23 September 1942 Part 3

23 September 1942 St Malo Convoy Control Office

Weather: South-west to west, fresh to strong wind, temporarily veering north-west in the evening and freshening to near gale, strongly gusting; overcast with occasional rain showers; visibility 10–12 nautical miles with patches of fog; moderate to slight sea, high short westerly swell.

0410, Malo: V 212/08 arrived with Hüxter from Guernsey. Since the weather remains bad, weather-dependent convoys are further postponed.

Further requests: (1) Minotaure with troops Malo–Guernsey; (2) Spinel Cherbourg–Alderney, then with troops Alderney–Guernsey. I assign V 209/08 to (1), V 710/24 to (2). 1700: Spinel’s convoy is cancelled because of the weather. 2025, Malo: V 209/08 sailed with Minotaure for Guernsey.

The following was sent to 3rd Security Division. Correction to 22 September: Item 3: V 707/05 shadowed hospital ship Hüxter; V 212/08 took over Guernsey–Malo. Situation for 23 September: (1) V 713/02/10/24/UJ 1407/01 ready at Cherbourg; (2) V 209/08 night troop convoy of 23/24 September Malo–Guernsey with Minotaure; (3) V 212/08 completed shadowing Hüxter Guernsey–Malo; V 212 ready, V 208 as in (2); (4) V 207 at Malo for MES repairs; (5) V 707 under repair at Guernsey; (6) V 705/M 4611 ready at Guernsey; (7) M 4605/04/02/01 ready at Malo. Escorted tonnage: 1,900 GRT.

Intentions for 24 September, weather permitting: (1) V 713/02/10/24/UJ 1407/01 evening bridge convoy Cherbourg–Alderney; (2) V 212/07/M 4605/04/02/01 ready at Malo, V 207 MES repairs; (3) V 707/05/M 4611 ready at Guernsey; (4) V 209/08 complete night troop convoy of 23/24 September Malo–Guernsey, then readiness.

Signed: Dr Diederichs.

T-1022 Roll 2423, scans 0520–0521, original pages 14–15.