18 April 1942 Part 1

18 April 1942 St Malo convoy diary

Weather: N–NE light wind to light or weak breeze, calm to slight sea, visibility two to three nautical miles. 03:00: V 206’s commander reports V 208 has grounded while leaving St Helier harbour. V 204/12 take the troop convoy to St Malo. I order barges secured alongside V 208 to prevent it falling over, as the water is still falling. 07:30: V 206/08, V 208 having refloated, sail with Olwe to protect the cable work. Other convoys run as planned.

Correction to 17 April, item 3: Schockland did not sail; tonnage 7,600 GRT. Situation: V 206/08 protect Olwe, V 208 and V 212 having exchanged duties at Jersey; V 204/12 ready St Malo, night H 2 troop convoy to Jersey; V 207/13 ready Guernsey, night Georgi convoy to Alderney with Sea Commandant aboard; V 1510/704 ready Cherbourg, possible night convoys; V 211 ready St Malo, minor repairs; V 209 unready St Malo; V 210 boiler cleaning complete, replenish coal and water; V 205 dock Cherbourg. Escorted tonnage 3,100 GRT.

Intentions for 19 April: V 206/08 protect Olwe, intended relief by V 207/13 at Jersey; V 204/12 Georges, Guynemer and Naphtha II Jersey–Guernsey; V 207/13 Alderney–Jersey, convoy undecided; V 1510/704 ready Cherbourg; V 210/11 night H 23, Kurland, Schockland and Seigon St Malo–Guernsey [last name spelling as typed]; V 209 ready St Malo; V 205 dock Cherbourg.

T-1022 Roll 2423, PG 38000, scans 0321.