This splendid achievement is an auspicious
beginning, and it has been characterized throughout by the most cordial
and effective co-operation between the two military services.
"Cordially yours,
"NEWTON D. BAKER."
In the meantime Americans living in England had organized to do
everything in their power to make the lives of the seamen of the
destroyer fleet comfortable. Plans were at once formulated and work
begun on a club, the United States Naval Men's Club at the American
base. This club, which is now completed, contains dormitories,
shower-baths, a canteen, and a billiard room with two pool-tables. There
is an auditorium for moving-picture shows and other entertainments,
reading-rooms, and in fact everything that would tend to make the men
feel at home and divert their leisure hours.
A correspondent for the Associated Press, who visited the club when it
was completed, has testified to its great attractiveness, and from his
pen also has come the most effective description of our destroyers as
they return to their base from duty in the North Sea. One destroyer
which he inspected had had the good fortune to be able to bring back the
crews of two torpedoed merchantmen. The mariners were picked up on the
fourth day out, and had the unique experience of joining in a lookout
for their undoers before the destroyer returned to its base. Despite her
battles with heavy seas and high winds, the destroyer was as fit as any
of her sister craft lying at anchor near by.
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