30 January 1943

30–31 January 1943 Channel Islands Sea Defence diary

30–31 January: no special events. Weather not entered for this grouped period.

Construction, M.A.A. 604: Battery Mirus — another 250 shells arrived during the past week, bringing the battery’s holding to 1,250 rounds. Barrack construction continues, as does construction of Tobruk positions and emplacements for the former Polish 7.5-cm guns available. Gates have been fitted at the battery entrances.

Battery Strassburg — work on the main control post continues; pouring has not yet begun. Battery personnel dig splinter-protection trenches. The 22-cm guns receive fresh camouflage. Wire obstacles are extended in places. Ammunition recesses are built for the two 8.76-cm guns. Accommodation for the 2-cm anti-aircraft crews progresses. During the last week 680 rounds, shells and cartridge cases, were delivered.

Battery Steinbruch — Organisation Todt continues its construction projects, including concreting of the machinery-house floor. Battery personnel mainly develop infantry positions, move the Flanders fence to allow for the planned minefield, and develop the rifle and machine-gun range. Trees are cleared in parts of the foreground to improve visibility. The sentry positions at the battery entrance and at the “Schlösschen” are made splinter-proof.

Signed Steinbach.

T-1022 Roll 2422, PG 37997, scan 0590–0591.