21 April 1944

ANNEX "C" TO OPERATION PLAN NO. 2-44

Serial 00144

AREA SCREENING PLAN


     
1. The Allied Naval Commander-in-Chief, Expeditionary Force, is responsible for coordinating the defense of the Assault Area against attack from the channel. His policy will be implemented by the Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth, and the Vice Admiral, Dover. In addition, the Naval Commander, Eastern Task Force will, by virtue of his position, provide protection against attack from the eastward.
2. The Captain, Coastal Forces, Portsmouth, will detail one flotilla of 8 MTBs for a 48 hour tour of duty in the Western Task Force Area under the Naval Commander Western Task Force. It will be sailed from the United Kingdom so as to arrive in the Western Task Force area one hour before sunset and will similarly be sailed on completion of duty to arrive back in the United Kingdom by one hour before sunset.
3. For defense purposes, the Assault Area has been subdivided and area code names assigned as indicated in Appendix 1 to this Annex. Areas OREGON and OHIO are assigned to Force "O", VERMONT and KANSAS to Force "U" except Kansas may be used jointly by fire support ships of both forces.
4.

The following system may be used to indicate anchorage berths or as a means by which positions and areas may be indicated within areas OHIO, OREGON, KANSAS, VERMONT, and PRAIRIE:

Continuous lines are drawn through these areas parallel to the DIXIE Line, 1000 yards apart, with the northernmost line 1000 yards inshore from the DIXIE Line. These lines are designated by letters of the alphabet, A through N, in sequence starting with line A nearest the DIXIE Line. Numbered positions on each line start with number 1, which is 600 yards from the eastern boundary of Area OHIO, and continue consecutively to the west at 600 yard intervals.

5. (a) It is considered that attack by surface craft by daylight is unlikely, except in low visibility, due to our preponderant naval force and our general air superiority. It is possible, however, that the enemy may make a sortie with either E-boats or torpedo boats.
  (b) At night, attack by E-boats is probable and to a lesser degree attack by destroyers, torpedo boats and surfaced U-Boats must be expected.
  (c) It is not considered that submerged attack other than by special craft such as midget submarines or one man torpedoes is likely due to the shallow water, proximity of minefields and presence of large numbers of friendly aircraft. However, it is possible, particularly in the early stages some submarines may attack anchorages.
  (d) Air attack is most probable and may include bombs, torpedoes, mines, circling torpedoes, and glider bombs. The air defense plans are given in Annex K.
6. During fog or darkness all unidentified vessels in MOUNTAIN Area shall be assumed to be hostile. Unidentified vessels in HICKORY and ELDER Areas may also be considered hostile. However, due to the fact that many friendly ships will be using the swept channels, unidentified contacts in these latter areas should be challenged before opening fire.
7. A reinforced screen will be established about the assault area of the Eastern Task Force in order to protect ships and craft of the Western Task Force and the western flank of the Eastern Task Force from enemy surface or submarine attack.

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8.

The protection will consist of:

  (a) An area screen under an Area Screen Commander designated by Naval Commander Western Task Force. It will include Pickets, Guard Destroyers, a Duty Destroyer Division, and units of PTs and MTBs.
  (b) An Inner Screen about each anchorage to be provided by the Assault Force Commander.
9. Stations of screening units in various Screening Dispositions are given in Appendix 2 to this Annex.
10.

Commander Area Screen will:

  (a) Assign his vessels to stations in accordance with the Screening Disposition in effect informing Naval Commander Western Task Force and Naval Commander Eastern Task Force. Naval Commander Eastern Task Force will guard the Western Task Force Auxiliary frequency (2068 kcs).
  (b) Assure that at its eastern end the picket line of the Western Task Force connects with the outer defense line of the Eastern Task Force.
  (c) Designate sectors of radar responsibility to vessels of the Area Screen to assure complete radar coverage.
  (d) Provide for mine watching and reporting of mines observed north and west of the MASON and DIXIE Lines.
  (e) Exercise tactical command of the Area Screen.
  (f) Destroy or drive off any enemy vessels approaching the Eastern Task Force Area from seaward or from the west.
11.

