8 December 1944 Part 7

Continuation: 8 December 1944

21:00

Order: from 23:30 until further notice, lights and firing at aerial targets were prohibited, except in the event of an attack by enemy aircraft. The measure was intended to protect a supply aircraft expected at 00:30.

Enemy vessels observed during the day in convoy traffic towards Cherbourg: three Liberty ships.

Since my first visit in June 1944, I have regarded abandonment of the Casquets naval base as necessary. The lighthouse, formerly required by the Luftwaffe and convoy traffic, is no longer used; it was spared by the British during the original demolition. The occupation cannot benefit the enemy, regular supply consumes fuel, and the absence of a doctor is disproportionate to the almost daily British air attacks; in the prevailing regional weather, wounded men may be without medical aid for weeks.

The rocky ground and the thick-walled lighthouse, radio and fog-signal towers provide shelter, but the accommodation is exposed. It has suffered numerous hits; splinters enter the gun positions and can wound the small number of men manning one or two mountings.

T-1022 Roll 2423, PG 37998, Commander of Sea Defences, Channel Islands. Source scan 0114 — original page 286