15 May 1943

15 May 1943 Channel Islands Sea Defence diary

Weather: wind 360°, 3 m/sec. At 07:22, FK 29 on harbour-protection position 5 off Jersey was attacked by four Spitfires approaching from the south-east out of the sun at about six metres above the water.

FK 29 was struck on the starboard side by several 2-cm and machine-gun rounds. No major damage was sustained and the boat remained operational; one man was slightly wounded. The surprise attack prevented defensive fire.

FK 28, on position 6, engaged aircraft departing towards the east-north-east. No hits were observed. Ammunition expenditure: 94 rounds 2-cm. The anti-aircraft weapons of Batterie Lothringen also engaged, expending 28 rounds 2-cm; no hits were observed.

At 23:30, six hectometres north-north-west of La Corbière, a single aircraft twice approached the harbour-protection boats FK 23 and FK 25. On the second approach the aircraft displayed a white recognition signal, whereupon the boats opened fire. The aircraft did not return fire. Ammunition expenditure: FK 23, 15 rounds 2-cm; FK 25, 40 rounds 2-cm.

The numerous recent attacks required a change in the employment of harbour-protection boats. On the Commanding Admiral, Channel Coast’s order, they were to operate only in pairs, on positions changed daily. The Sea Commander additionally ordered departure immediately before darkness and return immediately after daylight. In the current circumstances daytime traffic between the islands could no longer be justified if losses of personnel and matériel were to be avoided.

Subsequent undated assessment concerning 15 May (scan 0637, registry 1432/43): the Commanding Admiral, Channel Coast, agrees with the Sea Commander’s conclusion that daytime island transport is no longer justifiable. The intervening order transferring all transport to night operation has taken account of the situation. Signed for the Commanding Admiral by the Chief of Staff [signature not securely read]. The date of this assessment is not stated.

T-1022 Roll 2422, PG 37997, scans 0635–0637.