 The harbour defence companies were responsible for local defence and for the security of the ships and submarines moored in the harbour . These companies and the harbour defence boats used to patrol the river were under the command of Harbour Commander Korvettenkapitän <unk> . The <unk> Infantry Division was the German Army unit responsible for the defence of the coast between St Nazaire and <unk> . The division had no troops based in the town , but some were located in villages nearby and would be able to respond to any attack on the port . 
