18 October 1941 Part 3

18 October 1941 Proposed artillery and anti-tank transfers to 319th Infantry Division

[Scan 1099.jpg] Copy. Secret command matter. Teletype. 18 October 1941, 23:30. To Army High Command, Operations Branch. Reference: telephone discussion of Operations Branch (CaptainGS Giese) with Army Group Command D, Ia, 18 October 1941.

As ordered, Commander-in-Chief West proposes the following transfers to reinforce 319th Infantry Division on the Channel Islands: 1. As IV Battalion/Artillery Regiment 319: Light Artillery Battalion 652 of 712th Infantry Division, three batteries of light field howitzer 16, under First Army. Rearm this battalion with Czech light field howitzer 14/19.

2. To bring I–III Battalions/Artillery Regiment 319 up to strength: one battery of Light Artillery Battalion 651 of 711th Infantry Division, light field howitzer 16, under Fifteenth Army; one battery Artillery Regiment 246 of 246th Infantry Division, light field howitzer 16, under Seventh Army; one battery Light Artillery Battalion 671 of 715th Infantry Division, light field howitzer 16, under Seventh Army. Rearm these three batteries as follows: one with Czech 8 cm field guns; two with Czech 10 cm light field howitzer 14/19. For the rearming under 1 and 2, Commander-in-Chief West proposes it take place in their present command areas, and transfer only after equipment has been issued.

3. To bring Anti-Tank Battalion 319 of 319th Infantry Division up to strength: (a) transfer the anti-tank company of Anti-Tank and Reconnaissance Battalion 225,225th Infantry Division, Fifteenth Army; (b) the anti-tank company of Anti-Tank and Reconnaissance Battalion 216,216th Infantry Division, Fifteenth Army.

Commander-in-Chief West reports that, with the additional reinforcements still planned by Army High Command, the islands now, in his responsible judgement, really possess sufficient defensive [Scan 1100.jpg] strength. Particular attention is drawn to supply tasks increasing with numbers of men and horses. Further detachments from his own area for these islands would diminish other coastal defence and readiness for special tasks. Commander-in-Chief West/Army Group Command D, Ia no. 1470/41 secret command matter. Certified correct copy: Giese, Captain (GS).

German Army High Command records, T-78 Roll 317. Supplied English translation T78_Roll_317_English_Translation.docx. Source images: 1099.jpg, 1100.jpg.