War Diary - G Branch - April 1941
1 April 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) The seaward anti-submarine patrol by 98 Squadron RAF was repeated in the morning and afternoon but nothing was observed. Visibility was excellent.
(2) Instructions were given for the storage and distribution of maps on the withdrawal of 19 Field Survey Company, Royal Engineers. The detachment of the unit remaining will be in a position to print additional copies of maps and will be under the command and administration of Commander, Royal Engineers (Ops). Orders dealing with printing and maps will be issued by Force HQ.
(3) Amendment No.1 to Force Operation Instruction No. 38 was issued. Copy filed as Appendix No. 1.
2 April 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Aircraft from 98 Squadron RAF carried out a seaward patrol to the South for anti-submarine purposes but sighted no hostile craft. Visibility was good but deteriorating towards the East.
(2) Instructions were issued to all coast-watching posts with regard to FINNISH vessels sailing to the USA from PETSAMO and calling at, or passing near, ICELAND as to the watch to be kept for any persons landed and on the action to be taken in that event.
(3) An “IMMEDIATE” War Office telegram (59679) addressed personal from Vice-Chief of the Imperial General Staff to Major-General Curtis stressed the great importance of completing Reykjavik and Kaldadarnes aerodromes with utmost speed. The Prime Minister of Great Britain was stated to be taking personal interest in the rapid completion of the work.
(4) Amendment No. 4 to Force Location Statement No. 12 was issued. Copy filed as Appendix No. 2.
3 April 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Aircraft from 98 Squadron RAF carried out seaward anti-submarine patrol Southwards as previously. No hostile craft was observed.
(2) The G.O.C. addressed a personal message (0 695) to the Vice Chief of the Imperial General Staff reviewing the construction of aerodromes exhaustively. It was emphasised that the urgency and importance of the projects have been constantly borne in mind and work was in fact started long before orders were received from UK. Many difficulties have been encountered and the lack of transport, machinery and both skilled and unskilled labour have been retarding factors in the strenuous drive to complete the projects within the prescribed time limits.
(3) The following were issued :-
a. Force Operation Instruction No. 43 on the use of static L.M.G’s (Vickers). (This should perhaps have read M.M.G’s). Copy filed as Appendix No. 3.
b. Additions of Code Names lists nos. 13 and 14. Copy filed as Appendix No. 4.
4 April 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Aircraft from 98 Squadron RAF carried out seaward anti-submarine patrol as previously. No hostile craft were sighted. Visibility was good.
(2) Aerodrome construction. A message (60610) from War Office was received, detailing priorities of various sections of work on aerodromes.
5 April 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Relief of Infantry detachment manning two 3” Anti-aircraft guns at AKUREYRI by 464 Troop, 52 Light Anti-aircraft Battery was completed.
(2) Aircraft from 98 Squadron RAF carried out seaward anti-submarine patrol as previously. A track of bubbles moving Northwards was observed in position 63 degrees 8 minutes North 12 degrees 46 minutes West and reported.
(3) Major-General Curtis (G.O.C.) held a conference to consider the expedition of work on the Reykjavik aerodrome. In addition to men and transport required from services it was decided that Infantry Battalions (less 10th Durham Light Infantry) should supply 11 vehicles each. 143 Field Regiment Royal Artillery 5 vehicles and that 147 Infantry Brigade should supply 60 men for two shifts each day.
(4) The following were issued :-
a. Amendment No. 5 to Force Location List No. 12 was issued. Copy filed as Appendix No. 5.
b. Force Intelligence Summary No. 50. Copy filed as Appendix No. 6.
6 April 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) RAF Depot Ship H M S MANELA arrived and took up station off SKERJARFJORDUR, Reykjavik.
(2) To increase the oil storage facilities necessary in the Reykjavik area approval was given to a proposal made through H B M Minister for the use of two of the tanks in the B P installation in Reykjavik town and that the remaining two should be reinstalled in the LAUGARNES area. On their coming into use at LAUGARNES the two tanks at Reykjavik would be transferred there also.
