15 November 1943 Part 3

15 November 1943 Group A mine clearing between Jersey and Guernsey

15 November: normal readiness; intended sail 22:00. NE 4–5, sea 3–4, visibility about 10 nautical miles; postponed to night 16/17 after telephone consultation because rough sea. Closed 15 November, Möller. [Source incorrectly types October in several final date rows; November follows heading and sequence.]

Flotilla commander's comments: very good visibility during sweeping; cross-bearings Corbière, Sorel Point and St Martin's Point considered reliable. Only four boats available and minefield to be entered at most two hours before/after high water, restricting work. Unlike Lézardrieux, explosions very strong, columns 60–80 m. Frequent gear losses suggest minefield protection and anti-sweeping buoys. One such buoy and several EFA mines washed ashore at Saint-Malo. See two sketches. Signatures authenticated. [Later division and higher-command comments dispute accuracy of 3 November navigation; retained separately.]

T-1022 Roll 3129, 46th Minesweeping Flotilla and reviewing commands. Supplied English translation T1022_R3129_English_Translation.docx. Record 587 | Source PDF scans 587, 588, 589, 590, 591.