19 June 1940

19 June 1940 Military installations in the Channel Islands — coastal defence

Naval High Command, 3rd Division of Naval Staff. Berlin, 19 June 1940.

Military installations in the Channel Islands.

Coastal defence. Modernisation and enlargement of the obsolete defences on Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney have repeatedly been alleged in recent years, without any definite facts being established. Consequently, at least on Jersey and Guernsey, modern installations are not to be expected, whereas improvised defences may possibly exist on Alderney.

1. Jersey. An obsolete casemated fort is intended to protect St Helier harbour; it allegedly has seven guns facing south. Its fighting value is doubtful. The island’s remaining forts probably have no military value.

2. Guernsey. Obsolete works and barrack buildings on the northwest side of the island, probably without military value. St Peter Port harbour is protected by Fort St George (armament unknown); fighting value doubtful.

3. Alderney. A press report in spring 1939 drew attention to the island’s strategic value and mentioned plans for establishing an air base for reconnaissance aircraft. The need for defences was likewise emphasised. The old forts on the north and west sides of the island have been disarmed and partly sold, with the exception of Tourgis (island fort on the west side) and Fort Albert (on Braye Bay). [Continued.]

Editorial note: British Admiralty property stamp overlays part of the heading; its standard archival text is reproduced with the file cover. Statements describe the German intelligence assessment, not independently verified conditions.

Military installations in the Channel Islands — airfields and garrisons

According to an agent’s report (July 1939), Alderney is to be developed as a base not only for aircraft but also for submarine chasers and motor torpedo boats. The presence of two British dredgers was connected with this. If the report is correct, improvised defences are to be expected.

Air installations. Airfields served regularly by passenger aircraft in peacetime exist on all three islands. The principal airfield is Guernsey, opened on 5 May 1939.

On Alderney, as far as is known, the airfield there has been taken over and enlarged by the RAF. A bombing practice ground has been established. A radio direction-finding station is present.

Two British naval flying boats were also identified in July 1939.

Garrison. In peacetime, small garrisons on Jersey and Guernsey (transit station and rest camp for troops returning from overseas). In addition, Guernsey has a militia with compulsory service and brief infantry training.

T-1022 Roll 2439, T1022_R2439_English_Translation.docx. Archive and frame references follow.
PG 38019 | Frame 00747, original sheet 1
PG 38019 | Frame 00748, original sheet 2, report page 2