31 December 1944 Part 10

Continuation: organisational note; merchant vessels in the Channel Islands

The K.F.K.s, together with M 4613 of the 46th Minesweeper Flotilla, form the new B Group of that flotilla. The two Hummer boats join the Jersey Harbour Defence Group.

The 2nd Outpost Flotilla had also absorbed the three artillery carriers A.F. 65, A.F. 68 and A.F. 71 of the 6th Artillery Carrier Flotilla, which had arrived with the last convoy from Cherbourg to Alderney. They were assigned to the 24th Minesweeper Flotilla. The same applies to the air-sea rescue boat Fl 206, a former French E-boat.

The distribution was made according to the boats’ home ports and principal tasks (see War Diary entry of 31 October). The 46th Minesweeper Flotilla will therefore consist in future of six large fishing steamers, one small motor fishing steamer and three K.F.K.s for escort duty; the 24th Minesweeper Flotilla of four M-boats, three artillery carriers and one Fl boat.

The 2nd Outpost Flotilla, which had borne a distinguished name in the B.S.W. organisation, therefore had to be dissolved. Under their new commanders, its vessels will continue to perform their duties in the old spirit and with the same operational readiness, even in the more limited tasks now assigned.

T-1022 Roll 2423, PG 37998, Commander of Sea Defences, Channel Islands. Source scan 0162 — original page 331