CAB80-25 — Page 50

Page 50

*

Page 50

47

Following these experiments the Ministry of Home Security reported that aerial observation over Porton pointed on the whole to the conclusion that neither the small generators nor the large generators succeeded in concealing the target when used separately, but that they did succeed when used together. In view of the fact that aerial observation during July had shown that the smoke was not dense enough the number of generators used was doubled at West Bromwich and Stewartby. At these two sites the R.A.F. observers reported that, though on no occasion had they seen the targets, they were not entirely satisfied that their failure was solely attributable to the smoke. Both sets of experiments did, however, point to the conclusion that the smoke did not act as a "leading mark" to the target area.

The Ministry of Home Security submitted a separate report to the Chiefs of Staff Committee on the operating personnel which would be required for smoke work if it were decided to continue operations. In it they expressed the view that a uniformed Service body was required.

After considering the results of the experimental work the Chiefs of Staff Committee decided that (a) further development work on the provision of smoke screens for moonless as well as moonlight nights should be pressed forward; (b) operations at vital points should be resumed with all available generators (c) that the R. A. F. should provide. special facilities for aerial observation and (d) that preparatory work should be put in hand in readiness for the manufacture of 100,000 of an improved type of small generator which it seemed possible to contemplate as a result of experience gained during the month's operations. As regards personnel, the Committee decided that troops should be provided for the September operations.

September.

Smoke schemes were operated over 6 targets during the September moonlight period. Such aerial observation as it was possible to obtain showed that on the majority of occasions the smoke had obscured the target. The Ministry of Home Security reported that it had not so far been found possible to develop a new type generator and asked for directions on the question of obtaining more generators of the existing type.

At the Chiefs of Staff Meeting at which the month's results were reviewed the Air Staff expressed some doubt on the effectiveness of smoke operations, but the Chiefs of Staff Committee agreed thatmm (a) operations over vital points should continue until the end of the year; (b) aerial observations should be carried out to determine the effectiveness of the operations; (c) the War Office should provide troops to act as operating personnel and (d) 100,000 further generators of the existing type should be manufactured. A point which emerged in discussion was that too much importance should not be attached to the fact that smoke might act as a leading mark in view of the ability of the enemy to reach the target area by other means.

x Paper No. C.0.S. (40) 702. * Paper No. C.0.S.(40)713. xx C.O.S.(40)303rd Mtg. Minute 2.

mm C.0.s.(40)330th Mtg. Minute 3.

00

Paper No. C.Ó.S.(40)779.

-11-

Page 50

Page 50

Page 50Page 51