70th Infantry Brigade War Diary February 1941. - Revision history

70bgadmin at 08:59, 4 May 2018

2018-05-04T08:59:48Z

70bgadmin at 10:58, 3 May 2018

2018-05-03T10:58:30Z

70bgadmin at 10:44, 3 May 2018

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70bgadmin at 10:22, 3 May 2018

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70bgadmin at 09:44, 3 May 2018

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70bgadmin at 10:15, 2 May 2018

2018-05-02T10:15:47Z

70bgadmin at 15:47, 30 April 2018

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70bgadmin at 18:02, 29 April 2018

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70bgadmin at 09:39, 29 April 2018

2018-04-29T09:39:58Z

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 '''9th February 1941'''
-At 11:00 hours an enemy bomber, probably a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heinkel_He_111 Heinkel 111K], appeared at [[Selfoss]] and dived to within 100 feet of the ground. Bursts of machine-gun fire from the aircraft killed one man and wounded a sergeant of the platoon of 1st Tyneside Scottish stationed there.  The detachment’s Anti-Aircraft post, which is permanently manned, opened fire with its Light Machine Gun and expended a magazine.  Although it is believed that the machine was hit, it continued on its course to REYKJAVIK where it was fired on by Anti-Aircraft guns.  The aircraft then flew out to sea, crossed the coast further south and again passed [[Kaldadarnes]] aerodrome where it was fired on by machine guns.  The aircraft then flew away to the East.
+At 11:00 hours an enemy bomber, probably a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heinkel_He_111 Heinkel 111K], appeared at [[Selfoss]] and dived to within 100 feet of the ground. Bursts of machine-gun fire from the aircraft killed one man and wounded a sergeant of the platoon of 1st Tyneside Scottish stationed there.  The detachment’s Anti-Aircraft post, which is permanently manned, opened fire with its Light Machine Gun and expended a magazine.  Although it is believed that the machine was hit, it continued on its course to [[Reykjavik]] where it was fired on by Anti-Aircraft guns.  The aircraft then flew out to sea, crossed the coast further south and again passed [[Kaldadarnes]] aerodrome where it was fired on by machine guns.  The aircraft then flew away to the East.
 The man of the Tyneside Scottish was the first to be killed in action in ICELAND.  The German radio broadcast its usual exaggerated report of this flight to ICELAND.
@@ Line 116: / Line 116: @@
 The weather had continued with gale-force winds and minor damage to huts in the [[Alafoss]] area.  The Coast-watching Post at FORT YORK was blown to pieces in the early hours and had eventually to be abandoned, after the troops had spent several hours in great privation.
-Brigade Operation Instruction No. 7 was issued together with the Scheme for the defence of the REYKJAVIK Sub-sector, as Appendix “E”
+Brigade Operation Instruction No. 7 was issued together with the Scheme for the defence of the [[Reykjavik]] Sub-sector, as Appendix “E”
-This set out in considerable detail the units, locations and responsibilities for the defence of the South-West of Iceland, including REYKJAVIK and the VESTMANNAEJAR ISLANDS.
+This set out in considerable detail the units, locations and responsibilities for the defence of the South-West of Iceland, including [[Reykjavik]] and the VESTMANNAEJAR ISLANDS.
 The comprehensive set of Instructions covered a wide range of topics and arrangements for dealing with potential invasion and/or air attack.
@@ Line 148: / Line 148: @@
 The position was seen as satisfactory as regards supplies.  The indents for supplies of new battledress from 10th DLI had been heavier than those of other units as the Battalion ''– which of course was the advance guard of the Brigade in respect of the move to Iceland and had arrived several weeks earlier than the rest –'' had not been so well equipped as the other Units when proceeding overseas.
-Indents were being met, however, and by careful use of Denim Canvas, which is being regularly emphasised, the condition of clothing – despite the harsher conditions being experienced compared to those in the UK – should be satisfactory for some time.  Battle Dress is also being washed, but the existing charge in REYKJAVIK of 5 Krona (equivalent of 3/9d – or 19p) was seen as costly for a partly-worn suit.  The 11th DLI and
+Indents were being met, however, and by careful use of Denim Canvas, which is being regularly emphasised, the condition of clothing – despite the harsher conditions being experienced compared to those in the UK – should be satisfactory for some time.  Battle Dress is also being washed, but the existing charge in [[Reykjavik]] of 5 Krona (equivalent of 3/9d – or 19p) was seen as costly for a partly-worn suit.  The 11th DLI and
 st TS were using these facilities but 10th DLI – apart from at [[Akranes]] – did not have those facilities and consequently were at a disadvantage.

