31 October 1944 Part 5

Continuation: memorandum on principal berthing ports

In considering where landings are most probable, I believe an attack will come from the east and will first be made on Jersey, for the following reasons: (1) Jersey is the economic backbone of the Channel Islands; and (2) a landing from the mainland can be carried out here most quickly and easily.

If Jersey is therefore expected to be attacked first, the vessels with the shortest readiness period and, because of the depth conditions, the shallowest draught must be stationed there.

Alderney has not been included in this assessment. Experience of the bombardment by Rodney showed that the island can be held under such superior enemy artillery fire that employment of the comparatively weak escort craft in that area promises no success. In Jersey, by contrast, attack by heavy ships need be expected only after Guernsey has been subdued, and then principally from the west.

As Alderney’s harbour also offers no shelter from the weather for the large escort vessels, their transfer there is not contemplated.

In the present situation it is unlikely that Guernsey will be attacked first. It is more likely to be attacked last, leaving sufficient time to bring the escort vessels to readiness. One disadvantage is that Peter Port lacks enough individual berths of sufficient depth for the large escort vessels of the 2nd Outpost and 46th Minesweeper Flotillas. Since their minimum readiness time is in any case 18 hours, they can also be distributed among berths with shallower water. The position could be improved if Vp. 205 can be raised or removed from its present sunken position; attempts are in progress.

Conclusions:

Principal port for the 24th Minesweeper Flotilla (four Type 1940 M-boats) and the artillery ferries of the 2nd Outpost Flotilla: St Helier.

Principal port for the three large fishing steamers of the 2nd Outpost Flotilla and the four large fishing steamers of the 46th Minesweeper Flotilla (seven vessels in all): St Peter Port.

The motor fishing steamer M 4613 of the 46th Minesweeper Flotilla and the three naval fishing cutters of the 2nd Outpost Flotilla are to be used on convoy service without a fixed base.

The two lobster boats and F.L. 106 of the 2nd Outpost Flotilla are to remain at St Helier. The lobster boats will serve with the Harbour Defence Group. F.L. 106 cannot be used until its spare parts arrive.

S 112, which is directly subordinate to the Commander of Fast Attack Craft or West Group, is initially to remain at Peter Port until it is fully operational.

T-1022 Roll 2423, PG 37998, Commander of Sea Defences, Channel Islands. Source scan 0029 — original page 221