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

70bgadmin at 09:15, 4 May 2018

2018-05-04T09:15:32Z

70bgadmin at 10:58, 3 May 2018

2018-05-03T10:58:59Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:58, 3 May 2018
Line 243:		Line 243:
	The exercise script showed an imaginary (Red) 101 Infantry Brigade landing and holding REYKJAVIK and [[Hafnafjordur]] while 70th Infantry Brigade and its attached troops pushed ahead to secure the reminder of South-West Iceland. Two Companies of (imaginary) parachute troops had landed at [[Kaldadarnes]] airfield and had been “mopped up” by (Blue) 147th Infantry Brigade and their attached troops.		The exercise script showed an imaginary (Red) 101 Infantry Brigade landing and holding REYKJAVIK and [[Hafnafjordur]] while 70th Infantry Brigade and its attached troops pushed ahead to secure the reminder of South-West Iceland. Two Companies of (imaginary) parachute troops had landed at [[Kaldadarnes]] airfield and had been “mopped up” by (Blue) 147th Infantry Brigade and their attached troops.

	Both forces then formed mobile columns and the main clash between them was on the road REYKJAVIK – GEITHALS – ~~SELFOSS~~ – [[Kaldadarnes]] between 10th DLI – reinforced later by 1st TS – and 1st/6th and 1st/7th Duke of Wellington’s Regiment. Another mobile column formed by 1st/5th West Yorks – less two Companies – was met by 11th DLI in the [[Lagafell]] and [[Alafoss]] area.		Both forces then formed mobile columns and the main clash between them was on the road REYKJAVIK – GEITHALS – [[Selfoss]] – [[Kaldadarnes]] between 10th DLI – reinforced later by 1st TS – and 1st/6th and 1st/7th Duke of Wellington’s Regiment. Another mobile column formed by 1st/5th West Yorks – less two Companies – was met by 11th DLI in the [[Lagafell]] and [[Alafoss]] area.

	The exercise ended at 11:15 hours on 22nd July 1941. Steady wind and rain occurred during the latter stages of the exercise, particularly during the early hours of 22nd July.		The exercise ended at 11:15 hours on 22nd July 1941. Steady wind and rain occurred during the latter stages of the exercise, particularly during the early hours of 22nd July.

70bgadmin at 09:38, 3 May 2018

2018-05-03T09:38:29Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:38, 3 May 2018
Line 135:		Line 135:
	The basis of the exercise was an enemy invasion by sea and air, involving fighting in the AKUREYRI and HAVLFJORDUR areas – the latter being so serious that the Force Mobile Reserve was allocated to deal with it – thus denuding other areas of troops. In this scenario the exercise then assumed a three-Battalion parachute attack directed at [[Alafoss]], which was only sparsely defended.		The basis of the exercise was an enemy invasion by sea and air, involving fighting in the AKUREYRI and HAVLFJORDUR areas – the latter being so serious that the Force Mobile Reserve was allocated to deal with it – thus denuding other areas of troops. In this scenario the exercise then assumed a three-Battalion parachute attack directed at [[Alafoss]], which was only sparsely defended.

	10th DLI had the role of the third of these Battalions and was tasked with concentrating in the ~~LAGAFELL~~ area, secure the crossing over the SALMON River, and threaten REYKJAVIK from the East. The Battalion had the support of a troop of 143rd Field Regiment and a Platoon of 1st/9th Manchesters.		10th DLI had the role of the third of these Battalions and was tasked with concentrating in the [[Lagafell]] area, secure the crossing over the SALMON River, and threaten REYKJAVIK from the East. The Battalion had the support of a troop of 143rd Field Regiment and a Platoon of 1st/9th Manchesters.