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 '''9th February 1941'''
-At 11:00 hours an enemy bomber, probably a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heinkel_He_111 Heinkel 111K], appeared at SELFOSS and dived to within 100 feet of the ground. Bursts of machine-gun fire from the aircraft killed one man and wounded a sergeant of the platoon of 1st Tyneside Scottish stationed there.  The detachment’s Anti-Aircraft post, which is permanently manned, opened fire with its Light Machine Gun and expended a magazine.  Although it is believed that the machine was hit, it continued on its course to REYKJAVIK where it was fired on by Anti-Aircraft guns.  The aircraft then flew out to sea, crossed the coast further south and again passed [[Kaldadarnes]] aerodrome where it was fired on by machine guns.  The aircraft then flew away to the East.
+At 11:00 hours an enemy bomber, probably a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heinkel_He_111 Heinkel 111K], appeared at [[Selfoss]] and dived to within 100 feet of the ground. Bursts of machine-gun fire from the aircraft killed one man and wounded a sergeant of the platoon of 1st Tyneside Scottish stationed there.  The detachment’s Anti-Aircraft post, which is permanently manned, opened fire with its Light Machine Gun and expended a magazine.  Although it is believed that the machine was hit, it continued on its course to REYKJAVIK where it was fired on by Anti-Aircraft guns.  The aircraft then flew out to sea, crossed the coast further south and again passed [[Kaldadarnes]] aerodrome where it was fired on by machine guns.  The aircraft then flew away to the East.
 The man of the Tyneside Scottish was the first to be killed in action in ICELAND.  The German radio broadcast its usual exaggerated report of this flight to ICELAND.

@@ Line 100: / Line 100: @@
 '''24th February 1941'''
-A Force Exercise was held – the scheme being based on activity in the [[Hafnafjordur]] area with an enemy landing North of SAURBAER.  The Company of 1st TS were soon in action and the First Echelon Force Reserve (11th DLI plus attached troops) was ordered to counter the enemy landing.  This order was received at Force HQ at 13:55 hours.  A warning order was telephoned to 11th DLI followed by confirmatory orders by Liaison Officer personal delivery, and by 14:20 hours forward groups – a Company of Infantry plus one section of Carriers – had left Camp and reached [[Brautarholt]] by just after 15:00 hours, followed by the remainder of the column.
+A Force Exercise was held – the scheme being based on activity in the [[Hafnafjordur]] area with an enemy landing North of [[Saurbaer]].  The Company of 1st TS were soon in action and the First Echelon Force Reserve (11th DLI plus attached troops) was ordered to counter the enemy landing.  This order was received at Force HQ at 13:55 hours.  A warning order was telephoned to 11th DLI followed by confirmatory orders by Liaison Officer personal delivery, and by 14:20 hours forward groups – a Company of Infantry plus one section of Carriers – had left Camp and reached [[Brautarholt]] by just after 15:00 hours, followed by the remainder of the column.
 The [[Kaldadarnes]] reinforcements – a Company of the 1st TS and a Troop from 386 Battery Royal Artillery – had also left [[BALDURSHAGI]] and operated at [[Kaldadarnes]], remaining there for the night.  The weather was so cold that a Canadian relieving Sentry found his comrade unconscious at his post.  Due to the extreme cold the exercise was terminated at 20:30 hours.

