4 December 1942 Part 8

4 December 1942 Sea links to the Channel Islands

Editorial note: The change of port was considered and rejected. The additional passenger vessel is described as a future provision.

The Army has examined whether shipping to the Channel Islands could be transferred from the ports hitherto used, St Malo and Granville, to the port of Carteret. This would offer the advantage of a considerable reduction in journey time, exposure to danger and fuel consumption.

According to the Chief of Sea Transport, this is not possible, because vessels drawing up to 3 metres can berth in Carteret harbour only for one hour at high tide. There can be no question of developing the harbour to handle a greater volume of traffic.

To improve shipping to the Channel Islands, however, the Navy will put another passenger motor vessel into service during this month. It can carry up to 500 men in covered accommodation.

The length of the crossing is affected by a prolonged wait at the locks because of the tides.

German Army records, NARA T-312 Roll 1549. T312_R1549_Jersey_and_Channel_Islands_English_Translation.docx, extract 2. Seventh Army, Ia No 5409/42 secret, to LXXXIV Army Corps, with copy to 319th Infantry Division. Source PDF page 38 of T312-1549.pdf; PDF numbering counts from the first page, not the photographed frame or original folio.