26 November 1944 Part 21

Continuation: 26 November; entries for 27 November 1944

18:00

Weather: wind west, force 5–7; sea state 3–4; visibility 6–8 nautical miles; cloud 8/10; cloud base 1,000 metres.

Enemy vessels observed during the day in convoy traffic: to Cherbourg, one hospital ship, three S-boats and three freighters (two with three masts and one funnel; one with one funnel and two masts); towards England, five units, probably destroyers, six Liberty ships and three destroyers.

Inspection of the troop specialist course on Alderney showed pleasing results, especially in the gun-commanders’ course. The desired opportunity arose to improve substantially the personnel composition of the 10.5 cm coastal battery Generaloberst Marx, which had been put together very poorly. Experience shows that, despite the many supernumerary non-commissioned officers who were First World War veterans, the promotion arrangements [uncertain wording] require particular attention.

The National Socialist leadership course for non-commissioned officers, which was established following the experience gained on Guernsey, was also progressing well. At the request of the Fortress Commander, Alderney, I spoke during this course to the officers and some of the fortress non-commissioned officers about National Socialist leadership.

T-1022 Roll 2423, PG 37998, Commander of Sea Defences, Channel Islands. Source scan 0094 — original page 270