@@ Line 5: / Line 5: @@
 In the Battalions emphasis continued to be laid on the Platoon and Company in the Attack and there were opportunities for the field firing of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2-inch_mortar 2”] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ordnance_ML_3_inch_Mortar 3” Mortars], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bren_light_machine_gun Light Machine Guns] and rifles under ideal conditions.  Night operations were held on one or two nights each week on a Company basis.  The issue of 36 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thompson_Sub-machine_gun Thompson Sub-Machine Guns] to each Battalion necessitated setting-up courses of instruction in these weapons, and despite a shortage of instructors with actual experience, the men soon became familiar with this weapon.
-The results of Ski Platoon training were definitely disappointing owing to an almost complete lack of snow, except in the North where 10th DLI were able to manage three weeks of training between REYKERSKOLI and [[Borganes]] and obtained full value from it.  11th DLI Ski Platoon spent a week at [[Pingvellir]] but no skiing was possible, and 1st TS had a similar experience.
+The results of Ski Platoon training were definitely disappointing owing to an almost complete lack of snow, except in the North where 10th DLI were able to manage three weeks of training between [[Reykerskoli]] and [[Borganes]] and obtained full value from it.  11th DLI Ski Platoon spent a week at [[Pingvellir]] but no skiing was possible, and 1st TS had a similar experience.
 The training programme was varied by the holding of Brigade and Iceland Force exercises, ''details of which are set out further below.''
@@ Line 110: / Line 110: @@
 '''27th February 1941'''
-Another fire occurred – this time at one of the 10th DLI billets at [[Bordeyri]] – and all the contents of the building were destroyed.  As a result, the garrison was reduced to one Section, with the second Section being accommodated, as previously, at REYKERSKOLI.
+Another fire occurred – this time at one of the 10th DLI billets at [[Bordeyri]] – and all the contents of the building were destroyed.  As a result, the garrison was reduced to one Section, with the second Section being accommodated, as previously, at [[Reykerskoli]].
 '''28th February 1941'''
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 '''Accommodation'''
-Following the visit of Brigadier Kirkup to the North the decision was arrived at to increase considerably the accommodation at REYKERSKOLI where two phases of development totalling 20 huts were authorised.  The first phase was planned to be erected by February 12th and the second phase of ten huts as soon as available.  Electric light was also to be made provided.  One hut was also authorised for [[Bordeyri]].
+Following the visit of Brigadier Kirkup to the North the decision was arrived at to increase considerably the accommodation at [[Reykerskoli]] where two phases of development totalling 20 huts were authorised.  The first phase was planned to be erected by February 12th and the second phase of ten huts as soon as available.  Electric light was also to be made provided.  One hut was also authorised for [[Bordeyri]].
 At the end of February a fire at [[Bordeyri]] HOUSE necessitated the immediate authorisation of two further huts as soon as this could be done.  It was also planned to hand over the Village Hall to the inhabitants ''(presumably this had been in use for the troops)'' and application had been made for a further hut for messing purposes.  This work was to be carried out as quickly as possible.

@@ Line 5: / Line 5: @@
 In the Battalions emphasis continued to be laid on the Platoon and Company in the Attack and there were opportunities for the field firing of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2-inch_mortar 2”] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ordnance_ML_3_inch_Mortar 3” Mortars], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bren_light_machine_gun Light Machine Guns] and rifles under ideal conditions.  Night operations were held on one or two nights each week on a Company basis.  The issue of 36 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thompson_Sub-machine_gun Thompson Sub-Machine Guns] to each Battalion necessitated setting-up courses of instruction in these weapons, and despite a shortage of instructors with actual experience, the men soon became familiar with this weapon.
-The results of Ski Platoon training were definitely disappointing owing to an almost complete lack of snow, except in the North where 10th DLI were able to manage three weeks of training between REYKERSKOLI and [[Borganes]] and obtained full value from it.  11th DLI Ski Platoon spent a week at PINGVELLIR but no skiing was possible, and 1st TS had a similar experience.
+The results of Ski Platoon training were definitely disappointing owing to an almost complete lack of snow, except in the North where 10th DLI were able to manage three weeks of training between REYKERSKOLI and [[Borganes]] and obtained full value from it.  11th DLI Ski Platoon spent a week at [[Pingvellir]] but no skiing was possible, and 1st TS had a similar experience.
 The training programme was varied by the holding of Brigade and Iceland Force exercises, ''details of which are set out further below.''

@@ Line 100: / Line 100: @@
 '''24th February 1941'''
-A Force Exercise was held – the scheme being based on activity in the HAFNAFJORDUR area with an enemy landing North of SAURBAER.  The Company of 1st TS were soon in action and the First Echelon Force Reserve (11th DLI plus attached troops) was ordered to counter the enemy landing.  This order was received at Force HQ at 13:55 hours.  A warning order was telephoned to 11th DLI followed by confirmatory orders by Liaison Officer personal delivery, and by 14:20 hours forward groups – a Company of Infantry plus one section of Carriers – had left Camp and reached BRAUTARHOLT by just after 15:00 hours, followed by the remainder of the column.
+A Force Exercise was held – the scheme being based on activity in the HAFNAFJORDUR area with an enemy landing North of SAURBAER.  The Company of 1st TS were soon in action and the First Echelon Force Reserve (11th DLI plus attached troops) was ordered to counter the enemy landing.  This order was received at Force HQ at 13:55 hours.  A warning order was telephoned to 11th DLI followed by confirmatory orders by Liaison Officer personal delivery, and by 14:20 hours forward groups – a Company of Infantry plus one section of Carriers – had left Camp and reached [[Brautarholt]] by just after 15:00 hours, followed by the remainder of the column.
 The KALDADARNES reinforcements – a Company of the 1st TS and a Troop from 386 Battery Royal Artillery – had also left [[BALDURSHAGI]] and operated at KALDADARNES, remaining there for the night.  The weather was so cold that a Canadian relieving Sentry found his comrade unconscious at his post.  Due to the extreme cold the exercise was terminated at 20:30 hours.

