21 July 1943

21 July 1943 and later Assessment of naval artillery officer withdrawals

Undated subsequent assessment of the 1–15 July diary, page 69. Placed here at the latest date expressly cited in the assessment; this is not an asserted issue date. Naval Staff registry 1644/43.

The Sea Commander's objection to the removal of naval-artillery officers for retraining as sea officers was endorsed. The serious consequences had already been reported to Naval Group Command West in secret communications Gkdos 1968 of 25 June 1943 and Gkdos 2262 PI of 21 July 1943. It was emphasised that the ordered scale of releases represented not merely a weakening that had to be accepted under prevailing circumstances, but a very serious threat to the defensive strength of the command area. Draft signed Rieve, for the Commanding Admiral Channel Coast, Chief of Staff.

T-1022 Roll 2422, scans 0669.