Skip to main content
Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Admiral William S. Benson, Chief of Naval Operations, to Vice Admiral William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters, second cable of the day

Action Copy.                               File No. <30-1-29>

Cablegram Received  September 10 <9> 1918, Y-1

Origin Opnav Washington                    Ser. No. 1201

Ref’d. to

Date

ACTION, NOTES and INITIALS.

S-1

Sept. 10

 

<SMO

Sept 11

See our Op 4199 xx

 

 

           4599>

     58 ADR.

SECRET

Simsadus.

1201. In view of probability of manning seven vessels of King Edward class1 request you retain such men as necessary from among men who would otherwise be returned to United States for Irish Sea detail for assignment to vessel U.S.S. Wanderer.2 This in no way affects present plan regarding nucleus crews for destroyers request you inform Bureau of Navigation by cable[,] number and rating so retained. Will Battleship Division be able to furnish any radio men or signalmen trained in British proceedure for these vessels also will that division be able to furnish any other men of any rating for manning these vessels.3 Immediate reply requested.4 16209. 1201.

Benson.       

9:30 a.m. Sept. 10, 1918.

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. The handwritten date is confirmed by the time/date notation immediately following the text of the cable.

Footnote 1: A class of Royal Navy pre-dreadnought battleships launched between 1903 and 1905.

Footnote 2: : Wanderer was an armed yacht then serving on the French coast. DANFS.

Footnote 3: Presumably Battleship Division Nine, then serving with the British Grand Fleet.

Footnote 4: Sims’ reply has not been found.

Related Content