SECRET
21st October, 1941
From: The Commodore Commanding Newfoundland.
To: The Naval Secretary, Naval Service Headquarters, Ottawa.
Submitted for the consideration of the Department, the attached minutes and finding of a Board of Enquiry held onboard H.M.S. "GREENWICH" on Tuesday, 7th and Friday, 10th October, to investigate the circumstances connected with the loss of H.M.C.S. "LEVIS" on 19th September, 1941.
2. The Finding of the Board concurred in.
3. The action of the Commanding Officer in ordering "Abandon Ship" without inspection of the damage or a search for wounded men, and in leading the Ship's company by leaving in the first boat, and not returning with the reboarding party, is considered far below the standard expected of a naval officer.
4. It is for consideration whether anything would be gained by trial by Court-Martial on return of the officers and men from survivor's leave. A Court-Martial would hardly be complete without the presence of H.M.C.S. "MAYFLOWER" and the evidence of her officers and men. Any charge of "cowardice" or "conduct unbecoming an officer" could probably be circumvented by pleading "shock".
5. The important point to be achieved would appear to be merely to ensure that Lieutenant C.W. Gilding should never again be placed in command. This can be arranged without Court-Martial.
6. Paragraph 6 of the Finding is particularly concurred in.
7. The recommendation contained in paragraph 7 of the Finding is being actively pursued at St. John's, Newfoundland.
8. No action regarding trial by Court Martial will be initiated pending instructions from Naval Service Headquarters.
(signature)
L.W. MURRAY
(L.W. Murray)
Commodore, R.C.N.,
Commodore Commanding Newfoundland.