10 June 1941

10 June 1941 Hitler demands stronger garrisons and impregnable Channel Islands

Editorial note: The abbreviated extract in 1004.jpg is part of the same directive, not another order.

Editorial note: Other copies or associated sheets are cited together; repeated text is counted once.

[Scan 1202.jpg] Chief of Armed Forces High Command, no. 44938, top secret, commanders-only. Führer headquarters, 10 June 1941. First of four copies. Subject: protection of the Channel Islands. Reference: Army High Command/Army General Staff no. 37456/41 [reference partially obscured]. To the Army Commander-in-Chief. Convey only by officer.

After presentation of the papers submitted by Army High Command concerning protection and garrisoning of the Channel Islands, the Führer stated: 1) Infantry protection is too weak. Guernsey and Jersey must each be reinforced to at least one reinforced regiment. An increase in tank forces on both islands is necessary. 2) Readiness to defend against bombardment by heavy naval artillery is inadequate. Artillery reinforcement with heavy and the heaviest batteries is necessary. It must be borne in mind that the Channel Islands will remain in German possession after peace is concluded and must be made impregnable. 3) The necessary measures must be initiated immediately, because the possibility must be expected

[Scan 1203.jpg] that during Operation Barbarossa the enemy will attempt a surprise attack or a forced assault on the islands. The Führer expects new proposals without delay and wishes to be kept continually informed. [Signature unclear.] Distribution: Army Commander-in-Chief, first copy; Navy Commander-in-Chief, second; Armed Forces Operations Staff/L, third; draft, fourth.

German Army High Command records, T-78 Roll 317. Supplied English translation T78_Roll_317_English_Translation.docx. Source images: 1202.jpg, 1203.jpg, 1004.jpg.