7 June 1943 Part 4

7 June 1943 Sark minefield discovery and bypass orders

Editorial note: The positions and reported detonations are those in the supplied diary. Later reviews of 15 July and 16 August question the bypass proximity and aspects of the interpretation.

7 June. Main group met four motor minesweepers at 0111, recognition exchanged. At 0118, 49°26.6′ N, 2°13.3′ W, leader’s explosive cutter detonated; minutes later mine exploded in M 442’s sweep, port forward boat; then leader’s port otter lost. At 0134 turned starboard onto reciprocal course, running back 0.75 nautical mile east of route. Further mine explosions behind M 422 and M 442. Four mine and three cutter detonations observed overall; numerous gear losses indicate anti-sweep devices. Slowed to prepare fresh gear; at 0238 with new gear created mine-free bypass three nautical miles east of Herz. SW force 1–2, sea state one, moderate visibility. Reached 328 at 0404, passed 324 at 0550, gear recovered shortly before 254 at 0650, Cherbourg secured 0730. Boats replenished coal, gear and provisions.

7 June evening. Sailed Cherbourg 2150 under order 3281 A I: create bypass from 328 on course 182 degrees to 49°23.8′ N, 2°05′ W, then 255.5 degrees to 330, five nautical miles clear of minefields; further task as planned; restricted to three hours either side of high water; departure not before 2200. SSW force 1–2, sea state one, good visibility.

T-1022 Roll 3252, 24th Minesweeping Flotilla and reviewing commands. Supplied English translation T1022_R3252_English_Translation.docx. 1 June 1943 | Entry 0214 | Source PDF pages 214–220. Selected island-related extract; the date above identifies the event or later report, while the source reference may identify the start of its diary period.