11 October 1943 Part 6

11 October 1943 Island signals staffing and proposed submarine cable repairs

Discussion with the divisional signals commander. He asked that the following matters be presented to the colonel [name indistinct].

1. Since the 319th Infantry Division is deployed on four islands, the tasks of the signals troops are so extensive that the present static divisional signals battalion, with two companies, can scarcely cope. A signals battalion with three Signals Companies F under KAN 899 is required.

The personnel and equipment of the telephone and wireless companies are now divided among four islands. Uniform training cannot therefore be assured, and the personnel are insufficient to operate the extensive fixed equipment. The static signals platoon established by LXXXIV Army Corps in 1941 for the British Channel Islands, with a strength recorded as 1/60, could provide personnel for forming a Signals Company F.

2. Construction of the repeater station on Guernsey, near the signals bunker, is to begin in the next few days. New cables must be laid from the new repeater station to the individual fortress telephone exchanges. To procure the materials, it is necessary to establish the number of circuits required by the Navy and Luftwaffe. The Army Group has referred the Field Switching Detachment to the Army in this matter.

3. The Higher Signals Officer attached to the Military Commander in France plans to lay a submarine cable from Guernsey to Alderney, repair the submarine cable to Sark, and repair a submarine cable from Jersey to St Malo. The work is intended to be completed during the current year. The divisional signals commander asks the Army to secure the acceleration of this work.

Signed: Danielowski [reading of signature].

Editorial note: the submarine cable work is planned, not certified complete. The year is 1943, established by the October monthly report and its annex list. The source’s strength notation 1/60 is preserved.

Original source image 00108.jpg — T-312 Roll 1563. Island signals staffing and proposed submarine cable repairs.

Original source image 00109.jpg — T-312 Roll 1563. Island signals staffing and proposed submarine cable repairs.

German Seventh Army records, NARA T-312 Roll 1563. T312_R1563_Jersey_and_Channel_Islands_English_Translation.docx. File 41703/36 • Scans 00108–00109 • Translation. Local scan references identify the supplied image filenames, not substituted microfilm frame numbers.