4 July 1944 Part 2

4 July 1944 Part 2 Naval engagement and proposed replacement of the Naval Commandant

Off the north coast of Brittany, 25 kilometres north of Saint-Malo, another naval engagement took place between 01:40 and 03:50 between one of our convoys and enemy fast attack boats. Two patrol boats were lost and one ferry was damaged.

Over the Channel Islands and the mainland there were only a few incoming and transit flights and slight enemy aerial reconnaissance. In contrast, enemy air reconnaissance was particularly active in the Saint-Brieuc–Morlaix sea area. No special events occurred in the remainder of the Army area.

For reasons concerning the readiness of the Channel Islands for defence, the 319th Infantry Division has objected to the intended replacement of the Naval Commandant of the Channel Islands and has requested that he be retained. The Army forwarded the request to Army Group.

Naval Group West states that, on the orders of Naval High Command, the replacement must take place at a time not yet fixed. It will, however, only be carried out when the successor to the present Naval Commandant has been thoroughly and comprehensively familiarised with his duties, so that local defence requirements remain fully safeguarded.

German Seventh Army Headquarters (AOK 7), NARA T-312 Roll 1569. Roll 1569 Jersey and Channel Islands English translations.docx, reference 19. T312-1569.pdf, PDF page 125. PDF pages count from the first page of the supplied file.