Assault Force Commanders will:

  (a) Designate convoy anchorages and assembly areas.
  (b) Provide for defense of their own forces and their anchorages from landward attack.
  (c) Provide for defense of their own forces against one man torpedoes and similar type weapons.
  (d) Provide for defense of their own forces and their anchorages from surface or submerged attack which penetrates the Area Screen.
  (e) Provide for mine watching in their own areas and for contingent mine sweeping.
  (f) Each assign one destroyer to the Area Screen as Guard Destroyers. These destroyers may, however, continue to be employed by their Assault Force Commanders in their areas unless required elsewhere by the Screening Disposition in effect.

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The source document was missing page 3 of this Annex. If this material is located elsewhere, this page will be updated.

- HyperWar Editor.

 

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21.

Communications will be in accordance with Communication Plan, Annex L. Naval Commander Eastern Task Force will guard the Western Task Force Auxiliary frequency (2068 kcs). Screen Commander keep listening watch on Eastern Task Force Auxiliary frequency (2156 kcs).

 

A. G. KIRK,
Rear Admiral, U. S. Navy,
Naval Commander Western Task Force.

 

/s/
R. T. CRAGG,
Flag Secretary.

 

ADDITIONAL DISTRIBUTION FOR THIS ANNEX
CO USS PC 484 CO USS SC 1282 CO HMS ML 118
CO USS PC 552 CO USS SC 1290 CO HMS ML 153
CO USS PC 553 CO USS SC 1291 CO HMS ML 155
CO USS PC 564 CO USS SC 1301 CO HMS ML 163
CO USS PC 565 CO USS SC 1307 CO HMS ML 187
CO USS PC 567 CO USS SC 1308 CO HMS ML 189
CO USS PC 568 CO USS SC 1321 CO HMS ML 190
CO USS PC 617 CO USS SC 1322 CO HMS ML 191
CO USS PC 618 CO USS SC 1329 CO HMS ML 193
CO USS PC 619 CO USS SC 1330 CO HMS ML 194
CO USS PC 1176 CO USS SC 1332 CO HMS ML 195
CO USS PC 1225 CO USS SC 1334 CO HMS ML 214
CO USS PC 1232 CO USS SC 1342 CO HMS ML 230
CO USS PC 1233 CO USS SC 1352 CO HMS ML 304
CO USS PC 1252 CO USS SC 1353 CO HMS ML 448
CO USS PC 1261 CO USS SC 1354 CO HMS ML 490
CO USS PC 1262 CO USS SC 1358 CO HMS ML 591
CO USS PC 1263 CO USS SC 1360 CO HMS ML 905
    CO HMS ML 907
CO HMS HDML 1295 CO USS LCC 10 CO USS PT 71
CO HMS HDML 1309 CO USS LCC 20 CO USS PT 72
CO HMS HDML 1383 CO USS LCC 30 CO USS PT 199
CO HMS HDML 1387 CO USS LCC 40 CO USS PT 498
CO HMS HDML 1389 CO USS LCC 50 CO USS PT 499
CO HMS HDML 1409 CO USS LCC 60 CO USS PT 500
CO HMS HDML 1421 CO USS LCC 70 CO USS PT 501
CO HMS HDML 1422 CO USS LCC 80 CO USS PT 502
  CO USS LCC 90 CO USS PT 503
CO HMS KITCHNER CO HMS VIDETTE 6 additional PTs
CO HMS BRESSAY CO HMS VESPER 2 British MTBs
CO HMS COLL CO HMS DUFF  
CO HMS SKYE CO HMS TORRINGTON COMFOR O 25 copies
CO HMS FLINT CO HMS TYLER COMFOR U 25 copies
CO HMS TEXADA CO HMS HOTHAM COMFOR B 25 copies
CO HMS FOULNESS CO HMS VOLUNTEER  
CO HMS GATESHEAD CO HMS VIMY  
CO HMS OLBINA CO HMS BRISSENDEN  
CO HMS LINDISFARNE CO HMS WENSLEYDALE  
CO HMS GREY FOX CO HMS AZALEA  
CO HMS GREY SHARK CO FRENCH FRIGATE L'AVENTURE  
CO HMS GREY SEAL CO FRENCH FRIGATE L'ESCARAMOUCHE  
CO HMS GREY OWL CO FRENCH CORVETTE ACONIT  
CO HMS GREY WOLF CO FRENCH CORVETTE RENONCULE  
CO HMS GREY GOOSE    

