5 August 1944

5 August 1944

Battery 5./1265, Jersey, engaged enemy motor torpedo boats seven nautical miles north-west of Jersey. They withdrew westwards after being fired upon; no hit was observed. The new radar installation from Pointe du Grouin was reported to have arrived in Jersey for commissioning. [T-1022/2175, scans 0038 and 0050]

The St Malo garrison was reported under increasing pressure from American armour and infantry. Harbour and road demolitions were prepared, while naval personnel, artillery and available troops were incorporated into the fortress defence. The command assessed that destruction of St Malo would finally break the normal supply connection with the Channel Islands.

The possible evacuation of parts of the civilian population of the islands and the transfer or destruction of military equipment were again examined. Alternative supply from Brest was judged possible only on a reduced scale and under considerable risk from Allied naval and air forces.

Roll 4009, PG 37597, scans 0126–0132.