17 December 1944 Part 9

Continuation: 17 December; entries for 18 December 1944

The following radio telegrams were exchanged:

11:57 to the Casquets: report immediately on the events of last night: (1) aircraft noises or E-boats? (2) Is it possible that aircraft circled over U-boats between 280 and 320 degrees? (3) Were muzzle flashes observed during the star-shell firing, or should illuminating bombs also be suspected? — Naval Commandant, Channel Islands.

17:39 from the Casquets, replying to FT 11:57: (1) neither aircraft nor E-boats; the noises came from a heavy diesel engine. (2) No. (3) Muzzle flashes were not seen, but star shells from guns are nevertheless assumed because the flight path was observed.

No radar fixes could be obtained because Mirus, the only set suitable for the long range, was temporarily out of order.

T-1022 Roll 2423, PG 37998, Commander of Sea Defences, Channel Islands. Source scan 0132 — original page 301