be glad to take up any suggestion you may make but present unsatisfactory conditions cannot be permitted to continue.4

Sims.        

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. Identifying number in top right-hand corner: “S1079.” Stamp at bottom “20127.”

Footnote 1: “B.A.L.” was Cmdr. Byron A. Long, the head of the Convoys Section on Sims' staff; “N.C.T.” was Sims' Chief of Staff Capt. Nathan C. Twining.

Footnote 2: “J.V.B.” was Sims’ aide, Cmdr. John V. Babcock.

Footnote 3: For the issues involving the group 7 convoy, see: Walter H. Vernou to Sims, 21 September 1917.

Footnote 4: For Fletcher’s reply, see, Fletcher to Sims, 29 September 1917, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B.

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