3 October 1944 Part 3

3 October 1944 Proposed evacuation of island civilians

Evacuation of the civilian population of the Channel Islands. Naval War Staff, Operations Division, states that, according to information from Armed Forces High Command, partial evacuation of the Channel Islands’ civilian population is under consideration, and orders an expedited examination and report as to whether, and what, possibilities exist for transport to a port on the Channel coast.

Apart from the few vessels of Commander, Security West, still in commission, which cannot be considered for civilian evacuation for military reasons, the only shipping available consists of decommissioned security vessels, several coastal motor vessels, a number of fishing cutters and a few tank lighters. Using vessels suitable for civilian evacuation would weaken the islands’ ability to hold out even on the short route to St Malo, since the extremely scarce fuel is needed within the islands for exchanging local produce, keeping the power station operating and other vital purposes.

A corresponding report is sent to Naval War Staff, Operations Division.

Commander-in-Chief West puts the same question concerning evacuation of civilians from the Channel Islands, and additionally requests Group’s view on how long the food situation will allow the civilian population to hold out under suitable rationing, and whether additional food can be obtained by fishing. [Continued.]

The first question is answered by forwarding a copy of the report to Naval War Staff, Operations Division, mentioned above. No information is available here on the second question. Commander-in-Chief West is asked to supply the appropriate text if a radio inquiry is considered necessary. The question about fishing is answered by pointing out that even in peacetime it was of only minor importance and that no appreciable contribution to supplying the islands can be expected.

T-1022 Roll 4008; PG 37610 | Frame 0388; original page 7413; PG 37610 | Frame 0389; original page 7414. Extract from T1022_R4008_English_Translation.docx.