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APPENDIX 1

 

The source document was missing Appendix 1 of this Annex. If this material is located elsewhere, this page will be updated.

- HyperWar Editor.

 

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APPENDIX 2 - SCREENING DISPOSITIONS

 

    S T U V
Disposition
Number
Primary Purpose
of Disposition
Station of
Pickets
Station of
Guard DDs
Station of
Duty DesDiv
Station of
PTs & MTBs
1 Defense of Transport Areas prior to and during assault.     Screening north and west boundaries of each Transport Area. By Divisions at each end of each Transport Area.
2 Anti-surface attack during daylight. On DIXIE Line   In north KANSAS except when on fire support mission. One Division in south PRAIRIE. Others in Force "O" anchorage.
3 Anti-surface attack during darkness or low visibility. On MASON and DIXIE Lines Radar guard and screen support in north OHIO and KANSAS. In east PRAIRIE. By Divisions on MASON Line in VERMONT and PRAIRIE.
4 Anti-submarine Deployed with Duty DesDiv. Deployed on inner support line about 3000 yards south of DIXIE Line. One group in south PRAIRIE, one in west VERMONT.

 

Unless otherwise directed Disposition 3 will be taken from 1/2 hour after sunset until 1/2 hour before sunrise; Disposition 2 will be taken during remained of the 24 hours.

Variations of dispositions may be signaled using the code letters at the top of the columns followed by the desired numeral from left hand column.

Example: "Disposition 3-U4" means "Take disposition 3 except Duty DesDiv deployed on inner support line about 3000 yards south of DIXIE Line."

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APPENDIX 3 - SMOKE PLAN

 

SOURCES AND CHARACTERISTICS

       
1. Sources and characteristics of smoke available to naval use from surface craft during OVERLORD are:
  (a) Continuous smoke laying capabilities of various smoke craft at normal speeds.
    (1) LDs with Smoke Screen Generators Mk I (FS)
12,800 yards (6½ to 85 minutes of smoke)
    (2) ANs, PC, YMSs with Smoke Screen Generators Mk II (FS)
3,200 yards (6½ to 21 minutes of smoke)
    (3) PTs with Smoke Screen Generator Mk 6 (FM)
3,000 yards (2½ to 25 minutes of smoke)
    (4) LCS(S), PCs, SCs, YMSs, with Smoke Screen Generator Mk 3 (HC)
1,800 yards (with 1 load of pots) (6 Minutes of smoke)
    (5) LCP(L) with No. 24 Smoke Generators
3,600 yards (with 1 load of pots) (12 Minutes of smoke
    (6) APA, LCI(L), LST with Besler Log Oil Smoke Generators
9,000 yards (with 1 drum) (30 minutes of smoke)
    (7) LCI(L), LCT with Mk II Smoke Barrels
5,000 yards (20 minutes of smoke)
  (b) Smoke equipment of ships and craft of the Western Naval Task Force is as follows:
    (1) Cruisers and Destroyers - funnel smoke
    (2) DDs - Mark I Smoke Generators
    (3) PCs - 6 with Mark II Smoke Generators; 12 with Mark III Smoke Generators.
    (4) AM - Mark II Smoke Generators.
    (5) YMS - 7 with Mark II Smoke Generators; 14 with Mark III Smoke Generators.
    (6) SC - Mark III Smoke Generator.
    (7) APA - Besler Log Oil Generators.
    (8) LST - Besler Log Oil Generators.
    (9) 60 with Besler Log Oil Generators; 36 with Mark II Smoke Barrels (to have Besler installed).

