30 November 1943 Part 6

30 November 1943 Division comments recognition signals M 4616 and Saint Helier groundings

Editorial note: The report is dated November 1943, with the day indistinct; filed at month end. These are retrospective comments on the September incidents.

Secret. Commander, 3rd Security Division, November 1943 [day indistinct], G 7252 AIII. To Commander of Security Forces West, two copies; copy to flotilla. Diary for 16–30 September submitted in one copy, engineering section in duplicate; monthly performance questionnaire in duplicate. Five enclosures.

The escort leader has always acted as guide boat. In principle, when three or more escorts are available he should occupy a flank escort position to retain freedom of movement. This instruction is not rigid; exceptions may be necessary because other boats lack reliable navigators or adequate navigation equipment, or because major changes within a moving formation should be avoided when additional escorts join, and for other reasons. When departing from the principle, the leader should briefly explain why.

Group B contribution 2, M 4612, 28 September, pages 26, 27 and 29: Saint-Malo escort office comments on the groundings. The leader, M 4612's commander, acted correctly in ordering the convoy to anchor given the low water, current setting toward Saint Helier entrance and squally wind. He could not know that the two tow groups had no anchor gear, or insufficient gear, and were therefore compelled to enter.

The vessels were lost after release from convoy through the unseaworthiness and inadequate equipment of inland tugs, the Sea Lion barge and tank lighter. The escort leader was not merely blameless; he did everything possible in the circumstances to prevent the losses and assist the drifting vessels.

Admiral Channel Coast has now ordered that, because of unreliable weather forecasts for the Channel Islands area, convoys involving inland tugs are not to be carried out until further notice. For the commander, signed Moscow [surname as legible].

T-1022 Roll 3129, 46th Minesweeping Flotilla and reviewing commands. Supplied English translation T1022_R3129_English_Translation.docx. Record 509b | Source PDF scans 509, 510.