(3) Amendment No. 2 to Force Operation Instruction No. 30 was issued. Copy filed as Appendix No. 7.
7 April 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) 26 Officers and men from S.S. BEAVERDALE landed at ONDVERDARNES, 8 miles West of SANDUR, their ship having been sunk by enemy action some 350 miles South West of ICELAND. Two other of the ship’s boats left the ship but are missing.
(2) A conference was held by Lt Col Heard (G.S.O.1) attended by Group Captain Primrose, Officer Commanding 30 Wing RAF representing F.O.I.C., Major ARMITAGE (Brigade Major Royal Artillery) and Officers Commanding 52 Light Anti-aircraft Battery Royal Artillery and 4 Heavy Anti-aircraft Battery Royal Artillery on methods of communication of movement of aircraft in ICELAND. An Operation Instruction will be issued.
8 April 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) The following were issued :-
a. List of Force Code Names No. 15. Copy filed as Appendix No. 8.
b. Amendment No. 2 to Force Operation Instruction No. 27. Copy filed as Appendix No. 9.
9 April 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Personnel convoy reached Reykjavik and landed;
HQ 12 Anti-aircraft Regiment Royal Artillery,
249 Heavy Anti-aircraft Battery (without armament) and
advance party from 1/ 9 Manchester Regiment (Machine Gun).
Embarkation of 19 Field Survey Company, Royal Engineers and Renfrewshire Fortress Company Royal Engineers and of the personnel proceeding to the UK on leave proceeded.
(2) In view of the fact that news of the sinking of S.S. BEAVERDALE by enemy action and of the position in which the attack was made was broadcast by the Icelandic Broadcasting Service despite the undertaking given that information of this nature would not be given, a strong protest was made to H B M Minister on this, pointing out that a complete censorship of scripts for broadcasting would be imposed if this undertaking was broken. A copy of the letter to H B M Minister is attached as Appendix No. 10.
(3) Major Percival, East Yorkshire Regiment, joined Force HQ as G.S.O.2 A.I.L.O.
(4) Force Operation Instruction No. 45 on Reconnaissance Platoons was issued. Copy filed as Appendix No. 11.
10 April 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) 46 survivors from S.S. “DUNSTON” sunk by enemy action were landed at Reykjavik. 3 were seriously injured and were taken to hospital.
(2) Personnel ships “ROYAL ULSTERMAN” and “ROYAL SCOTSMAN” left Reykjavik.
(3) Regimental HQ of 12 Anti-aircraft Regiment Royal Artillery established at Pimple Hill Camp, LAUGARNES.
(4) Additions to Lists of Code Names issued. Copy filed as Appendix No. 12.
11 April 141 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Following were issued :-
a. Force Training Instruction No.1. Copy filed as Appendix No. 13.
b. Force Operation Instruction No. 10 (Revised). Copy filed as Appendix No. 14.
c. Force Operation Instruction No. 44 on reporting of aircraft. Copy filed as Appendix No. 14a.
12 April 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Major-General H. Willans C.B.E., D.S.O., M.C., T.D. Director General of Welfare and Education arrived by air accompanied by two Staff Officers. Major E. LINKLATER Royal Engineers, who is writing articles on ICELAND and Lieut TAYLOR, Official Photographer, arrived on the same flying boat with Major General Willans. (Arising from this visit Eric LINKLATER wrote the volume "The Northern Garrisons" published in 1941 in the "Army at War" series. The researcher was fortunate to find a first edition copy of this short book, in which the author writes very warmly of the troops in the Iceland Force and the importance of the job they were doing.)
(2) Iceland Force Intelligence Summary No. 51 issued. Copy filed as Appendix No. 15.
(3) Aircraft reinforcements. First flight of three Hudson aircraft arrived at Kaldadarnes.
(4) The following were issued :-
a. Force List of Ranges. Copy filed as Appendix No.16.
b. General Instructions for Force Intelligence Exercise No. 1. Copy filed as Appendix No. 17.
