19th January, 1945
Introduction
1. The notional forces remaining in the United Kingdom were extensively reported to the enemy during the past year by high-grade special agents as well-trained field formations. From captured documents we know that all have been accepted by the enemy as forming part of our Order of Battle, yet not one has been identified in the field.
2. To remedy this unreal situation, a partial solution was provided by a regrouping of forces put into effect on 6th November, 1944 (SHAEF/24309/SM/Ops (B) dated 6th November, 1944). This paper completes the process initiated on that date. The notional Order of Battle at 15th November, 1944 is at Appendix ‘A’.
Object
3. To safeguard the position of high-grade special agents in the United Kingdom.
Factors affecting the Story
4. Notional formations in the United Kingdom cannot be retained as part of the field force without endangering the security of deception.
5. Events in the last six months should have led the enemy to regard the disbandment or down-grading of Allied field formations as a normal procedure at the present time (see Appendix ‘B’).
6. The notional forces required for future strategic deception can be provided by the creation of new formations.
Story
7. To meet the growing demand for reinforcements, a major reorganisation of Allied forces in the United Kingdom is being carried out with effect from 1st January, 1945. Details are at Appendix ‘C.’ Order of Battle at 1st February, 1945, is at Appendix ‘D.’
Implementation
8. Implementation of the reorganisation referred to in paragraph 7 will be carried out by Special Means.
APPENDIX A TO SPECIAL MEANS PLAN DATED 19TH JANAURY, ORDER OF BATTLE AFTER 15TH NOVEMBER, 1944
This Order of Battle still obtains subject to the modifications provided for in the footnotes.
APPENDIX B TO SPECIAL MEANS PLAN DATED 19TH JANUARY, 1945
1. During the first half of 1944 the following British infantry divisions were notionally established as HE formations:
During the second half of the year these formations were reported to the enemy as having been reorganised as static draft-finding divisions.
2. During the Autumn of 1944 59 British Infantry Division was factually disbanded, and 50 British Infantry Division was returned to the United Kingdom for reconstitution as a LE division. Of these two divisions 59 British Infantry Division has been used by 21 Army Group as a notional formation. It is likely, however, that the true facts may become known to the enemy regarding both these formations.
3. During October the reorganisation of notional 11 and 17 US Infantry Divisions as draft-finding formations was reported by Special Means and, in the following month, the cannibalisation of notional 9 and 21 US Airborne Divisions was announced.
APPENDIX C TO SPECIAL MEANS PLAN DATED 19TH JANUARY, 1945 REORGANISATION OF FORCES
APPENDIX D TO SPECIAL MEANS PLAN DATED 19TH JANUARY, 1945 ORDER OF BATTLE OF NOTIONAL FORMATIONS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AT 1ST FEBRUARY, 1945