	The role of 1st TS as South West Sector Reserve was aimed at practising the Battalion in fighting a withdrawal action and also testing the machinery for the reconnaissance and occupation of successive positions in the rear.		The role of 1st TS as South West Sector Reserve was aimed at practising the Battalion in fighting a withdrawal action and also testing the machinery for the reconnaissance and occupation of successive positions in the rear.
Line 243:		Line 243:
	The exercise script showed an imaginary (Red) 101 Infantry Brigade landing and holding REYKJAVIK and [[Hafnafjordur]] while 70th Infantry Brigade and its attached troops pushed ahead to secure the reminder of South-West Iceland. Two Companies of (imaginary) parachute troops had landed at [[Kaldadarnes]] airfield and had been “mopped up” by (Blue) 147th Infantry Brigade and their attached troops.		The exercise script showed an imaginary (Red) 101 Infantry Brigade landing and holding REYKJAVIK and [[Hafnafjordur]] while 70th Infantry Brigade and its attached troops pushed ahead to secure the reminder of South-West Iceland. Two Companies of (imaginary) parachute troops had landed at [[Kaldadarnes]] airfield and had been “mopped up” by (Blue) 147th Infantry Brigade and their attached troops.

	Both forces then formed mobile columns and the main clash between them was on the road REYKJAVIK – GEITHALS – SELFOSS – [[Kaldadarnes]] between 10th DLI – reinforced later by 1st TS – and 1st/6th and 1st/7th Duke of Wellington’s Regiment. Another mobile column formed by 1st/5th West Yorks – less two Companies – was met by 11th DLI in the ~~LAGAFELL~~ and [[Alafoss]] area.		Both forces then formed mobile columns and the main clash between them was on the road REYKJAVIK – GEITHALS – SELFOSS – [[Kaldadarnes]] between 10th DLI – reinforced later by 1st TS – and 1st/6th and 1st/7th Duke of Wellington’s Regiment. Another mobile column formed by 1st/5th West Yorks – less two Companies – was met by 11th DLI in the [[Lagafell]] and [[Alafoss]] area.

	The exercise ended at 11:15 hours on 22nd July 1941. Steady wind and rain occurred during the latter stages of the exercise, particularly during the early hours of 22nd July.		The exercise ended at 11:15 hours on 22nd July 1941. Steady wind and rain occurred during the latter stages of the exercise, particularly during the early hours of 22nd July.

70bgadmin at 16:15, 2 May 2018

2018-05-02T16:15:03Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:15, 2 May 2018
Line 309:		Line 309:
	'''31st July 1941'''		'''31st July 1941'''

	10th DLI held a firing exercise for one Company at ~~KLEIFERVATN~~.		10th DLI held a firing exercise for one Company at [[Kleifervatn]].

	In spite of the large amount of training carried out during the month, and the work involved in the changes of Camps, working parties of 800 men and 15 30cwt lorries had to be supplied by units of the Brigade and 1st/9th Manchester Regiment for work on REYKJAVIK Aerodrome.		In spite of the large amount of training carried out during the month, and the work involved in the changes of Camps, working parties of 800 men and 15 30cwt lorries had to be supplied by units of the Brigade and 1st/9th Manchester Regiment for work on REYKJAVIK Aerodrome.

	To contact the author by e-mail with any queries, or to send information - [mailto:70brigade@newmp.org.uk click here].		To contact the author by e-mail with any queries, or to send information - [mailto:70brigade@newmp.org.uk click here].

70bgadmin at 16:10, 2 May 2018

2018-05-02T16:10:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:10, 2 May 2018
Line 299:		Line 299:
	(d)Adequate communications within columns by signal, wireless telegraphy and Despatch Rider.		(d)Adequate communications within columns by signal, wireless telegraphy and Despatch Rider.

	The exercise scenario included intelligence on enemy landings, commandeering of transport and aerial attacks on ~~KEFLAVIK~~ culminating in the landing of troop-carrying aircraft.		The exercise scenario included intelligence on enemy landings, commandeering of transport and aerial attacks on Keflavik culminating in the landing of troop-carrying aircraft.