13 April 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) H M S “RAJPUTANA” was torpedoed at 06:35 hours in position 64 degrees 50 minutes North 27 degrees 25 minutes West about 100 miles West of ICELAND.
(2) The following were issued :-
a. Amendment No. 7 to Iceland Force Operation Instruction No. 17 dated 16th August 1941 (query typo for 1940?). Copy filed as Appendix No. 18.
b. Instructions and programme for Force Intelligence Exercise No. 1. Copies filed as Appendices No. 19, 20, 21.
c. Amendment No. 1 to Force Operation Instruction No.40. Copy filed as Appendix No. 22.
14 April 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) 277 of the total crew of 318 from H M S “RAJPUTANA” were landed at Reykjavik.
15 April 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) The G.O.C. directed a personal letter to Major-General J Kennedy D.M.O. & P., the War Office, in which labour commitments for constructional work were revealed. It was stated that previous demands for additional labour resources from the UK had been made, and the necessity of fulfilling them is pressing in view of the scope and magnitude of the work involved.
(2) Force Intelligence Exercise No. 1 (instructions issued). Copy filed as Appendix No. 23.
16 April 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) A demonstration of guns, motor transport and equipment of a Field Battery under the proposed new establishment was arranged by Commander, Royal Artillery and carried out by 273 Field Battery. Subsequently this Battery carried out in VATNSENDI area a demonstration of a Battery coming into action after initial recce by Battery Commander with Infantry Battalion Commander.
(2) Major-General H Willans C.B.E., D.S.O., M.C., T.D. left for the UK.
(3) War Office telegram (61743) received, stating that Kaldadarnes aerodrome must remain in use for operational purposes pending the completion of the REYKJAVIK aerodrome. The position in regard to :-
a. Materials
b. Labour
c. Transport
d. Signals, was also dealt with, in the telegram. It was further stated that Infantry should be used for labour purposes if necessary, at the expense of training. It is to be borne in mind in this connection that Iceland Force is not based on a normal divisional organisation and that Field Companies are not available.
(4) A statement “RAF works and services requirements in Iceland” was received from Group Captain PRIMROSE, Officer Commanding RAF ICELAND, giving RAF requirements in order of priority.
(5) Message (0 721) was despatched to War Office referring to the early arrival of two Royal Engineer Companies as promised. The civilian labour situation is becoming acute owing to the demands of fishing and agriculture. Communist activities cannot be ignored. The despatch of two additional Pioneer Companies from UK is requested.
17 April 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Three further HUDSON aircraft arrived at Kaldadarnes from the UK.
(2) Force Intelligence Exercise No.1 was carried out in accordance with the programme issued. The scheme was carried out without difficulty and as a result a number of points in which the Battalion Intelligence Sections are weak were brought out and can be dealt with. The weather was clear and warm. Copy filed as Appendix No. 23A.
(3) A report was received from the coast-watching post at SANDGERDI (on GARDAR peninsula in South West Sector) that an Icelandic fisherman had seen a supposed hostile submarine 30 miles South West of the post at 14:00 hours today. The F.O.I.C. and RAF Operations were informed.
18 April 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Concentration of 273 Field Battery Royal Artillery at FENTON STREET CAMP (Salmon River) was carried out preparatory to the move of 69 Field Regiment to North East Sector. One Troop 273 Field Battery at Packway Camp, Hafnafjordur was relieved by one Troop 386 Field Battery and one Troop 273 Field Battery at REDESDALE CAMP, SOGAMYRI, Reykjavik was relieved by one Troop 388 Field Battery.
(2) A meeting was held at Force HQ between Major-General Curtis, G.O.C. Group Captain Primrose Officer Commanding RAF and the Chief Engineer to discuss questions of aerodrome construction and RAF policy in ICELAND. Group Captain Primrose provided replies to a number of points embodied in a general letter previously sent to him in this connection. The portable runway at Kaldadarnes has proved useless and two fresh runways are to be started. The vital factor is that of labour.
