2 October 1941 Part 6

2 October 1941 Unified command for defence of the Channel Islands

[Scan 1152.jpg] Army teleprinter network, received 2 October at 16:35 from GWNOL; transmitted at 16:30, GWNOL 05668. To Army Commander-in-Chief, Operations Branch; distribution also Commander-in-Chief West, Navy Commander-in-Chief/Naval War Staff, Luftwaffe Commander-in-Chief/Command Staff Robinson. Top secret. Subject: defence of the Channel Islands. Reference: Armed Forces High Command/Operations Staff/Branch L II org no. 627/41, top secret, of 3 May 1941, paragraph 5a.

A British surprise attack on the Channel Islands occupied by us must be expected. In such an operation the enemy may reason that success would bring a great prestige victory and that reconquest of the islands by us would be difficult. To coordinate defence preparations, which must be pursued with the greatest energy, the Führer has ordered that the commander of the 319th Infantry Division be appointed commander of the island group, that the units of all armed services deployed there be subordinated to him, and that he thus be responsible for overall defence. Armed Forces High Command/Operations Staff/Branch L I op no. 002246/41, top secret. [Handwritten routing notes partly illegible.]

German Army High Command records, T-78 Roll 317. Supplied English translation T78_Roll_317_English_Translation.docx. Source images: 1152.jpg.