3 April 1942 Part 3

3 April 1942 Security West reviews first-half February convoy diary

Commander of Security West, Secret Command Matter Gkdos 778 A4, 3 April 1942. To Naval Group Command West; copies Third Security Division and St Malo Convoy Control Office. Submits the 1–15 February diary and comments. [The receipt stamp reads 8 March 1942, inconsistent with the typed letter date; both are retained.]

Responsibilities were now regulated by Naval Group West Gkdos 828 A3 of 4 March and Gkdos 875 A3 of 8 March. Troop transports were normally to have Security West escorts; if none were available, Admiral France could decide whether they might sail unescorted. Every sea transport still had to be reported to St Malo’s convoy office.

Continued weakening of fighter forces in the Channel Islands area threatened supply traffic. Admiral France had initiated improved communications. A St Martin’s Point signal station had been requested. Corbière’s station was planned alongside closure of Plemont Point. St Malo entrance lighting had already been improved and the Minquiers buoys were lit.

The request for quadruple 2 cm mounts could not currently be met because of shortages. The 2nd Patrol Flotilla’s armament had already been substantially strengthened. For Commander of Security West, Chief of Staff [signature uncertain].

T-1022 Roll 2423, PG 38000, scans 0257–0258.