5 December 1944 Part 2

Secret command communications: continuation, paragraphs 3–7

Continuation of paragraph 3. Important: selection of the vessel. An old German fishing trawler was probably most suitable. After removal of its wartime fittings, with the armament stowed below deck, naval officers familiar with the area were to be taken aboard after the equipment had been loaded. Bringing a supply vessel through the Channel Islands area would be more straightforward. In my opinion the question was significant if there was a shortage of fishing trawlers in Germany.

4. FT 1526/24 to the Commander, Naval Defence, Channel Islands: for U-boats operating in the Channel, Peter Port harbour or roadstead appeared a possible alternative for charging batteries while operating under schnorchel. Report whether the harbour or roadstead was still suitable and what routes and approaches were proposed.

Reply FT 1953/25 to Commander-in-Chief, U-boats: (1) Under the present enemy situation, the harbour and roadstead were more favourable than in June/July. In the winter months, however, the roadstead was unfavourable in the prevailing south-westerly winds because of the varying nature of the bottom. If necessary, lying in the harbour during an air raid would have to be accepted. Mine escort could be provided. (2) Proposed approach: 49°23.9′ N, 2°42.3′ W; 49°23.9′ N, 2°30.5′ W; 49°27.3′ N, 2°29.7′ W. Fire in accordance with current Channel Islands S.B. Plan No. 11/14[?] [uncertain]. (3) Our situation permitted no replenishment of the boats apart from water and vegetables. Commander, Naval Defence, Channel Islands.

5. FT 1912/28 from Naval High Command West: no entry and no advance radio notification. In an emergency the boats had instructions to proceed under schnorchel beneath the protection of the coast. Their appearance was henceforth to be expected chiefly off the south coast of Guernsey and the north coast of Alderney.

6. As a special recognition signal was in force in the Channel Islands area, the coastal recognition signal for the U-boats was requested in FT 1912/29 to Commander-in-Chief, U-boats.

7. On 24 November, FT 1859/24 requested that torpedoes for S 112 be flown in; see War Diary, 18 November, page 259. This was refused because of the Air Force fuel situation. Following consultation with the Commander, Channel Islands, and the General of the Luftwaffe, Channel Islands, Naval High Command West advised that aviation petrol held in the islands would be made available. FT 2023/29 therefore stated that, when the Channel Islands were approached, the General of the Luftwaffe would provide fuel from island stocks for the return flight. The Commander, Channel Islands, and the General of the Luftwaffe were ready to provide the returning aircraft with a full fuel load, and requested reconsideration of the Air Force High Command’s decision.

T-1022 Roll 2423, PG 37998, Commander of Sea Defences, Channel Islands. Source scan 0081