8 December 1944 Part 8

Continuation: assessment of Casquets; entries for 9 December 1944

Nevertheless, I cannot decide in favour of evacuation. This highly effective and exposed base frequently provides valuable reports on convoy traffic to St Malo, Granville and Jersey waters, and more reliable reports on destroyer movements; it is the principal source of maritime-surveillance information.

It also reveals the pattern of British air surveillance: aircraft come from Cherbourg, almost circle Alderney northwards, then pass the Casquets and Guernsey on a south-westerly course. Formerly they appeared at about 11:30 and now at about 11:40 daily. They have evidently been ordered to observe by day and night in almost all weather; in fog the aircraft are chiefly Liberators and at night Wellingtons.

During my final visit to the Casquets I personally explained my view to the men. They unanimously supported the task.

T-1022 Roll 2423, PG 37998, Commander of Sea Defences, Channel Islands. Source scan 0115 — original page 287