11 June 1942 Part 1

11 June 1942 St Malo convoy diary

St Malo: fresh N–NE breeze, overcast, visibility 15 nautical miles, five in rain. Night convoys and stations completed. 03:15: V 206/202 and convoy arrive Guernsey. 04:15: they leave with H 13 for Cherbourg. 08:00: V 203/726 leave Jersey with convoy for Guernsey. 10:30: V 206/202 arrive Cherbourg.

After discussion with the sea-transport chief, and considering Commander Security West secret order 4352, I set hospital ship Huxter’s departure for 05:30 on 12 June. Obersteuermann Otte of V 204 goes aboard as navigation adviser. V 204/211 will shadow it, providing escort protection within sight from St Malo to Jersey. Commanders are briefed; Commander Security West, the division and harbour commandants are informed by teletype. V 207/213 must be degaussed; orders provide for their release for this purpose. Guernsey requests Minotaure. Convoy 3274 reportedly remains at Morlaix because of weather. I ask the division to escort it to Guernsey, after which the ferries can go to St Malo.

Correction to 10 June: V 203/726 escorted only as far as Jersey. Situation: V 203/726 Jersey–Guernsey with Diamant, then ready; V 206/202 Guernsey–Cherbourg with H 13, then ready for night task; V 213/209 finish Minotaure and Karel troop convoy to Guernsey; V 207/703 St Malo Roads overnight; V 204/208/211 ready St Malo for escort and hospital-ship special task; V 209/726 night troop convoy Guernsey–Jersey with H 49 and Robert Müller 8 onward to St Malo. Tonnage 7,430 GRT.

Intentions for 12 June: V 207/208 St Malo Roads overnight then alone to Guernsey; V 207/213 continue with Minotaure to Cherbourg; V 206/202 overnight Mikado then ready Cherbourg; V 209/726 finish troop convoy; V 203/208 Guernsey–Jersey barges and return RO 45; V 204/211 St Malo–Jersey with Schokland and Derfflinger, simultaneously and afterward shadow Huxter via Alderney to Guernsey; V 703 rest St Malo.

T-1022 Roll 2423, PG 38000, scans 0372.