10 March 1945

10 March 1945 Granville raid and its command

Situation conference at 1030 hours

I) During the situation briefing on the western area:

The principal event of the day is the successfully executed operation against Granville harbour from the Channel Islands. An attempt had already been made on 7 February, but had failed. Now, at the request of the new fortress commander of the Channel Islands, Vice Admiral Hüffmeier, the operation has been carried out under the direction of Lieutenant General von Schmettow, who had originally planned it, shortly before his posting away.

The success of this surprise raid, accomplished with comparatively small forces, far exceeds expectations. For details, see the daily situation report.

Translator’s note: The diary refers to a separate daily situation report for further details; that report is not reproduced in this passage.

German Naval Staff diary. BArch RM 7/70; former British Admiralty reference Case GE 167, PG 31739. Published Part A, volume 67. PDF page 141; printed page 135. Audited translation reference 27.