18 February 1942 Part 1

18 February 1942 St Malo convoy diary

00:30: M 4006’s commander, ordered to anchor in the roadstead, reported being fired on from shore while anchoring. He reported water entering and requested tug assistance. The water was subsequently controlled and the boat proceeded without establishing its losses.

Later note by Dr Diederichs: my inspection found no hits above water. The reported propeller obstruction was attributed to grounding in Guernsey harbour. No water ingress was established: normal accumulation of bilge water during the passage had been mistaken, in unmilitary excitement, for a leak. Both commander and chief engineer had lost their composure and issued wholly unnecessary alarming reports. A diver found a wire end in the propeller; the boat was to dock on 19 February to remove it. The circumstances of the alleged firing could not yet be clarified because contact with the relevant Army authorities had not been possible. Enquiries would continue.

Convoys proceeded as intended. Delays passing through St Malo’s lock disrupted departures; I told the harbour commandant that agreed departure times must be observed for the overall programme, especially when convoys were to join off Jersey. No convoys had been requested for tomorrow. The 3rd Security Division postponed Ostmark’s movement by 24 hours: M 4007/M 4008 to be at Point 27 at 02:30 on 20 February, V 1705/M 4000 at Point 28 at 00:30. The division was informed by wireless.

Situation: V 208/V 213 departed Guernsey 08:20 for Cherbourg; V 205/V 206 replenishment St Malo. M 4007/M 4008 left St Malo 07:00 for Granville, departing there 10:20 with Hubbastone, Comptoir 66 and Comptoir 51 for Jersey, Diamant and Rabat for Guernsey. V 1705/M 4000 departed St Malo 00:15 without convoy for Guernsey, leaving there 10:20 with Maas and Nestor for St Malo (“Jersey” added in parentheses). V 212/M 4005 departed St Malo 09:30 with Nordplein, B 113 S and two barges for Jersey, H 23 and Derfflinger for Guernsey. M 4006 entered St Malo at 01:28 because of damage. The Guernsey portions of the convoys joined off Jersey and continued with V 212/M 4007/M 4008. M 4006 ready St Malo. Escorted tonnage printed here: 1,004 GRT; closing table: 10,004.

Intention for 19 February: V 208/V 213 ready Cherbourg. V 205/V 206 inspection voyage with flotilla chief, flag lieutenant of Security West and Cherbourg’s Naval Signals Officer: Guernsey, Alderney and Jersey on 20 February, Granville on 21 February, St Malo on 22 February. M 4007/M 4008 ready Guernsey, Point 27 at 02:30 on 20 February under division Gkdos 197/42. V 1705/M 4000 ready St Malo, Point 28 at 00:30 on 20 February. V 212/M 4005 Guernsey–Jersey without convoy, taking Robert Müller 8, Gunivers and two barges to St Malo at midday. M 4006 ready St Malo. No convoys during the night of 19/20 February. [Scan 0263 repeats original pages 4–5 photographed in 0262; counted once.]

T-1022 Roll 2423, PG 38000, scans 0262–0263.