Naval History and Heritage Command

Vice Admiral William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters, to the Bureau of Navigation

Chronological Copy.                     File No. <31-7-2>

Cablegram Sent Sept. 11. 1918, Y-12

<DR>

To Opnav, Washington (For Bunav)        Serial No. <4600>

Prep. by S1         SX D.R.

Clear              

CONFIDENTIAL

     4600. Your 508.1 Request to be informed how many of the 66 regular officers have yet to report to me, the date they may be expected to report, of what rank they will be, and in the case of Lieutenants or below their graduating class from the Naval Academy. Request similar information regarding the 25 additional regulars. This information urgently needed in view of the heavy reduction of experienced officers in destroyers in Europe as a large number are being sent home and practically none returning. I originally in endeavoring to comply with Departments schedule of officers for going home counted on receiving back into this force a large number of destroyers with experienced officers who could again be redistributed as necessary. This not being the case it may be impracticable to comply with the Bureaus present requests in full. Definite information will be furnished Bureau upon receipt of information requested herein. Of the 25 regulars whom the Bureau is endeavouring to furnish it is requested as many of them be Lieutenant Commanders as it is possible for the Bureau to spare from duty elsewhere. To date 59 Commanding Officers have been sent to the United States from destroyers in Europe. Six of these 59 have returned to Europe and two of these six have been ordered home by the Bureau. 233511. 4600

Sims