7 March 1942

7 March 1942 St Malo convoy diary

Weather: northerly fresh breeze to strong wind, visibility 2–3 nautical miles, moderate sea. The convoy entered Jersey only at daybreak and had to remain during the day, continuing to Guernsey with R 45 only during the night of 7 March. [The abbreviation “Pr.” after R 45 is unclear; the later divisional review also questions it.] V 207/V 213 sailed without convoy for Brest, V 213 for magnetic-protection installation repairs and V 207 for boiler cleaning. V 210/V 206 sailed from Guernsey in the evening with Kurland carrying leave personnel for St Malo, collecting Holland with leave personnel at Jersey. Only three sections were available, one assigned to Cherbourg–Alderney. St Malo’s harbour commandant requested a night convoy for Jersey on 8 March.

Situation: V 207/V 213 St Malo–Brest. V 211/V 212 ready Cherbourg; convoy cancelled owing to weather. V 210/V 206 ready Guernsey, then Kurland via Jersey to St Malo overnight, taking Holland from Jersey. V 204 ready St Malo. V 209/V 208 ready Jersey, R 45 carrying troops to Guernsey overnight 7/8 March. V 205 docking Cherbourg. Escorted tonnage: 4,664 GRT.

Intention for 8 March: V 207/V 213 ready “Malo” [place as typed, despite the Brest movement]. V 211/V 212 ready Cherbourg. V 210/V 206 ready St Malo, night troop convoy St Malo–Jersey–Guernsey, vessels not yet known. V 209/V 208 ready Guernsey; V 205 unfit in dock Cherbourg.

T-1022 Roll 2423, PG 38000, scans 0275–0276.