2 March 1942 Part 1

2 March 1942 St Malo convoy diary

Weather: E–NE moderate to fresh breeze, cloudy, very poor visibility, frequent fog, slight sea. V 205/V 212 were ordered, after releasing their convoy at Alderney, to embark the body of M 1208’s commander and take it to Guernsey (coded “Gustav”). V 205 damaged her propeller and rudder when entering; both boats remained at Alderney. The other convoys were carried out.

Situation reported to the 3rd Security Division: V 208/V 213 replenishment St Malo. V 205/V 212 listed for Cherbourg degaussing-range passage and compass adjustment, then Schwalbe, Claus and Gerfried to Alderney overnight, and transfer of M 1208’s commander’s body to Guernsey without convoy. [This list retains the intended movement despite the damage reported above.] V 210/V 207 Guernsey–Jersey–Granville with Maas and Pondicherry, Holland to St Malo. V 209/V 211 St Malo–Granville without convoy, then Diamant and Rabat to Jersey and Hubbastone with troops to Guernsey. V 204/V 206 boiler cleaning St Malo. Escorted tonnage: 5,600 GRT.

Intention for 3 March: V 208/V 213 ready St Malo. V 205/V 212 Guernsey–Cherbourg without convoy, then Midsland from Cherbourg to Alderney in the evening. V 210/V 207 ready St Malo. V 209/V 211 from Guernsey with Claus Wilhelm, Helma and Favorit for Jersey, then H 2 to St Malo; an added note directs V 209/V 211 to take the body of M 1208’s commander. V 204/V 206 boiler cleaning.

T-1022 Roll 2423, PG 38000, scans 0274.