10 October 1941

10 October 1941 Immediate reinforcement of the islands

The order stated that Hitler increasingly expected British landings on the Channel Islands for political reasons and regarded British raiding operations on the night of 27–28 September in the sectors of 323rd and 83rd Infantry Divisions as possible precursors. A successful attack would yield the enemy considerable prestige and make German recapture difficult. The defence was therefore to be strengthened immediately and concealment along the coast used to the fullest extent.

The commander of 319th Infantry Division was appointed commander of the island group comprising Guernsey and Jersey, Sark and the smaller intervening islands, with responsibility for the overall defence. Each island commander received exclusive authority over all Wehrmacht units on his island, including naval and administrative establishments, for both battle and preparatory measures. The island commanders were Major-General Müller on Guernsey, Colonel Count von Schmettow on Jersey, and Hauptmann Hoffmann on Alderney under 83rd Infantry Division.

Infantry Regiment 583 was to move immediately to Guernsey; the planned relief of Infantry Regiment 584 was cancelled. Machine-Gun Battalion 16 was to move to Jersey as soon as possible. I Battalion Artillery Regiment 319, once its ammunition supply was assured, Panzerjäger Battalion 319 with Bicycle Squadron 319, and the necessary signals and supply troops were also to move to the islands. The garrisons, including Sark, were to provide both adequate coastal defence and sufficient counter-attack forces. 83rd Infantry Division was to send another rifle company without attached heavy weapons to Alderney until progress on the fortifications, the operational readiness of the naval school and winter weather permitted its withdrawal.

Alderney, Guernsey, Jersey and smaller islands such as Sark were to be mined extensively in close consultation with the Inspector of Western Land Fortifications. Initially 1,000 anti-tank mines and 4,000 anti-personnel mines were sent to Granville for 319th Infantry Division; another 10,000 mines had already been requested. The divisions were to submit mapped requirements, raise the rate of laying sharply and report weekly. Exact mine plans were mandatory.

Further reinforcement included bringing 319th Infantry Division to full establishment and forming its 13th and 14th Companies; allocating seventeen 5 cm anti-tank guns to 319th Division and five to 83rd Division for island use; strengthening the anti-aircraft arm under a new regimental staff on Guernsey; and replacing Renault tanks with modern tanks. Continuous coastal observation, air-force and naval reconnaissance, harbour-protection craft and every available communications means were required. A mainland-to-Alderney radio-telephone link was under trial.

All island reserves were to be made mobile with motor vehicles and bicycles and the achieved state reported by 20 October. Four additional ammunition issues were requested, with proper protected storage and specialist supervisory personnel. Food reserves were to be adjusted to the enlarged force and built up for sixty days. The island and Granville supply organisations were to be checked for full efficiency, with any additional personnel, guards, labour, huts and shelter materials requested immediately. Situation maps showing tactical organisation, artillery and construction progress were to be kept current and submitted whenever changes occurred.

Infantry Regiment 348, less specified elements, was ordered into the corps-reserve area under 216th Infantry Division. One guard company was to move to Saint-Lô so that the existing guard company of Infantry Regiment 583 could be released for the islands. Draft signed von Viebahn.

T-314 Roll 1603, T314_Roll_1603_English_Translation.docx. Source PDF pages 0141–0145 | Higher Command XXXXIII Army Corps, Section Ia No. 653/41 Secret Command Matter, 10 October 1941