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    (10) LCT - Mark II Smoke Barrels.
    (11) LCS(S) - Mark III Smoke Generator.
    (12) LCP(L)(Smokers) - No. 24 Smoke Generators.
2. Sources and characteristics of smoke from aircraft are:
  (a) Boston (A-20) Aircraft fitted with:
    (1) N-20 Smoke tanks
Speed = 280 MPH
Length of screen = 2.5 miles
Height of screen = 800 feet
    (2) N-10 Smoke tanks
Speed = 280 MPH
Length of screen = 2 miles
Height of screen = 800 feet
  (b) 100 lb (WP) smoke bombs produce smoke for 3 to 6 minutes and are suitable for use against land batteries.
  (c) Boston (A-20) aircraft can be expected to remain on station for one hour.
3. Smoke may also be laid by means of a limited amount of WP shell on battleships, cruisers, and destroyers.

USES OF SMOKE

4. Smoke may be used to screen
  (a) Convoys,
  (b) Transport Area,
  (c) Boat Lanes,
  (d) Beaches,
  (e) Gunfire support ships,
  (f) Minesweeping, and
  (g) Ports.
  against
  (h) Observation for control of gunfire, and
  (i) Air attack.

PRECAUTIONS

5. Officers who are authorized to direct the actual laying of smoke must bear in mind at all times
  (a) the danger of isolating or interfering with effective fire from other units whose task may be more important.
  (b) the danger of isolating units which must emerge from the smoke into an enemy field of fire.

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DIRECTIVE

6. Employ smoke to the fullest extent, but with due regard to its effect on other units.
7. Employ smoke only in accordance with a prearranged plan, except in grave emergency.
8. Smoke plans should envisage alternate schemes for at least four appropriate wind directions and proper positioning of smoking units.

CONTROL

9.

The use of smoke will be directed and controlled by the following senior officers:

Smoke laying agency Directing Senior
(a) Aircraft N.C.W.T.F.
(b) Landing ships and craft Assault Force Commander, or his designated representative.
(c) Minor support and patrol craft Assault Force Commander, or his designated representative.
(d) Gunfire battleships and cruisers Assault Force Commander, or his designated representative.
(e) Gunfire destroyers Assault Force Commander, or his designated representative.
(f) Transports and Personnel ships Assault Force Commander, or his designated representative.
(g) Convoys Senior Naval Officer Present (NCWTF may delegate this).
(h) MT Ships and coasters in or off ports. Senior Naval Officer Present (NCWTF may delegate this).
10. Control of smoke used tactically, as opposed to area screening, must rest in the senior naval officer of the unit smoking.

AIRCRAFT SMOKE

11. (a) Aircraft for laying smoke screens are obtained through request to N.C.W.T.F. Sixteen (16) planes (A20 - BOSTONS), having one hour in the assault area are available. Requests are required to reach UXBRIDGE at least six hours before mission is required. Once in the air the missions cannot be changed except to cancel the mission, or to delay it within their limited endurance.
  (b) Requests for aircraft smoke missions must include the coordinates of the down wind point of origin and the desired length and axis of screen.

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12. It is expected that Army smoke units for the protection of MULBERRY PORT OMAHA will not be ready to function until D plus 2. NOIC OMAHA should coordinate the floating elements of this smoke with Army AA defense of the beaches.

 

A. G. KIRK,
Rear Admiral, U. S. Navy,
Naval Commander Western Task Force.

 

/s/
R. T. CRAGG,
Flag Secretary.

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