23 November 1941

23 November 1941 Progress of permanent construction and arrival of Organisation Todt

[Scan 1074.jpg] Copy. Secret command matter. Commander-in-Chief West/Army Group Command D, Ia/General of Engineers, Engineer Branch 1, no. 283/41. Headquarters, 23 November 1941. Four copies; copy fromcopy 1. Reference: Army High Command/Army General Staff/Operations Branch/General of Engineers and Fortifications (LI), no. 1040/41, 3 July 1941. Subject: Permanent construction of the Channel Islands. To Army High Command. Received 27 November 1941, no. 38167/41.

Anti-tank obstacles on all three islands have mostly been reconnoitred. Construction can begin immediately. Supplementation of the coastal road for surveillance patrols has been reconnoitred. Construction of the tactical road network on Alderney is being reconnoitred; work can already begin. Artillery positions have been reconnoitred. Permanent personnel and ammunition shelters can be begun at three batteries on each island. Progress depends on delivery of building materials, which can be only slow owing to restricted unloading facilities in the island harbour. Reconnaissance of gun casemates in the flanking gun positions has been initiated as a priority. Work can begin, if necessary initially on the interim installations.

[Scan 1075.jpg] Construction of an excavated central stronghold for the counterattack group, ammunition stores, etc.on Jersey has begun. Mining of the islands continues. Organisation Todt has arrived and begun preparations for construction. Improvement of unloading facilities in the harbours is urgent. For Commander-in-Chief West and Army Group Command D, Chief of General Staff, signed Hilpert. After dispatch: Army Group D/Ia; Staff Artillery; General of Engineers (draft). Certified correct copy: [signature unclear], First Lieutenant.

German Army High Command records, T-78 Roll 317. Supplied English translation T78_Roll_317_English_Translation.docx. Source images: 1074.jpg, 1075.jpg.