	The role for the mobile column was to move at short notice to dislodge the enemy from ~~KEFLAVIK~~ and drive them into the sea. No support, other than one flight of close support aircraft was available.		The role for the mobile column was to move at short notice to dislodge the enemy from Keflavik and drive them into the sea. No support, other than one flight of close support aircraft was available.

	'''30th July 1941'''		'''30th July 1941'''

70bgadmin at 10:17, 2 May 2018

2018-05-02T10:17:58Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:17, 2 May 2018
Line 241:		Line 241:
	The force had the (imaginary) assistance of 25 aircraft, based at REYKJAVIK airport.		The force had the (imaginary) assistance of 25 aircraft, based at REYKJAVIK airport.

	The exercise script showed an imaginary (Red) 101 Infantry Brigade landing and holding REYKJAVIK and [[Hafnafjordur]] while 70th Infantry Brigade and its attached troops pushed ahead to secure the reminder of South-West Iceland. Two Companies of (imaginary) parachute troops had landed at ~~KALDADARNES~~ airfield and had been “mopped up” by (Blue) 147th Infantry Brigade and their attached troops.		The exercise script showed an imaginary (Red) 101 Infantry Brigade landing and holding REYKJAVIK and [[Hafnafjordur]] while 70th Infantry Brigade and its attached troops pushed ahead to secure the reminder of South-West Iceland. Two Companies of (imaginary) parachute troops had landed at [[Kaldadarnes]] airfield and had been “mopped up” by (Blue) 147th Infantry Brigade and their attached troops.

	Both forces then formed mobile columns and the main clash between them was on the road REYKJAVIK – GEITHALS – SELFOSS – ~~KALDADARNES~~ between 10th DLI – reinforced later by 1st TS – and 1st/6th and 1st/7th Duke of Wellington’s Regiment. Another mobile column formed by 1st/5th West Yorks – less two Companies – was met by 11th DLI in the LAGAFELL and [[Alafoss]] area.		Both forces then formed mobile columns and the main clash between them was on the road REYKJAVIK – GEITHALS – SELFOSS – [[Kaldadarnes]] between 10th DLI – reinforced later by 1st TS – and 1st/6th and 1st/7th Duke of Wellington’s Regiment. Another mobile column formed by 1st/5th West Yorks – less two Companies – was met by 11th DLI in the LAGAFELL and [[Alafoss]] area.

	The exercise ended at 11:15 hours on 22nd July 1941. Steady wind and rain occurred during the latter stages of the exercise, particularly during the early hours of 22nd July.		The exercise ended at 11:15 hours on 22nd July 1941. Steady wind and rain occurred during the latter stages of the exercise, particularly during the early hours of 22nd July.

70bgadmin at 14:50, 1 May 2018

2018-05-01T14:50:32Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:50, 1 May 2018
Line 61:		Line 61:
	A rehearsal, with troops, of the Field Firing Exercise, without actual firing, was held at SANDSKEID.		A rehearsal, with troops, of the Field Firing Exercise, without actual firing, was held at SANDSKEID.

	A large convoy of American vessels, accompanied by aircraft, was sighted off REYKJAVIK, moving into ~~HVALFJORDUR~~. The news of their arrival to take over the defence of ICELAND was announced on Icelandic Radio.		A large convoy of American vessels, accompanied by aircraft, was sighted off REYKJAVIK, moving into [[Hvalfjordur]]. The news of their arrival to take over the defence of ICELAND was announced on Icelandic Radio.

	An Order of the Day by Major General H.O. Curtis G.O.C. Iceland ( C) Force, was published as follows:-		An Order of the Day by Major General H.O. Curtis G.O.C. Iceland ( C) Force, was published as follows:-

70bgadmin at 15:59, 30 April 2018

2018-04-30T15:59:34Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:59, 30 April 2018
Line 87:		Line 87:
	1st Tyneside Scottish provided a Guard of Honour for Brigadier General Marston, Commanding 1st marine Brigade, U.S. Marine Corps.		1st Tyneside Scottish provided a Guard of Honour for Brigadier General Marston, Commanding 1st marine Brigade, U.S. Marine Corps.

