3 October 1941 Part 2

3 October 1941 Commander-in-Chief West reports reinforcement measures

[Scan 1144.jpg] Army teleprinter network. GANNA 03918, received from GHMEX on 3 October at 19:25, transmitted 3 October 1941 at 18:55, GHMEX 0970. To Army High Command, Operations Branch. Top secret command matter. Reference: Army High Command, Operations Branch IIa, no. 1558/41, top secret, of 2 October 1941.

Commander-in-Chief West reports in response: 1) The third infantry regiment of the 319th Infantry Division is being transferred to the Channel Islands, with two battalions to Guernsey and one to Jersey. Corresponding reinforcement of signals and supply troops and ammunition and ration reserves has been ordered. Coastal defence and mobile reserves will thus be adequate for every eventuality. 2) Necessary measures have been settled with Naval Group West and the Air Fleet. 3) The antitank guns made available will go to the islands, including five 5 cm antitank guns to Alderney. Their deployment and employment on Guernsey and Jersey will be regulated by the commander of the island group.

[Scan 1145.jpg] 4) An additional 3,000 mines from our own stocks have been made available for extensive mining. 5) Island commanders: according to Fifteenth Army’s report, the existing appointments remain. The commander of the 319th Infantry Division is also island commander of Guernsey. 6) The 319th Division’s existing mainland coastal sector will be taken over by appropriate forces of the 216th Infantry Division. Commander-in-Chief West, Army Group D headquarters, Ia, no. 1400/41, top secret. Closing transmission: 19:25, GHMEX 0970, Maass, GANNA.

German Army High Command records, T-78 Roll 317. Supplied English translation T78_Roll_317_English_Translation.docx. Source images: 1144.jpg, 1145.jpg.