19 April 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) The final conference on Force Intelligence Exercise No. 1 was held at the Force Tactical School. Present :- G.O.C., Commander, Royal Artillery, Commander 70th Infantry Brigade and Brigade Majors and Intelligence Officers, Battalion Commanding Officers, Intelligence Officers and Intelligence Sections 70th and 147 Infantry Brigades, also Directing Staff and Umpires. G.O.C. and Commander, Royal Artillery spoke on the lessons learned from the exercise. G.O.C. presented prizes to the winners – Intelligence Section 1/7 Duke of Wellington’s Regiment.
(2) Information was received during this afternoon from F.O.I.C. that an enemy convoy of some 25 ships had been reported in position 58 degrees 20 minutes North 6 degrees 10 minutes East (off the South Western coast of Norway) at 15:18 hours on 17th April, and that the possibility of an attack on ICELAND could not be excluded. Commander North East Sector was advised and instructed to maintain a stste of extreme vigilance on the East coast at dusk and dawn on night 19/20 April and arrangements were made for 30 Wing to carry out a seaward patrol to the East at first light on 20th April. A report was also received that enemy naval forces had left the SKAW Northwards on 18th April.
(3) Force Intelligence Summary No. 52 was issued. Copy filed as Appendix No. 24.
20 April 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Reference report of enemy convoy, air patrols were carried out as follows:- From MELGERDI two Battle aircraft Northwards in conjunction with naval patrols. The first aircraft left at 04:45 hours and carried out the patrol, sighting nothing. The weather deteriorated and the aircraft returned to its base at 08:50 hours. At 08:45 hours the second aircraft left and returned at 10:25 hours owing to bad weather. From Reykjavik one Sunderland flying boat left at 05:04 hours to patrol the approaches to SEYDISFJORDUR and REYDAR FJORDUR but could only proceed as far as VESTURHORN (on South Coast) where bad weather compelled its return. It sighted nothing in this area. In view of the absence of any further information instructions were issued to Commander North East Sector that the state of vigilance would be maintained and that troops would stand-to at dawn on 21st April.
(2) Instructions were given to Officer Commanding Force Signals on the order of priority in installing telephone communications for 30 Wing RAF.
(3) In view of the increased channels for early warning of hostile approach, the G.O.C. decided to reconsider the posts to be permanently manned and required a report from Sector Commanders on their proposals. A copy of the letter to Sector Commanders is attached, as Appenfix No.25.
(4) Instructions were issued for the future policy of the Force Tactical School. Two courses of 14 to 21 days are to be given for Platoon Commanders.
(5) Officer Commanding 30 Wing RAF was informed that it was proposed to nominate Major R T PERCIVAL A.I.L.O. as Liaison Officer between Force HQ and RAF ICELAND. Major Percival took up quarters on the RAF Depot Ship, the MANELA.
22 April 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) The G.O.C. sent a letter to H B M Minister stating that owing to the serious breaches of security on the civil wireless service between VATNSENDI wireless station and NEW YORK, he proposes to close down the service with effect from 25th April 1941, and asks the Minister to inform the ICELANDIC Government. It was pointed out that alternative telegraphic means of communication will still exist in the cable to UK.
(2) The following were issued :-
a. Amendment No. 3 to Operation Instruction No. 34 dated 16th January 1941. Copy filed as Appendix No. 27.
b. Amendment No. 9 to Operation Instruction No. 13 (Revised) dated 18th October 1940. Copy filed as Appendix No. 28.
23 April 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) The F.O.I.C. was informed that the Army would undertake to supply all .303 ammunition to the ICELANDIC Fishery protection vessel THOR for mine destruction. Ports of issue would be Reykjavik and AKUREYRI.
24 April 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) At approximately 05:20 hours a SUNDERLAND flying boat returning from Convoy duty struck the hillside of KISTUFEIL at 642818 on the KEFLAVIK peninsula. Plane caught fire. Casualties one dead three injured. Rescue parties were sent out from the 11th Durham Light Infantry at Hafnafjordur to bring in the injured. Difficulty was experienced bringing in the injured as the position of the crash was five miles from the main road over rough lava beds. This was overcome by having relays of stretcher bearers. Three injured have been admitted to hospital.
