8 December 1941

8 December 1941 Proposal for a permanent tactical and local command on Alderney

[Scan 1072.jpg] Secret command matter. Commander-in-Chief West/Army Group Command D, Ia no. 1675/41. Headquarters, 8 December 1941. Six copies; copy 2. Subject: Channel Islands command organisation. To Army High Command/Organisation Branch (copy 1); information Army High Command/Operations Branch (copy 2). Received 12 December 1941, no. 38191/41.

1. In organising the Channel Islands it has proved necessary to create a permanent tactical command post and local commandant’s office on Alderney, independent of changes of units or superior command authorities. 2. This also prepares Alderney’s eventual incorporation into 319th Infantry Division’s command area, which will become possible once island construction reaches a certain stage.

3. In view of the strained personnel situation only the indispensable minimum is requested: (a) tactical command post Alderney: one permanent commandant, an older field-grade officer, wounded or disabled veteran of the Eastern campaign; one adjutant, lieutenant or first lieutenant, who may also be war-disabled; (b) one permanent local commandant’s office typeI, whose commandant may be fit for garrison service or war-disabled. [Scan 1073.jpg] Local Commandant’s Office Alderney is to be subordinate to Commandant Alderney and simultaneously serve as Supply Group Alderney. 4. Other necessary auxiliary and clerical personnel will, as hitherto, be assembled by detailing them.

Commander-in-Chief West/Army Group Command D, Chief of General Staff: [signature]. After dispatch: General of Engineers (copy 3); IIa/IIb (copy 4); Ia draft (copy 5); information Army Command 15 (copy 6).

German Army High Command records, T-78 Roll 317. Supplied English translation T78_Roll_317_English_Translation.docx. Source images: 1072.jpg, 1073.jpg.