26 June 1940 Part 1

26–28 June 1940

Air reconnaissance reported that Alderney appeared unoccupied and showed no occupation of its airfield. Jersey showed no military occupation, while Guernsey had no occupied airfield; normal passenger traffic was observed at St Peter Port and no naval vessels were sighted. Because the available photographs did not reveal substantial artillery positions, the command considered that the islands might be occupied by a relatively small force, while still allowing for concealed weapons and local resistance.

The German staff prepared a two-part operation: Alderney and Guernsey were to form one sector and Jersey the other. Stuka attacks were to be available against recognised resistance points and enemy vessels, fighter cover was requested around Cherbourg, and minesweeping and pilotage preparations were made for the transport force.

Roll 4009, PG 37304, scans 0204–0211 and 0223.