14 October 1943 Part 2

14 October 1943 Alderney artillery and island ammunition protection

Editorial note: Extract from the report dated 17 October 1943 on the Commander-in-Chief’s tour of 13–16 October (Roll 1558 scan 1068, Operations No. 5213/43 secret). Placed here under the inspection date. Imported from the supplied English translation; its uncertain readings are retained.

Morning, 14 October 1943. Island of Guernsey. Presentation by the commander of 319th Infantry Division on the situation, garrisons, armament strengths, stockpiling and fortification of the islands, Appendix 1.

The divisional commander pointed out that Alderney assumed increased importance in a possible attack on the Cotentin peninsula. If Alderney’s artillery were neutralised, landings would be possible in the western bays of the Cotentin peninsula.

Since Alderney is far behind in fortification, a request was made to give its development priority and secure appropriate Organisation Todt labour and concrete. Following the heavy withdrawal of OT workers, leaving only 300–400 men instead of 3,000, and with only 500 cubic metres of concrete now available monthly, it was impossible to catch up.

Ammunition stored in tunnels: Guernsey, 360 tonnes; Jersey, 2,000 tonnes. On Alderney construction is just starting. Construction continues on the other two islands.

T-312 Roll 1558, scans 1068. Extract from T-312_Roll_1558_Master_English_Translation.docx.