15 October 1943 Part 2

15 October 1943 Jersey artillery fire plans and ammunition storage

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, 15 October 1943. Island of Jersey. Presentation by Jersey commander Colonel Heine on the situation and defensive readiness of the island. In an attack on the island, the main assault is expected in the west.

In accordance with the assessment of landing possibilities, the main concentration of both infantry and artillery is on the west front. Owing to coastal conditions, the north front is lightly manned by one company and watched by patrols. At Alert Level II, reserves are to man the second line. The island commander’s reserves are two antitank companies, 1st Company, Panzer Battalion 213, and the mobile squadron.

Artillery fire protection is ensured by concentrations in front of vulnerable points, thirteen batteries. Antiaircraft artillery, six heavy and four light batteries, participates in concentrations, barrages, etc., insofar as it is not engaged against aircraft. Illumination-point firing is planned. The island offers exceptionally many airborne landing possibilities because of its extensive agricultural areas.

The airfield is secured by the tank company. Artillery target points are distributed over the airborne landing areas and the whole island, 88 land-target and 44 sea-target points, to ensure artillery engagement of airborne forces. A blocking position is planned around the town.

St Aubin tunnel. Contains five chambers 68 metres long and one chamber 48 metres long. Storage of 2,000 tonnes of ammunition is planned and is in full progress.

T-312 Roll 1558, scans 1076–1077. Extract from T-312_Roll_1558_Master_English_Translation.docx.