16 August 1943 Part 1

16 August 1943 Channel Islands Sea Defence diary

War Diary of the Commander of Sea Defence, Channel Islands. Secret. The cover states 15–31 August 1943; its first daily entry is 16 August. Archival marking Ch 32430 d; Naval Staff registry 2055/43.

Weather: wind 315°, 2 m/sec. At 01:28, the observation post of Batterie Strassburg and Artillery Regiment 720 reported distant engine noises at sea, probably S-boats. Between 03:10 and 03:40, FK 27, observation post Rabenstein of Artillery Regiment 727, and naval signal station Doyle reported the same.

03:39. Alarm for Batterie Strassburg. At 03:45, the Commanding Admiral was informed of two small craft, probably enemy S-boats, in BF 2696 centre, proceeding south-east. At 03:57, Group Jersey was alerted. At 04:08, St Malo convoy control was informed by FT, KWA and harbour-protection short-wave communications of two enemy S-boats in BF 3574 left centre, proceeding south-east. At 04:30, Group Jersey’s alarm ended.

04:47. Batterie Strassburg fired four 22-cm French capped shells on bearing 229° at a range of 215 hectometres (21.5 km). The boats withdrew at high speed on course 190°. At 05:05, the alarm for Batterie Strassburg ended.

The object of engaging the two enemy S-boats with the slow-firing battery was merely to show that their presence had been detected. A surprise concentration by several batteries would have offered better prospects, but required sea-target radar contact south of the island. Neither the naval nor Luftwaffe equipment obtained contact. Only Strassburg, whose fire-control post could intermittently distinguish the boats visually before dawn, was therefore able to fire.

One gun of Army Coast Artillery Battalion 452 was unavailable for about eight days while cold-resistant grooved-ring seals were fitted. Army Coast Artillery Battalion 728 on Jersey was again ready with all guns.

The investigation of the GU 28 escape is placed under 14 August. To prevent similar escapes the following measures were ordered:

1. Entries in identity papers, especially fishing permits, must be closed off and secured by signature and official seal to prevent additions.

2. Permits may be issued only to professional fishermen over 45 years of age or with local families including minor children, whose circumstances provide assurance against flight.

3. HuSt and the Secret Field Police must check family circumstances, assets and reliability. Fishermen with close relatives in England receive no permit.

4. A deposit of up to RM 1,000 per boat and RM 500 per fisherman is required. HuSt determines the amount; the deposit is lodged with the harbour commandant.

5. All existing fishing permits are withdrawn immediately. Fishing remains prohibited until new permits are issued.

6. Fishing by individual boats is prohibited. Fishing is allowed only in closed groups under continuous supervision by harbour-protection craft. Departure and return must be in groups.

7. The 319th Infantry Division is to strengthen coastal observation through its subordinate units.

T-1022 Roll 2422, scans 0686–0688.