13 February 1942

13 February 1942 St Malo convoy diary

Because fighter protection was refused, I assigned four boats to the troop convoy leaving St Malo and ordered the convoy leaving Guernsey to meet it, allowing V 206/V 205 to reinforce the Guernsey–Jersey passage. Repeated refusals would reduce other escort capacity and overall transport performance. Quadruple 2 cm mounts were urgently needed; preparations for their installation on several boats were already made. With these, three boats could protect a troop convoy of one or two ships.

Situation: V 208/V 212 replenishment St Malo. V 206/V 205 with M 4000/M 4006 departed St Malo at 09:30 with Karel and H 49 to Guernsey. M 4007/M 4008 at Cherbourg after the night convoy to Alderney and back. M 4005/V 1705 at 14:00 from Guernsey with Holland to Jersey, reinforced off Guernsey by V 205/V 206. V 213 repairs and cleaning. Escorted tonnage: 3,345 GRT.

Intention for 14 February: V 208/V 212 ready St Malo. V 206/V 205/V 1705/M 4005 at 08:00 with Holland off Granville; then Favorit, Le Prince, Claus Wilhelm, Point a Pietre and Comptoir via Jersey to Guernsey. M 4007/M 4008 ready Cherbourg, possible night convoy. V 213 boiler cleaning. V 205/V 206 to turn off Guernsey and return Jersey. M 4000/M 4006 with Midsland Guernsey–Cherbourg, returning without convoy. Four boats assigned because fighter protection was unavailable.

T-1022 Roll 2423, PG 38000, scans 0252–0253.