1 February 1942 Part 1

1 February 1942 St Malo convoy diary

War Diary, Convoy Control Office St Malo, 1–15 February 1942. Fregattenkapitän Dr Diederichs, Chief of the 2nd Patrol Flotilla. Handwritten cover reference 15357.

The day’s intentions were slightly restricted by weather. M 4000/M 4006/M 4007 had carried out night convoys between Alderney and Cherbourg. The intended St Malo–Jersey/Guernsey convoys left the tows behind, so two convoys were formed: M 4008/M 4005 with Kurland for Guernsey and V 208/V 212 with H 23 and Nordplein for Jersey. Granville’s harbour commandant allowed the unreported troop transport Holland to sail without escort. The escort request he claimed to have sent had arrived signed by Guernsey’s harbour commandant, and corresponding orders had been issued. His excuse that the convoy office’s silence implied consent was neither factual nor military. Harbour commandants must not allow vessels, especially troop transports, to sail without the convoy office’s confirmation.

Situation: M 4005/M 4008 and Kurland departed St Malo for Guernsey at 11:00; V 208/V 212 with Nordplein and H 23 departed for Jersey at 11:00. M 4000/M 4006/M 4007 at Cherbourg after their night convoy; V 206/V 213 at St Malo repairing sea and machinery damage; V 205 boiler cleaning. Escorted tonnage: 5,240 GRT.

Intention for 2 February: V 206/V 213 from St Malo with two tugs and four barges to Jersey; V 208/V 212 from Jersey with Claus Wilhelm and Rabat for Granville, then St Malo. M 4005/M 4008 at 08:00 from Guernsey to Jersey, returning with Hubbastone, Comptoir 66 and Point a Pietre. M 4006/M 4007 at Cherbourg for the 1/2 February night convoy; M 4003/M 4010 at Morlaix available to the 3rd Security Division. V 205 boiler cleaning. M 1208 requested, subject to the Chief of the 14th Submarine Chaser Flotilla’s agreement, to leave St Malo at 10:00 for Point 28. Amendment: the tug convoy was cancelled by St Malo’s harbour commandant; the boats were to replenish in harbour.

T-1022 Roll 2423, PG 38000, scans 0244–0246.