31 December 1944 Part 12

Employment of merchant vessels

The shortage of fuel on the one hand, and the need for continuing supply convoys on the other, compelled careful planning in the employment of the merchant vessels. Because coal stocks were small, all steam-powered vessels were initially laid up.

For supply traffic between Jersey and Guernsey the available diesel-powered Rhine lighters Saigon, Tourane and Pondichery were selected. Their low superstructures made radar location by hostile position destroyers considerably more difficult, and they had comparatively large cargo spaces. Since they could be used only in calm weather, the motor ship Robert Müller was additionally allocated to this route for urgent convoys during periods of bad weather.

Because the weather on the Alderney route was appreciably less settled, supply to the island was carried out by the more seaworthy coaster Claus Wilhelm. After a change of propeller, her speed was increased by 1.5 knots, from 8 to 9.5 knots. Removal of the mast reduced the possibility of hostile radar detection.

Necessary fuel and heating-oil supply voyages were made by the tank lighter Tonkin.

The motor tug Diecksand was kept ready as harbour tug for St Helier, and the steam tug Loiret for Peter Port; the latter normally had its fires out and raised steam only in the most urgent cases.

Apart from the coaster Karel, which had been burnt out by bomb hits, the remaining vessels were distributed among the available ports and laid up, their machinery being preserved and kept ready for sea.

The crews were organised militarily in the Jersey Ship’s Holding Company, with one platoon on Guernsey. Rotation of crews ensured that every merchant vessel employed in inter-island traffic was manned by German personnel.

The resulting position of merchant-vessel employment in the command area was as follows. In service: Saigon, Tourane, Pondichery, Claus Wilhelm, Diecksand and Loiret.

T-1022 Roll 2423, PG 37998, Commander of Sea Defences, Channel Islands. Source scan 0163 — original page 332