	During the course of the day, and succeeding days, the American units unloaded large quantities of equipment and transport, and some light tanks, at REYKJAVIK and ~~HAFNAFJORDUR~~.		During the course of the day, and succeeding days, the American units unloaded large quantities of equipment and transport, and some light tanks, at REYKJAVIK and [[Hafnafjordur]].

	'''9th July 1941'''		'''9th July 1941'''
Line 151:		Line 151:
	At 04:30 hours a Force Signal Exercise commenced and continued until 15:00 hours. This was intended to test the communications of Headquarters of formations and units, and several moves were involved.		At 04:30 hours a Force Signal Exercise commenced and continued until 15:00 hours. This was intended to test the communications of Headquarters of formations and units, and several moves were involved.

	Brigade HQ moved to the CLOISTERS, ~~HAFNAFJORDUR~~ and then to KEILISNES on the KEFLAVIK road. 1st TS moved to KEILISNES and 10th DLI to VATNSENDI and ~~HAFNAFJORDUR~~. No movements of troops below the level of Battalion HQ was required.		Brigade HQ moved to the CLOISTERS, [[Hafnafjordur]] and then to KEILISNES on the KEFLAVIK road. 1st TS moved to KEILISNES and 10th DLI to VATNSENDI and [[Hafnafjordur]]. No movements of troops below the level of Battalion HQ was required.

	The weather was warm and sunny during the whole of the day.		The weather was warm and sunny during the whole of the day.
Line 193:		Line 193:
	The subsidiary objectives for 10th DLI – who were assuming the operational role – was to rapidly assume the occupation of a defensive position and practise the troops in the launching of a counter-attack.		The subsidiary objectives for 10th DLI – who were assuming the operational role – was to rapidly assume the occupation of a defensive position and practise the troops in the launching of a counter-attack.

	A scenario had been devised associated with an invasion of REYKJAVIK and ~~HAFNAFJORDUR~~ from the sea, supported by large numbers of parachute troops. Defensive positions were being overrun and communications lost.		A scenario had been devised associated with an invasion of REYKJAVIK and [[Hafnafjordur]] from the sea, supported by large numbers of parachute troops. Defensive positions were being overrun and communications lost.

	The Battalion Commander was ordered to secure a line to prevent further enemy penetration and to cover a counter-attack by the Force Mobile Reserve.		The Battalion Commander was ordered to secure a line to prevent further enemy penetration and to cover a counter-attack by the Force Mobile Reserve.
Line 223:		Line 223:
	Force Exercise No 6 commenced at 00:01 hours. This had been originally intended as an inter-Brigade exercise with 147th Infantry Brigade, but it had been modified to give a truer tactical picture.		Force Exercise No 6 commenced at 00:01 hours. This had been originally intended as an inter-Brigade exercise with 147th Infantry Brigade, but it had been modified to give a truer tactical picture.

	The scenario of the exercise assumed an enemy force (Red) landing at REYKJAVIK and ~~HAFNAFJORDUR~~, represented by;		The scenario of the exercise assumed an enemy force (Red) landing at REYKJAVIK and [[Hafnafjordur]], represented by;

	70th Infantry Brigade		70th Infantry Brigade
Line 241:		Line 241:
	The force had the (imaginary) assistance of 25 aircraft, based at REYKJAVIK airport.		The force had the (imaginary) assistance of 25 aircraft, based at REYKJAVIK airport.

