23 July 1944 Part 2

23 July 1944 Part 2 Civilian evacuation and withdrawal of island troops proposed

In response to Army Group’s enquiry, Army Headquarters reports that there are no objections to evacuating the civilian population of the Channel Islands who are not required for agricultural production. Referring to the discussion between Field Marshal von Kluge and the Army Commander on 20 July, Army Headquarters proposes that the evacuation of civilians be accompanied by a thinning out of the islands’ defensive forces, and asks permission to withdraw one reinforced battle group and heavy anti-aircraft artillery, the latter to be employed in fixed positions at vital bridges in the rear Army area.

German Seventh Army Headquarters (AOK 7), NARA T-312 Roll 1569. Roll 1569 Jersey and Channel Islands English translations.docx, reference 37. T312-1569.pdf, PDF page 198. PDF pages count from the first page of the supplied file.