21 December 1944 Part 52

Item 9 — reference to original page 308

Evaluated report on observations from the Minquiers post, late November–December:

Shipping movements: in clear weather and good visibility, convoys arriving from the west were observed with four to six transports. The escort consisted of two warships—destroyers or escort vessels—one or two four-engined bombers, and fighter-bombers at short intervals. Air cover operated at low level. During three to five weeks, three convoys of this strength were observed. Warships and transports always entered St Malo; individual vessels continued towards Granville. South-east of the Îles Chausey, warships—destroyers or escort vessels—were observed maintaining equal intervals in formation for considerable periods. They were very probably calibrating equipment. On several days destroyers ran at high speed to and fro between St Malo and the Minquiers. Fishing activity was heavy in the Bay of St Malo and around the Chausey Islands. The transports were 3,000–4,000 gross registered tons and made 12–14 knots.

Aircraft observations: in all weather, four-engined bombers appeared above the Minquiers and used the island group as a firing range. The post itself was not attacked. An airfield south of Cap Fréhel was occupied by fighter-bombers; an artillery firing range was also situated in that direction.

Enemy lights and illumination on the coast: at St Malo the lighthouse showed red and white interrupted lights; the Chausey Islands showed flash and occulting group 2. There was also considerable [illegible] searchlight activity. Work lights burned on almost every night in St Malo and Granville.

Further observations: after the lights on Jersey were illuminated, E-boats were twice observed heading towards Jersey.

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