4 June 1941 Part 1

4 June 1941 Requests for personnel, weapons, boats and aircraft for the island garrisons

Editorial note: This is the formal referral to Organization Branch of requirements in the 3 June readiness report, not a second set of reinforcement requests.

[Scan 1218.jpg] Operations Branch IIa no. 37456/41, top secret, second communication. Headquarters, 4 June 1941. First of two copies. Subject: defensive readiness of the Channel Islands. To Organization Branch. In connection with a report on island garrisoning requested by Armed Forces High Command for presentation to the Führer, Commander-in-Chief West has submitted the following wishes. Please examine these requirements and meet them where possible. Requests or wishes:

1) An authorized establishment for the Commander of the British Channel Islands has been requested but not yet settled. 2) An authorized establishment for Machine-Gun Battalion 16 is urgent; in its present composition it is very suitable as a permanently assigned island battalion. This has already been requested. 3) Expedited delivery is requested of the twelve light and twelve heavy mortars approved in total for the two infantry battalions of the 319th Division.

[Scan 1219.jpg] 4) The cadres intended for the four captured-gun batteries, each one officer, two NCOs and fifteen men, which arrived on 28 May, remain insufficient. A substantial increase in cadre personnel is needed, particularly for use of the long-baseline fire-control method. Signals equipment is still insufficient. 5) Antiaircraft protection: one antiaircraft company each for Guernsey and Jersey would be desirable, although the overall situation probably requires postponement of this demand.

6) Shipping space for communication with the islands is tight, although the Navy has provided a further motor boat of 180 tons. A small fast motor boat for the Commander of the British Channel Islands and his superior authorities would be desirable. 7) Three aircraft each for Guernsey and Jersey appear desirable for reconnaissance and transmission of orders.

By order [signature unclear]. Distribution: Army High Command/Organization Branch, first copy; Operations Branch IIa, second.

German Army High Command records, T-78 Roll 317. Supplied English translation T78_Roll_317_English_Translation.docx. Source images: 1218.jpg, 1219.jpg.