	The exercise script showed an imaginary (Red) 101 Infantry Brigade landing and holding REYKJAVIK and ~~HAFNAFJORDUR~~ while 70th Infantry Brigade and its attached troops pushed ahead to secure the reminder of South-West Iceland. Two Companies of (imaginary) parachute troops had landed at KALDADARNES airfield and had been “mopped up” by (Blue) 147th Infantry Brigade and their attached troops.		The exercise script showed an imaginary (Red) 101 Infantry Brigade landing and holding REYKJAVIK and [[Hafnafjordur]] while 70th Infantry Brigade and its attached troops pushed ahead to secure the reminder of South-West Iceland. Two Companies of (imaginary) parachute troops had landed at KALDADARNES airfield and had been “mopped up” by (Blue) 147th Infantry Brigade and their attached troops.

	Both forces then formed mobile columns and the main clash between them was on the road REYKJAVIK – GEITHALS – SELFOSS – KALDADARNES between 10th DLI – reinforced later by 1st TS – and 1st/6th and 1st/7th Duke of Wellington’s Regiment. Another mobile column formed by 1st/5th West Yorks – less two Companies – was met by 11th DLI in the LAGAFELL and [[Alafoss]] area.		Both forces then formed mobile columns and the main clash between them was on the road REYKJAVIK – GEITHALS – SELFOSS – KALDADARNES between 10th DLI – reinforced later by 1st TS – and 1st/6th and 1st/7th Duke of Wellington’s Regiment. Another mobile column formed by 1st/5th West Yorks – less two Companies – was met by 11th DLI in the LAGAFELL and [[Alafoss]] area.
Line 273:		Line 273:
	'''28th July 1941'''		'''28th July 1941'''

	A Brigade Intelligence Course was arranged by the Brigade Intelligence Officer for Battalion Intelligence Officers and Intelligence personnel began at ~~HAFNAFJORDUR~~ and lasted until the end of the week.		A Brigade Intelligence Course was arranged by the Brigade Intelligence Officer for Battalion Intelligence Officers and Intelligence personnel began at [[Hafnafjordur]] and lasted until the end of the week.

	'''29th July 1941'''		'''29th July 1941'''

70bgadmin at 11:54, 28 April 2018

2018-04-28T11:54:25Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:54, 28 April 2018
Line 7:		Line 7:
	'''2nd July 1941'''		'''2nd July 1941'''

	The Brigade Commander attended the G.O.Cs. conference at Iceland Force HQ. Certain American units were due to arrive in REYKJAVIK and were to be accommodated in Camps occupied by 10th DLI and all Camps in the ~~ALAFOSS~~ area. 10th DLI were to move to tented Camps in the HOWITZER HILL and SKELETON RIDGE areas. These were sited that evening by the Brigade Commander who made a reconnaissance with the Deputy Assistant Director – Hirings. The C.Os. of 1st TS and 10th DLI were called to a conference at Brigade HQ on the evacuation of Camps.		The Brigade Commander attended the G.O.Cs. conference at Iceland Force HQ. Certain American units were due to arrive in REYKJAVIK and were to be accommodated in Camps occupied by 10th DLI and all Camps in the [[Alafoss]] area. 10th DLI were to move to tented Camps in the HOWITZER HILL and SKELETON RIDGE areas. These were sited that evening by the Brigade Commander who made a reconnaissance with the Deputy Assistant Director – Hirings. The C.Os. of 1st TS and 10th DLI were called to a conference at Brigade HQ on the evacuation of Camps.

	'''3rd July 1941'''		'''3rd July 1941'''
Line 123:		Line 123:
	'''10th July 1941'''		'''10th July 1941'''

	At 09:30 hours the postponed inter-Battalion exercise, again directed by Brigadier Kirkup, for 10th DLI and 1st TS was held. This was the first occasion on which 10th DLI had had the opportunity to participate in an inter-Battalion exercise – they took the role of an enemy force advancing towards Reykjavik from ~~ALAFOSS~~ and 1st TS assumed the role of South-West Sector Reserve.		At 09:30 hours the postponed inter-Battalion exercise, again directed by Brigadier Kirkup, for 10th DLI and 1st TS was held. This was the first occasion on which 10th DLI had had the opportunity to participate in an inter-Battalion exercise – they took the role of an enemy force advancing towards Reykjavik from [[Alafoss]] and 1st TS assumed the role of South-West Sector Reserve.