@@ Line 5: / Line 5: @@
 In the Battalions emphasis continued to be laid on the Platoon and Company in the Attack and there were opportunities for the field firing of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2-inch_mortar 2”] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ordnance_ML_3_inch_Mortar 3” Mortars], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bren_light_machine_gun Light Machine Guns] and rifles under ideal conditions.  Night operations were held on one or two nights each week on a Company basis.  The issue of 36 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thompson_Sub-machine_gun Thompson Sub-Machine Guns] to each Battalion necessitated setting-up courses of instruction in these weapons, and despite a shortage of instructors with actual experience, the men soon became familiar with this weapon.
-The results of Ski Platoon training were definitely disappointing owing to an almost complete lack of snow, except in the North where 10th DLI were able to manage three weeks of training between REYKERSKOLI and BORGANES and obtained full value from it.  11th DLI Ski Platoon spent a week at PINGVELLIR but no skiing was possible, and 1st TS had a similar experience.
+The results of Ski Platoon training were definitely disappointing owing to an almost complete lack of snow, except in the North where 10th DLI were able to manage three weeks of training between REYKERSKOLI and [[Borganes]] and obtained full value from it.  11th DLI Ski Platoon spent a week at PINGVELLIR but no skiing was possible, and 1st TS had a similar experience.
 The training programme was varied by the holding of Brigade and Iceland Force exercises, ''details of which are set out further below.''
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 '''8th February 1941'''
-The Brigade Major ''(Major Roper)'' visited “B” Company 10th DLI at [[Akranes]] and their Battalion HQ at BORGANES.  During the visit to [[Akranes]] he conducted two sand table exercises on “combined operations” based on the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suvla SUVLA] campaign, ran a platoon exercise and also witnessed a Company exercise directed by the Company Commander of “B” Company.
+The Brigade Major ''(Major Roper)'' visited “B” Company 10th DLI at [[Akranes]] and their Battalion HQ at [[Borganes]].  During the visit to [[Akranes]] he conducted two sand table exercises on “combined operations” based on the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suvla SUVLA] campaign, ran a platoon exercise and also witnessed a Company exercise directed by the Company Commander of “B” Company.
 Major Roper considered the main features of this particular garrison were:-
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 '''Entertainments'''
-Weekly cinema performances had been given to each unit during January/February and the E.N.S.A. Concert Party played at BORGANES and [[Alafoss]] in January.
+Weekly cinema performances had been given to each unit during January/February and the E.N.S.A. Concert Party played at [[Borganes]] and [[Alafoss]] in January.
-The 11th DLI Concert Party proceeded to BORGANES early in February and gave performances for a week to the stations in the Western Sector concluding with a performance broadcast on its return.
+The 11th DLI Concert Party proceeded to [[Borganes]] early in February and gave performances for a week to the stations in the Western Sector concluding with a performance broadcast on its return.
 '''Sport'''
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 '''Royal Engineer Services'''
-Progress had been slow at BORGANES due to the lack of material and climatic conditions.  At the end of February BORGANES had electric light installed except for one camp.  Latrine and Ablution accommodation was practically completed but a water supply was not yet available.
+Progress had been slow at [[Borganes]] due to the lack of material and climatic conditions.  At the end of February [[Borganes]] had electric light installed except for one camp.  Latrine and Ablution accommodation was practically completed but a water supply was not yet available.
-Lighting remained a serious problem and in February a quantity of distemper was despatched to BORGANES to lighten the accommodation.  A scarcity of screw-type bulbs and lamp glasses affected each unit as the demand had greatly exceeded the supply.
+Lighting remained a serious problem and in February a quantity of distemper was despatched to [[Borganes]] to lighten the accommodation.  A scarcity of screw-type bulbs and lamp glasses affected each unit as the demand had greatly exceeded the supply.
 To contact the author by e-mail with any queries, or to send information - [mailto:70brigade@newmp.org.uk click here].