(2) The unskilled labour situation in ICELAND is regarded with growing disquiet. The Icelandic Government have expressed concern at the threatened disruption of the country’s economic life and the falling-off in cattle and potato production as a result of employment of civil labour by the Army. Troop labour on aerodrome is 1100 daily. Six additional Pioneer Companies are required. These points were all embodied in a message (0 729) to War Office.
25 April 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Iceland Force Intelligence Summary No. 53 was issued. Copy filed as Appendix No. 29.
26 April 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) M V ROYAL SCOTSMAN arrived at the port of Reykjavik with the 1/9 Manchester Regiment (Machine Gun) and 807 Road Construction Company on board. The former will relieve the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa (Machine Gun).
(2) The possibility of the ultimate replacement of HUDSON aircraft by WELLINGTONS was referred to in a message 63404 received from War Office. Stress was also placed on the extreme urgency of completing the runways at Kaldadarnes and REYKJAVIK aerodromes. The War Office have asked the Air Ministry to confirm possibility of WELLINGTONS being operated from ICELAND in view of alterations to construction of aerodromes and shipping commitments.
(3) A further message ( 0 731) was sent to War Office, emphasising acuteness of unskilled labour situation in ICELAND and pointing out the vital necessity of the eight Pioneer Companies previously requested.
27 April 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) The Communist paper THJODVILJINN which has for some time published articles of a character detrimental to British interests, and embarrassing to the Icelandic Government, was closed down on the orders of the G.O.C. following consultations with H B M Minister. The following members of the editorial staff who had been engaged in subversive activities were arrested and deported to England :-
EINAR OLGEIRSSON
SIGFUS SIGURHJARTASON
SIGURDUR GUDMUNDSSON
(2) A letter was directed to H B M Minister stating that G.O.C. has no objection to Air Ministry request to use Reykjavik broadcasting station as a radio beacon. The Royal Navy are also agreeable.
(3) Amendment No. 1 to Operation Instruction NO. 45 was issued. Copy filed as Appendix No. 30.
28 April 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) The remaining troops of “Z” Force, The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa (M.G.) sailed for UK in the M V ROYAL SCOTSMAN. Thus, the close association which has existed for almost ten months between the Canadian and British Forces in ICELAND is regretfully terminated.
(2) A meeting was held at Force HQ between representatives of the power company and representatives of Force HQ, the Chief Engineer, Officer Commanding Force Signals and Camp Commandant to discuss the security of ELLIDAAR Power Station.
(3) War Office message (63823) received, pointing out the Air Ministry policy regarding the operation of WELLINGTONS from ICELAND is not yet definite. Aerodromes are to be completed primarily for use of HUDSON aircraft; Kaldadarnes aerodrome to take precedence over Reykjavik Airport.
(4) Code Names. A list of additions to Code Names Nos. 14 and 15 dated 28th April was issued. Copy filed as Appendix No. 31.
29 April 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) 4 Heavy Anti-aircraft Battery carried out aerial target practice with the co-operation of the RAF.
(2) Lt J L REES, General List, was appointed Army Liaison Officer with the NORWEGIAN float plane squadron.
(3) Force Location Statement No. 12, amendment No. 7 was issued. Copy filed as Appendix No. 32.
30 April 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) A detailed statement of engineering and constructional work on hand was forwarded by telegram to War Office. This included an analysis of the labour situation and a request for the despatch of six Pioneer Companies to enable work to be completed within the prescribed time limits.
(2) The Icelandic Government made a protest to H B M Minister against the deportation of the editorial staff of the newspaper THJODVILJINN. This was communicated to the G.O.C. and a letter reviewing the case and substantiating the action taken was sent to H B M Minister.
Appendices attached to the April 1941 War Diary of G Branch Iceland Force HQ.
None of the Appendices listed above were photographed at The National Archives, either because of their bulk, or because they were not included in the file.
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