marine hunting in both the Atlantic
and in co-operation with the French in the Mediterranean. About the same
time it was stated that a body of naval aviators, the first American
fighting-men to serve from the shore, had been landed in England.

Soon after this announcement came another from Washington, giving an
interchange of wireless amenities between Vice-Admiral Sir David Beatty,
commander of the British Grand Fleet, to Rear-Admiral Henry T. Mayo,
commanding the United States Atlantic Fleet:

"The Grand Fleet rejoices that the Atlantic Fleet will share in
preserving the liberties of the world and maintaining the chivalry of
the sea."

And Admiral Mayo's reply:

"The United States Atlantic Fleet appreciates the message from the
British Fleet, and welcomes opportunities for work with the British
Fleet for the freedom of the seas."

In confirming the British announcement of the arrival of the flotilla at
Queenstown, Secretary Daniels said:

"It has been the purpose of the United States Navy to give the largest
measure of assistance to other countries at war with Germany that is
consistent with the full and complete protection of our own coast and
territorial waters."

Within a week after the arrival of our flotilla at Queenstown, the
vessels thereof ranging the seas side by side with the British,
submarine losses showed a marked reduction, and it was even more marked
the second week of our co-operation. It was also stated that more
submarines had been sunk in the week of May 12 than in the previous
month.

In preparing for co-operation with the British destroyers, the American
officers received lectures on the subject of effective submarine
fighting, while depth-bombs and appliances for releasing them were
supplied to the American boats, and all surplus gear and appurtenances
of various sorts were taken from the American vessels and stored ashore.

It was noted as a curious fact that the United States Navy had really
been a warm-weather navy. The ships were sent south in winter for drills
and target practice, usually in Guantanamo Bay; in the spring they
engaged in manoeuvres off the Virginia Capes, and in summer went to
Newport, Provincetown, and other New England points. Again, life in a
destroyer on the wintry Atlantic was not the most comfortable life in
the world. There were cold fogs, icy winds and fearful storms in the war
zone, and the thin steel hulls of the destroyers offered little in the
way of