5 January 1943 Part 1

5 January 1943 Channel Islands Sea Defence diary

Weather: wind from 315°, 7 m/s.

0130: Steamer Schokland runs onto the Grande Grune rock south-west of Noirmont Point, Jersey, and sinks. There were 316 men aboard; 169 have been rescued. Schokland and Holland intended to meet the escort, patrol boats 209 and 212, waiting off La Corbière. The night was very dark and at times hazy; the buoys and leading lights were lit. [These are this diary’s reported figures; other records and later corrections are retained separately.]

Investigations and findings so far show that Schokland’s command was unable to navigate the Western Passage safely in the prevailing difficult conditions: poor visibility, darkness and spring low water. Lack of knowledge of the courses through the passage also became apparent. Convoy escorts must therefore collect ships at St Helier harbour entrance or St Aubin’s Roads and lead them through the passage. Under the existing practice and the provisional order to put pilots aboard the steamers, the harbour commandant assumes responsibility for part of the sea area under Commander Security West. The diary considers this questionable.

Signed on behalf of the commanding officer [signature not securely read].

T-1022 Roll 2422, PG 37997, scan 0583.