17 January 1942

17 January 1942 Jersey Harbour Commandant diary

St Helier: no events. 1205, St Peter Port: three enemy bombers attacked harbour installations and ships from about 50 metres, dropping approximately 18 high-explosive bombs while firing their aircraft weapons. Steamer H 7 received three bomb hits forward, flooding the forepeak and holds I and II. Fragments and machine-gun bullets caused extensive damage on deck and on the bridge. Steamer H 8 received three or four bomb hits forward, destroying the forecastle and making large holes in the hull; forecastle and cable locker burned out. Lighter Bizerte received two hits: one bomb penetrated the port side and exited to starboard; another remained unexploded in the hold. Vertical fractures on both sides at hold IV threatened to break the vessel in two; she was grounded dry. Steamer Diamant and harbour-protection boat 191 suffered slight damage above the waterline from fragments and aircraft gunfire. Four cranes were disabled, besides extensive fragment damage on the quays. Preliminary casualties: 10 dead, 42 wounded and approximately 20 missing.

T-1022 Roll 2422, scans 0235, original page 3.