Diplomatic correspondence between the United States and Germany

[Skipman]

Diplomatic correspondence between the United States and Germany, August 1, 1914-April 6, 1917

Lots of interesting information, for example

MEMORANDUM for ISSUE TO MASTERS OF TRANSP0RTS CARRYING TROOPS

Use of Rifle and Machine Gun Fire by Troops on Board Transports against

Enemy Submarines or Torpedo Craft.

( 1 ) In daylight a submarine will probably attack while submerged with only

her periscope showing.

At night, in moonlight, a submarine may attack while on the surface or with

only her conning tower above water owing to the difficulty of seeing through the

periscope at night.

(2) In either case heavy rifle or machine-gun fire will make it more difficult

for a submarine to make a successful shot with a torpedo. If submerged, no

injury will be done to her, but a good volume of fire falling just short of the

periscope will make splashes which will render it difficult for the observer to

see clearly through the periscope.

(3) When a destroyer escort is accompanying a transport, troops should not

open fire on a submarine, as it may prevent a destroyer from ramming her, nor

should their weapons be loaded, in order to avoid the possibility of an escorting

vessel being fired on by mistake, especially at night.

(4) When no escort is provided, machine guns should be in readiness to

open fire, and a strong party of riflemen should also be on duty.

(5) Military officers should be in command both of the machine guns and

riflemen to control the fire.

(6) A military officer of the watch should be in command of the troops on

deck. He should not order fire to be opened on a hostile submarine or torpedo

vessel without the previous assent of the master or his representative — the ship's

officer of the watch.

(7) The object of those controlling the fire should be to keep the center of

the pattern just short of the hostile vessel.

(8) Machine-gun tripods can be lashed to the rails or other deck fittings.

If there is motion on the ship and machine guns are fitted with elevating or

training gear, it is advisable to disconnect it and point the gun by hand.

Mike