14 November 1944 Part 36

Operational order: mining the St Malo approaches, 14/15 November 1944

1. Task. S 112 is to mine the St Malo approaches during the night of 14/15 November 1944, departing Peter Port at 19:00.

2. Barrage position. (a) Three LMF mines across the St Malo approach, Chenal de la Grande Porte, abeam of the Les Buharats buoy and extending 600 metres eastwards. (b) Alternative position: covering bearing of the Chenal de la Grande Porte between the Les Buharats buoy and a point 0.75 nautical miles west. (c) Minimum mine spacing: 280 metres.

3. Enemy information. (a) St Malo Bay is regularly patrolled by a corvette, or since 20 October by a motor vessel making 14 knots, within the triangle 48°45′ N, 1°52′ W / 48°44′ N, 2°18′ W / 48°52′ N, 2°21′ W. (b) An enemy signal station on the Îles Chausey is connected with the mainland. Employment of M.T.B. or M.G.B. groups following signal traffic and the showing of fire from Jersey has been observed from St Malo. (c) French fishermen may be encountered near Les Ardentes and south of the Minquiers. (d) Enemy convoy traffic to St Malo proceeds approximately along 3°05′ W to Basse Maurice, then approaches Vieux Banc on a bearing of 145°. (e) There is frequent shipping between St Malo and Granville. (f) Outpost position: one destroyer in grid squares B.F. 2931 and 2932.

4. Own situation. (a) Maîtresse Island, Plateau des Minquiers, is occupied by our observation post and radio station; optical signalling is possible. (b) Our controlled-line mine barrage extends approximately from 48°56′ N, 2°24′ W to 48°54′ N, 2°28′ W. (c) Our own anti-invasion barrage lies off Baie de la Frenay and Baie de l’Arguenon along the ten-metre contour.

5. Outward route. Route Kreuz via points Kreuz 5, 4, 3 and 2; then steer for Minquiers Light Buoy 1 and proceed via Buoy 5 into St Malo Bay. Passage speed 34 knots; creeping speed off St Malo.

6. Return passage. (a) Return to Peter Port after the operation; diversion to St Helier permitted. The route home was otherwise left to circumstances. (b) On passing 49° N, transmit QQPE if intending to enter Peter Port or QQHL if intending to enter St Helier; see paragraph 7 of the communications order.

T-1022 Roll 2423, PG 37998, Commander of Sea Defences, Channel Islands. Source scan 0070 — original page 254, Annex 2