9 June 1941 Part 1

9 June 1941 Explanation of the absence of captured tanks on Guernsey

[Scan 1208.jpg] Operations Branch IIa, 9 June [1941]. Note on garrisoning the Channel Islands. 9 June, call from Captain Dankwarth: Armed Forces High Command requests, for the Führer’s information, an explanation of why no captured tanks are employed on Guernsey.

Following discussion with Commander-in-Chief West’s Ia and the Chief of Operations Branch, this answer was telephoned to Captain Dankwarth on 9 June: after detailed discussion with Air Fleet 3, Commander-in-Chief West refrained from employing tanks on Guernsey because terrain assessment indicates that neither airborne landing nor parachute troops are to be expected there. The terrain on Guernsey also precludes mobile employment even of individual tanks. Nevertheless, to comply with Armed Forces High Command’s wish, two captured tanks will be positioned in the harbour area by 20 June, the date being determined by transport difficulties.

German Army High Command records, T-78 Roll 317. Supplied English translation T78_Roll_317_English_Translation.docx. Source images: 1208.jpg.