The Battle of Ushant, also described here as the action off Ile de Batz, began with the need to protect the Normandy landings from German surface attack. Jones had commanded HMS Tartar since March 1944, although the exact date he left in late 1945 is disputed. The Tenth Destroyer Flotilla was entrusted to commanders expected to act aggressively when contact came. Jones's appointment continued that emphasis on trusted, forceful leadership, and he received a large destroyer group for the task. His operational boundary was uncompromising: no German surface group could be allowed through to the vulnerable invasion shipping. The engagement formed part of the naval shield around D-Day.
Chapter · 6:01-8:15
The Tenth Destroyer Flotilla's shield for D-Day
Jones's Tenth Destroyer Flotilla received an uncompromising mission: prevent German surface forces from reaching the D-Day invasion fleet.