22 March 1943

22 March 1943 Naval reply on smoke screens and radar directed fire Enclosure to Annex 101

Copy of teleprinter message to LXXXIV Corps Headquarters, secret. Reference: corps Ia 1463/43.

1. In favourable weather, wind force 1–3 without gusts, a large transport fleet can be screened by smoke for a prolonged period. Experience from the blocking attack on Ostend in April 1918 nevertheless indicates that the smoke screen may occasionally break briefly, exposing the target momentarily. Such moments offer an opportunity for direct fire.

2. Artificial smoke does not reduce radar measurement accuracy. If a smoke-screened transport fleet preparing to land is detected, it must be engaged with the full force of every available battery. Where direct fire is impossible, use predicted fire based on plotting.

Bear in mind that the near zone of six to eight kilometres is generally not covered by radar equipment and that most radar installations will probably be jammed during enemy operations. The Navy has requested greater provision of heat-detection devices to cover the near zone and supplement radar equipment vulnerable to interference, but their deployment is not expected until later in the year. Admiral Channel Coast, A II 2599.

T-314 Roll 1604, T314_R1604_English_Translation.docx. 22 March 1943 | Source PDF pages 308. Selected island-related text; document or report date governs placement.