	'''The details were attached to the War Diary as Appendix B''' as follows:-		'''The details were attached to the War Diary as Appendix B''' as follows:-
Line 133:		Line 133:
	No live ammunition was to be taken on to the exercise area, other than a sealed supply in case of an emergency arising during the exercise.		No live ammunition was to be taken on to the exercise area, other than a sealed supply in case of an emergency arising during the exercise.

	The basis of the exercise was an enemy invasion by sea and air, involving fighting in the AKUREYRI and HAVLFJORDUR areas – the latter being so serious that the Force Mobile Reserve was allocated to deal with it – thus denuding other areas of troops. In this scenario the exercise then assumed a three-Battalion parachute attack directed at ~~ALAFOSS~~, which was only sparsely defended.		The basis of the exercise was an enemy invasion by sea and air, involving fighting in the AKUREYRI and HAVLFJORDUR areas – the latter being so serious that the Force Mobile Reserve was allocated to deal with it – thus denuding other areas of troops. In this scenario the exercise then assumed a three-Battalion parachute attack directed at [[Alafoss]], which was only sparsely defended.

	10th DLI had the role of the third of these Battalions and was tasked with concentrating in the LAGAFELL area, secure the crossing over the SALMON River, and threaten REYKJAVIK from the East. The Battalion had the support of a troop of 143rd Field Regiment and a Platoon of 1st/9th Manchesters.		10th DLI had the role of the third of these Battalions and was tasked with concentrating in the LAGAFELL area, secure the crossing over the SALMON River, and threaten REYKJAVIK from the East. The Battalion had the support of a troop of 143rd Field Regiment and a Platoon of 1st/9th Manchesters.
Line 243:		Line 243:
	The exercise script showed an imaginary (Red) 101 Infantry Brigade landing and holding REYKJAVIK and HAFNAFJORDUR while 70th Infantry Brigade and its attached troops pushed ahead to secure the reminder of South-West Iceland. Two Companies of (imaginary) parachute troops had landed at KALDADARNES airfield and had been “mopped up” by (Blue) 147th Infantry Brigade and their attached troops.		The exercise script showed an imaginary (Red) 101 Infantry Brigade landing and holding REYKJAVIK and HAFNAFJORDUR while 70th Infantry Brigade and its attached troops pushed ahead to secure the reminder of South-West Iceland. Two Companies of (imaginary) parachute troops had landed at KALDADARNES airfield and had been “mopped up” by (Blue) 147th Infantry Brigade and their attached troops.

	Both forces then formed mobile columns and the main clash between them was on the road REYKJAVIK – GEITHALS – SELFOSS – KALDADARNES between 10th DLI – reinforced later by 1st TS – and 1st/6th and 1st/7th Duke of Wellington’s Regiment. Another mobile column formed by 1st/5th West Yorks – less two Companies – was met by 11th DLI in the LAGAFELL and ~~ALAFOSS~~ area.		Both forces then formed mobile columns and the main clash between them was on the road REYKJAVIK – GEITHALS – SELFOSS – KALDADARNES between 10th DLI – reinforced later by 1st TS – and 1st/6th and 1st/7th Duke of Wellington’s Regiment. Another mobile column formed by 1st/5th West Yorks – less two Companies – was met by 11th DLI in the LAGAFELL and [[Alafoss]] area.

	The exercise ended at 11:15 hours on 22nd July 1941. Steady wind and rain occurred during the latter stages of the exercise, particularly during the early hours of 22nd July.		The exercise ended at 11:15 hours on 22nd July 1941. Steady wind and rain occurred during the latter stages of the exercise, particularly during the early hours of 22nd July.

70bgadmin at 16:40, 23 July 2012

2012-07-23T16:40:18Z

Show changes