23 January 1942

23 January 1942 St Malo convoy diary

Weather delayed the convoys’ departures, for example when a swing bridge froze at St Malo. With so few escort boats, such interruptions jeopardised the day’s programme.

Since the number of escort boats could not currently be increased, I propose compensating with stronger armament. Decommissioning even one unseaworthy Siebel ferry could make four quadruple 2 cm mounts available. Installing them on two boats of the 2nd Patrol Flotilla would give those two boats greater armament than three boats in their present condition.

Situation, 23 January: M 4005/M 4003 sailed from Guernsey to Jersey with Holland and Kurland. Holland was released at Jersey; Kurland and Nestor proceeded to St Malo. After releasing Kurland, they continued with Nestor to Granville. V 213 and M 4010, with M 4008 towing two barges and steamer H 2, proceeded to Jersey. M 4007/M 4000 sailed from Jersey to Guernsey with Favorit and Mazagan. V 212 in dock; V 208 boiler cleaning and condenser repair at St Malo.

Intention for 24 January: M 4005/M 4003 at 12:00 from Granville with Claus Wilhelm and Diamant for Jersey and Guernsey. M 4005/M 4003 at 00:00 with RO 8 to Alderney, then after releasing the steamer to Jersey [boat numbers as typed]. V 213 and M 4008/M 4010 at 09:30 from Jersey with Holland for Granville, then St Malo. V 205/V 206 at 05:00 from Cherbourg with a troop transport for Alderney and a coaster each for Guernsey and Jersey, then St Malo.

T-1022 Roll 2423, PG 38000, scan 0234, original pages 4–5.