19 December 1944 Part 25

Continuation of item 6 — reference to original page 303

Nevertheless, the movements on the preceding day and the regularity of the turning manoeuvres suggest minesweeping activity against the German anti-sweep-wire mines already laid. The vessel initially reported as a freighter on an easterly course was identified as a small auxiliary warship, probably a special craft for clearing anti-sweep-wire mines. In any event, the existence of the German barrage argues against an anti-submarine operation by the enemy formation.

The daily report, radio telegram FT 2126/19 to Naval High Command West, contained the following wording:

‘From 11:20 until darkness in grid square B.F. 3817, five destroyers and one apparent minesweeper, courses alternating between north-west and south-east. In contrast to the assessment in radio telegram FT 2121/18 that this was destroyer activity in B.F. 3817, it is presumed to be the methodical clearance of the German EMC barrage. This barrage may possibly have affected the St Malo convoys.’

T-1022 Roll 2423, PG 37998, Commander of Sea Defences, Channel Islands. Source scan 0166 — decoded-message annex, continuation