8 October 1942 Part 2

8 October 1942 divisional review of the St Malo diary for 1–15 September

Page 6, 3 September, 1420—losses of D 117 S and H 313 PM: For convoys of vessels with limited seaworthiness, the convoy leader must not rely solely on the latest published forecast. He must contact the nearest weather station for renewed advice immediately before sailing. Forecast distribution entails delay, which direct contact avoids and might have avoided in this case. Flotillas are being instructed accordingly. Otherwise the Convoy Control Office's assessment is endorsed.

Page 7, 4 September, 0815—arranging measures from Lézardrieux: Conditions will improve once the approved teletype office is installed. To avoid radio transmissions by the boats, they are instructed to telephone 3rd Security Division, which will arrange the measures.

Page 10, 6 September, 0330—sailing vessel off Cherbourg: The two patrol boats brought her into Cherbourg. She was a French fishing cutter which had lost her way.

Pages 14–15, 9 September, 1556—air attack on V 207/209 with Henka and Tinda: Reference is made to the appended copy of the division's assessment of the action report.

Page 19, 12 September, 1000—Harbour Commandant Guernsey: Because of the Harbour Commandant's unilateral action, the daylight convoy Guernsey–St Malo, protected only by the weak M 4611/05, comprised 12 vessels, two bound only for Jersey. The Convoy Control Office is asked what action was taken with the Harbour Commandant. Signed on behalf [signature not securely legible].

T-1022 Roll 2423, scans 0509–0510, two-page letter. 3rd Security Division, reference G 6275 AII, 8 October 1942. Secret. To Commander, Security Forces West, two copies; copied to St Malo Convoy Control Office. No previous correspondence; two enclosures. One copy of the diary for 1–15 September is submitted.