26 February 1944

26 February 1944 Special naval recognition signal

Subject: special recognition sign in the event of enemy landings on the Channel and Atlantic coasts. The Naval Commander Channel Islands is an information recipient.

Because the enemy may imitate our recognition signals during a landing, it may become impossible to distinguish our own forces reliably from enemy forces. A special sign has therefore been devised for the Channel and Atlantic coasts. It differs fundamentally from existing recognition signals and cannot immediately be imitated by the enemy.

The special sign consists of a red luminous rod, one metre long, mounted vertically. It is made from two red luminous tubes, each 50 cm long, mounted end to end on a two-part wooden batten. A hinge at the centre allows the batten to be folded for easier stowage. A cable about five metres long, with a plug, connects it to a power supply, preferably on the vessel’s bridge. Tubes can be supplied for 24, 110 and 220 volts, according to the vessel’s electrical system.

All destroyers, torpedo boats, S-boats and Security Division vessels employed on patrol and escort duties in the western theatre are to prepare suitable mounting positions with an unobstructed view. Each boat is to receive two signs, except S-boats, which receive one. HS-boats are not to be equipped.

Until the signal is activated by a special Navy Group West radio order, the strictest secrecy is to be maintained about the preparations and the nature of the sign. The signs are to remain under the commander’s personal lock and key. After the activation order, they are to be fitted only when the vessel is at sea. They are to be illuminated only briefly when there is doubt whether an opposing vessel is friendly or hostile, or when fire from friendly forces or coastal batteries is suspected.

The signs are to be removed before entering harbour and locked away again. The flotillas will be equipped shortly. Subordinate formations and units receiving the sign are to be instructed accordingly. The commanding admirals of the Channel and Atlantic coasts are to inform coastal-defence forces in their areas only when an enemy landing occurs.

For Navy Group West, Chief of Staff: signed Hoffmann. Forwarded by Admiral Channel Coast to Fifteenth and Seventh Army Headquarters on 10 March 1944. The forwarding note states explicitly: “Photographs are not enclosed.”

Editorial note: inclusion rests on the Channel Islands commander’s place in the distribution. This is a recognition procedure, not a report of a landing or engagement. HS-boats is retained as printed.

Original source image 00657.jpg — T-312 Roll 1563. Special naval recognition signal.

Original source image 00658.jpg — T-312 Roll 1563. Special naval recognition signal.

German Seventh Army records, NARA T-312 Roll 1563. T312_R1563_Jersey_and_Channel_Islands_English_Translation.docx. File 57350/2 • Scans 00657–00658 • Navy Group West, 26 February 1944. Local scan references identify the supplied image filenames, not substituted microfilm frame numbers.