26 November 1942 Part 8

26 November 1942 Construction progress on the Channel Islands as at 1 November 1942

Date note: Report dated 26 November 1942, status 1 November 1942. Tables 1 a and 1 b referred to are not in immediately following supplied scans.

[Scan 0934.jpg]26 November 1942. Secret command matter. Report on construction progress on the Channel Islands (position as at 1 November 1942). Subject: Permanent fortification of the Channel Islands.

1. For details of the state and progress of permanent construction, see tables, enclosures 1 a and 1 b.

2. The mechanical installation of the heavy naval battery “Mirus” on Guernsey was completed and handed over by Krupp to the acceptance commission of Navy High Command. The medium naval batteries “Steinbruch” on Guernsey and “West” on Alderney were test-fired. Concreting of the gun emplacements, including ammunition chambers, is complete. Approximately 70% of the remaining structures belonging to the batteries are under construction.

3. One anti-aircraft battery position on each of Guernsey and Alderney, previously begun as reinforced field construction, was converted to permanent construction. In addition, permanent construction of the Mont Saint anti-aircraft battery on Guernsey (1/124) was begun. This replaces the anti-aircraft battery at St. Germain (3/441), previously planned for permanent construction.

4. To promote the construction of permanent infantry installations, Organisation Todt forces were concentrated on the most threatened fronts.

5. On all three islands, construction-material haulage railways were built and brought into service. They run from the ports, quarries and processing plants, on Guernsey initially along the northwest coast

[Scan 0935.jpg] Page 2. to the points of consumption, and on Jersey along the southwest coast. Completed: Guernsey 12.5 km; Jersey 26.3 km; Alderney 2.7 km; total 41.5 km of haulage railway. Railway operation has already had a favourable effect on fuel consumption. In addition, the road network was improved and extended, particularly on Alderney.

6. Blocking of the ramps (slips) in existing sea walls by walling them up or installing Belgian and Czech hedgehogs was carried out. Construction of obstacles against airborne landings (iron rails or concrete posts) continued.

7. Number of mines laid: Guernsey 12,164 (including 528 improvised mines); Alderney 1,674 (including 139 improvised mines); Jersey 6,179; Sark 939 (laying completed). Total 20,956.

German Army High Command records, T-78 Roll 317. Supplied English translation T78_Roll_317_English_Translation.docx. Source images: 0934.jpg, 0935.jpg.