3 December 1944 Part 4

Continuation: 3 December; entries for 4 December 1944

12:00

Weather: wind west-north-west, force 6–7; sea state 4–5; visibility 6 nautical miles; cloud 10/10; cloud base 800 metres.

In response to the question of transferring officers from the area under the Naval Commander, Channel Islands, such transfers are being pursued as a matter of principle. Officers and engineer officers who have proved themselves especially well, possess wartime or flying experience, and are considered suitable for U-boat service are to be assigned first to new duties.

The first officers selected are those whose boats were lost in naval actions during the invasion period, or whose boats had to be taken out of service and who were no longer required ashore. Commanding officers and junior officers from operational vessels who are surplus to requirements, or who can be replaced for service in the Channel Islands area, are also included.

One of the officers transferred holds the Knight's Cross; the majority hold the German Cross in Gold. It is intended to give these officers good prospects of further advancement and to replace them initially with R.O.A. and K.O.A. officer candidates [exact expansions uncertain]. Later, experienced replacements are also to be brought in, provided they are suitable for U-boat service, so that orderly training can be completed.

The transfers will also create billets for capable non-commissioned-officer replacements and thereby help to preserve freshness and morale.

T-1022 Roll 2423, PG 37998, Commander of Sea Defences, Channel Islands. Source scan 0107 — original page 279