19 June 1941

19 June 1941 Protection and reinforcement of the Channel Islands

To carry out the Führer’s order for reinforcement of the Channel Islands during the summer of 1941, Higher Command directed the following immediate measures. The 319th Infantry Division was to provide the garrisons of Jersey and Guernsey, each based on an infantry regiment, while retaining Machine-Gun Battalion 16. The division was also to make an infantry regiment available as corps reserve.

The mainland sector of 319th Division was to be redistributed in the same manner as the remaining divisional sectors. The two battalions of Infantry Regiment 583 previously employed on either side of the Vire estuary, together with II Battalion Artillery Regiment 319, would remain in their current areas. The existing reserve battalion of Infantry Regiment 583 in the Lessay sector was to be relieved by Pioneer Battalion 319, and Panzerjäger Battalion 319 was to move into the Carentan area. From 22 June, 716th Infantry Division was to be assigned as corps reserve in the Carentan–La Haye-du-Puits–Coutances–Saint-Lô area, with divisional headquarters at Périers; it was not considered suitable for combat employment.

Artillery reinforcement

An artillery regimental headquarters from the area of Artillery Commander 141 was allotted to plan and command the additional artillery. After arrival it would come under 319th Division, which was to reconnoitre the employment of its commander and the commander of Artillery Regiment 319, one for each island. The Cherbourg naval authorities were to participate in the reconnaissance. Higher Command would issue later orders for retention of the regimental headquarters and a prospective battalion headquarters on the islands.

The following reinforcing batteries were intended for the islands: for Jersey, one French 22 cm cannon battery with a range of 22 kilometres and three 21 cm mortar batteries with a range of 16.7 kilometres; for Guernsey, two French 22 cm cannon batteries with a range of 22 kilometres, two 15 cm cannon batteries with a range of 24.8 kilometres and three 21 cm mortar batteries with a range of 16.7 kilometres. Any proposed change arising from reconnaissance was to be reported.

The 83rd Infantry Division was to receive a 15 cm Cannon 18 battery, with a range of 24.8 kilometres, for employment on Alderney. It was to reconnoitre the position in liaison with the Cherbourg naval authorities and clarify whether reinforcement was needed. Higher Command kept one reinforced company, including a rifle company with an anti-tank platoon, ready if required.

Further mortar companies of 319th Division could be brought to the islands if necessary. Each infantry battalion employed on Jersey or Guernsey was to receive as fixed equipment eight light mortars, four heavy mortars, two light infantry guns and two anti-tank guns. The division was to report whether the additional subordination of another divisional artillery battery and one artillery headquarters on Guernsey was necessary.

Air defence, transport and works

Special importance was attached to active and passive air defence because of the concentrated island garrisons. Existing shelters were to be inspected. According to a communication from the Air Force High Command, reinforcement with Army anti-aircraft artillery could not be expected. The air force had been asked to increase fighter protection for Jersey and Guernsey, although no early improvement was anticipated.

319th Division was to monitor sea transport from Jersey and regulate it case by case, with a journey planned every third day. Expansion and occupation of island accommodation required renewed inspection of the existing and protected distribution of billets. Luftflotte 3 was to review air-defence measures again and take further action to reconnoitre and protect sea routes; Naval Group West was asked to strengthen sea-route protection with escort craft.

Splinter-proof shelters were to be constructed immediately for forces, weapons and stores on the islands, especially against heavy naval artillery fire. Building materials were to be demanded urgently from the army where necessary. Reconnaissance and preliminary work for the later permanent fortification of the islands were to begin at once. The possible allocation of two fortress-pioneer staffs by the Army High Command could be expected, but no construction troops were available. The commander of Pioneer Battalion 319 was to be sent to the islands to carry out the necessary reconnaissance.

Supply, coastal protection and command

Supply was to be assured by the timely provision of matériel. The army considered necessary four ammunition issues, provisions for at least forty-five days and replacement of three fuel-supply sets; individual instructions had already been issued and requests were to be submitted quickly. For direct coastal protection, the navy was again asked to detach a seaworthy destroyer and a seaworthy command or escort boat.

319th Division was to move the divisional headquarters commander with operations staff to Guernsey. The previous Commander of the British Channel Islands and his existing staff would assume the duties of Island Commander Jersey. The division’s quartermaster department would remain at Granville and fulfil the island commanders’ supply demands directly. Guernsey’s island-command staff was to be reinforced by 319th Division; Higher Command would arrange any necessary addition to Jersey’s staff. After arrival on Guernsey, the commander of the infantry regiment employed there was to become island commander.

Transport of the incoming 319th Division infantry regiment would be arranged by 319th Division, directly with the naval transport authorities subordinate to the Commanding Admiral in France. Movement of the reinforcing artillery would be ordered by Army Group. The division was to report intended organisation and reinforcement by 21 June, and thereafter submit weekly situation reports covering the arrival of units and ammunition, the reinforcement position and progress of the fortification programme.

Corps disposition map dated 19 June 1941, including the Channel Islands and the mainland sectors of 319th, 83rd, 323rd and 716th Infantry Divisions. Source PDF page 0108.

T-314 Roll 1603, T314_Roll_1603_English_Translation.docx. Source PDF pages 0097–0102 | Higher Command XXXXIII Army Corps, Section T/Ia No. 266/41 Secret Command Matter, 19 June 1941; Source PDF page 0108