6 December 1940

6 December 1940 Proposal for naval bases on Guernsey and Jersey

Editorial note: The proposal is reproduced once from the annotated copy on frames 0782–0783, retaining its marginal objections. Duplicate copies on frames 0784–0787 are cross-referenced below, including the 17 December Cherbourg stamp. The annotated copy records receipt on 19 December.

PG-38024 | Frame 0782

Secret. Sea Commander Normandy, G 1539, 6 December 1940. To Naval Commander Northern France, three copies. Received 19 December, G 9041.

Based on my observations and the impression I gained of the Channel Islands of Guernsey and Jersey, I report that these beautiful, exceptionally well-kept and well-administered islands merit examination of their suitability as German bases for submarines, minesweepers, torpedo boats and motor torpedo boats. I regard this question as urgent, having learned that the idea was being considered of establishing Strength through Joy holiday centres on these islands.

I consider the islands suitable as bases for the following reasons.

1. Their position in the middle of the Channel appears favourable from the standpoint of naval strategy. 2. The harbours’ positions on the islands are good from a seaman’s perspective.

3. The harbour installations themselves are usable, and there is sufficient space and suitable terrain for dockyard installations, torpedo workshops, mine depots and similar facilities.

4. Food supply is assured because both islands are agricultural surplus areas.

5. Because of the mild climate, frost hardly ever occurs in winter, so operations in winter are not impeded by ice.

6. There is ample opportunity for large numbers of ships’ crews to go ashore; the islands also offer much scenic attraction. Guernsey: about 42,000 inhabitants and 78 square kilometres. Jersey: about 53,000 inhabitants and 117 square kilometres.

7. Navigational lighting on the islands is good and can easily be expanded further.

Marginal comments: beside the harbour claim, “Enormous tidal range!”; beside the food-supply claim, “No! [further word indistinct]”. These objections are handwritten on this copy. The above statements are the report author’s assessments.

Proposed Channel Islands bases continued

PG-38024 | Frame 0783

8. In my opinion, good and adequate defences against landings and surprise raids can be built on the rocky islands without difficulty or great expenditure.

9. Both islands possess airfields. In my opinion, bombproof underground aircraft hangars could probably be constructed there satisfactorily.

10. Despite silting, the harbours currently suffice for steamer traffic to the mainland, Granville and Saint-Malo. In my opinion the necessary dredging could be carried out quickly without great difficulty, since the harbour bottoms consist of sand rather than rock.

It also seems desirable, if possible, to inform and instruct the Port Commandant of the Islands on Jersey now about the probable future use of the islands and the direction in which he should work.

[Signature.]

PG-38024 | Frame 0784

PG-38024 | Frame 0785

PG-38024 | Frame 0786

Secret. Sea Commander Normandy, G 1539, 6 December 1940. To Naval Commander Northern France, three copies. Copy stamped at Cherbourg on 17 December.

PG-38024 | Frame 0787

T-1022 Roll 2440, T1022_R2440_English_Translation.docx. Archive and frame references follow.