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

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70bgadmin at 16:40, 23 July 2012

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@@ Line 7: / Line 7: @@
 '''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'''
-The inter-Battalion exercise to be directed by the Brigade Commander between 10th DLI and 1st TS was cancelled.  Tents were drawn and erected for 10th DLI and one Company of 1st TS.  The latter moved from CRAVEN CAMP to a tented Camp at HOWIITZER HILL, one mile South of REYKJAVIK.
+The inter-Battalion exercise to be directed by the Brigade Commander between 10th DLI and 1st TS was cancelled.  Tents were drawn and erected for 10th DLI and one Company of 1st TS.  The latter moved from CRAVEN CAMP to a tented Camp at HOWIITZER HILL, one mile South of [[Reykjavik]].
 '''4th July 1941'''
@@ Line 29: / Line 29: @@
 The Camps in the LAUGARNES Sub-Sector had now been evacuated by 10th DLI.  B Company continued in its coast defence role by moving into tents adjacent to HARROGATE CAMP, LAUGARNES.  The locations of 1st TS and 10th DLI were now as follows:-
-th DLI (less four Companies) CRAVEN CAMP, REYKJAVIK
+th DLI (less four Companies) CRAVEN CAMP, [[Reykjavik]].
-One Company 10th DLI Tented Camp 231060 HOWITZER HILL, REYKJAVIK
+One Company 10th DLI Tented Camp 231060 HOWITZER HILL, [[Reykjavik]].
-One Company 10th DLI Tented Camp FOSSVOGUR CAMP, REYKJAVIK
+One Company 10th DLI Tented Camp FOSSVOGUR CAMP, [[Reykjavik]].
-One Company 10th DLI less one Platoon SHERWOOD CAMP, REYKJAVIK
+One Company 10th DLI less one Platoon SHERWOOD CAMP, [[Reykjavik]].
-One Company 10th DLI VATNSMYRI AERODROME, REYKJAVIK
+One Company 10th DLI VATNSMYRI AERODROME, [[Reykjavik]].
 One Platoon 10th DLI VESTMANNAEJAR.
-st Tyneside Scottish (less four Companies) SKIPTON CAMP, REYKJAVIK
+st Tyneside Scottish (less four Companies) SKIPTON CAMP, [[Reykjavik]].
 One Company 1st TS KEIGHLEY CAMP, GROTTA
-One Company 1st TS Tented Camp BALBO’s CAMP, REYKJAVIK
+One Company 1st TS Tented Camp BALBO’s CAMP, [[Reykjavik]].
-One Company 1st TS (less two Platoons) Tented Camp THORNHILL CAMP, REYKJAVIK
+One Company 1st TS (less two Platoons) Tented Camp THORNHILL CAMP, [[Reykjavik]].
-One Company 1st TS GARGAND CAMP Seluhelsgata, REYKJAVIK
+One Company 1st TS GARGAND CAMP Seluhelsgata, [[Reykjavik]].
-One Platoon 1st TS THORNHILL CAMP, REYKJAVIK
+One Platoon 1st TS THORNHILL CAMP, [[Reykjavik]].
-One Platoon 1st TS MYRA CAMP (Harbour area), REYKJAVIK
+One Platoon 1st TS MYRA CAMP (Harbour area), [[Reykjavik]].
 '''7th July 1941'''
@@ Line 61: / Line 61: @@
 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:-
@@ Line 87: / Line 87: @@
 st 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'''
@@ Line 123: / Line 123: @@
 '''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:-
@@ 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.
-th 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.
+th 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.
@@ Line 157: / Line 157: @@
 '''13th July 1941'''
-The G.O.C. held a conference in REYKJAVIK on the Force Signals Exercise.  He revealed that the American units, though not at war with Germany, would be available as a Mobile Reserve for the defence of the South-West Sector.
+The G.O.C. held a conference in [[Reykjavik]] on the Force Signals Exercise.  He revealed that the American units, though not at war with Germany, would be available as a Mobile Reserve for the defence of the South-West Sector.
 '''14th July 1941'''
@@ 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.
-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.
@@ 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.
-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;
 th Infantry Brigade
@@ Line 239: / Line 239: @@
 Detachment of Provost Company
-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.
@@ Line 265: / Line 265: @@
 '''25th July 1941'''
-The Brigade Commander held a conference of C.Os. to discuss training and the further alterations to dispositions.  As 10th DLI had now taken over the defence of REYKJAVIK Aerodrome with one Company (the Anti-Aircraft defence being provided by detachments of the 12th Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery and the U.S. Marine Corps) this area was taken out of the REYKJAVIK Sub-Sector.  1st TS took over the LAUGARNES Sub-Sector and the Sub-Sector boundaries were altered.  10th DLI took over a new Sub-Sector – MIDDLE Sub-Sector.   This involved the inter-change of B Company 10th DLI and B Company 1st TS.
+The Brigade Commander held a conference of C.Os. to discuss training and the further alterations to dispositions.  As 10th DLI had now taken over the defence of REYKJAVIK Aerodrome with one Company (the Anti-Aircraft defence being provided by detachments of the 12th Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery and the U.S. Marine Corps) this area was taken out of the [[Reykjavik]] Sub-Sector.  1st TS took over the LAUGARNES Sub-Sector and the Sub-Sector boundaries were altered.  10th DLI took over a new Sub-Sector – MIDDLE Sub-Sector.   This involved the inter-change of B Company 10th DLI and B Company 1st TS.
 '''26th July 1941'''

@@ 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.
-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.

@@ 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.
-th 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.
+th 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.
@@ 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.
-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.

@@ Line 309: / Line 309: @@
 '''31st July 1941'''
-th DLI held a firing exercise for one Company at KLEIFERVATN.
+th 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.
 To contact the author by e-mail with any queries, or to send information - [mailto:70brigade@newmp.org.uk click here].

@@ Line 299: / Line 299: @@
 (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'''

@@ Line 87: / Line 87: @@
 st 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'''
@@ 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.
-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.
@@ 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.
-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.
@@ 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.
-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;
 th Infantry Brigade
@@ Line 241: / Line 241: @@
 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.
@@ Line 273: / Line 273: @@
 '''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'''