70th Infantry Brigade War Diary November 1940. - Revision history

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 “B” Company of 1st TS took over the coastal defence of [[Brautarholt]] from “B” Company of the 1st /5th West Yorkshire Regiment.
-Preparations were made for a significant field firing exercise by 2 Companies of 11th DLI and 1 Troop of 386th Battery of the 143rd Field Regiment Royal Artillery to take place at the field firing range at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kleifarvatn KLEIFARVATN], a bleak lava-covered area South of REYKJAVIK.
+Preparations were made for a significant field firing exercise by 2 Companies of 11th DLI and 1 Troop of 386th Battery of the 143rd Field Regiment Royal Artillery to take place at the field firing range at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kleifarvatn KLEIFARVATN], a bleak lava-covered area South of [[Reykjavik]].
 In the event the Exercise was considered to have worked well but was temporarily suspended for other units due to the weather (severe cold and snow).
@@ Line 73: / Line 73: @@
 The ANTONIA, carrying the 1st Bn Tyneside Scottish and 11th Bn Durham L.I. kept in close touch throughout the voyage and we were escorted by the armed cruiser LARTITIA and two destroyers.
-Our first impressions of ICELAND were gained under somewhat chaotic conditions due to the lack of organisation in the unloading of the ship.  There were numerous thefts, and one precious bundle containing many of our comforts, a wireless set and a typewriter crashed on to the deck of the unloading steamer from a height of fifty feet.  The sun was shining brilliantly as we stepped on to the quay at REYKJAVIK, but we were told to make the most of this strange phenomenon.  The ensuing month roved the wisdom of this advice.  Our first activity on landing was to change our English money into Icelandic currency, and this strange money proved surprisingly simple and in a short while we had grown accustomed to thinking in terms of Kronur and Aurar.
+Our first impressions of ICELAND were gained under somewhat chaotic conditions due to the lack of organisation in the unloading of the ship.  There were numerous thefts, and one precious bundle containing many of our comforts, a wireless set and a typewriter crashed on to the deck of the unloading steamer from a height of fifty feet.  The sun was shining brilliantly as we stepped on to the quay at [[Reykjavik]], but we were told to make the most of this strange phenomenon.  The ensuing month roved the wisdom of this advice.  Our first activity on landing was to change our English money into Icelandic currency, and this strange money proved surprisingly simple and in a short while we had grown accustomed to thinking in terms of Kronur and Aurar.
 As the result of the German occupation of the Northern European ports the British trade routes to America had of necessity to be directed on a more Northerly course hence the strategic importance of Iceland and Great Britain’s prompt action in occupying the island in May 1940.  This occupation was simply and solely a preventative measure and Iceland’s independence was not threatened by it.  Had Germany been allowed to get there first the Icelanders might have had good cause to fear for their Independence.
@@ Line 79: / Line 79: @@
 Iceland is slightly larger than Ireland but its population is only 290,000 against the 4,000,000 of Ireland.  A glance at the map will show that for purposes of defence Iceland is divided into what amounts to four different islands.  The four sectors are composed as follows:-
-Sector (i)   Reykjavik and the neighbourhood surrounding the capital.
+Sector (i)   [[Reykjavik]] and the neighbourhood surrounding the capital.
 Sector (ii)  The Hunafloi Sector comprising [[Reykerskoli]], [[Blonduos]], [[Bordeyri]].
@@ Line 89: / Line 89: @@
 Our next concern is to find out where we were stationed and if we would be with the 10th Durham L.I. who had formed our advance party.
-The 10th Bn The Durham L.I. were occupying defences on the western sector of the island extending from [[Blonduos]] in the North to [[Akranes]], some 15 miles north by sea from Reykjavik.  With 1200 miles of coastline it is impossible to occupy it throughout nor was it necessary.  Most of the coast is quite unsuitable for landing troops and only the important harbours, where the naval authorities considered the waters suitable were occupied.  At the same time several coast watching posts were established along this coastline and manned by R.N. personnel who were in direct telephone communication with HQ.  These latter posts carried six months reserve rations as, other than telephonic communication, they were completely cut off from the remainder of the British Forces for several months during the winter.  The HUNAFLOI area in which [[Blonduos]] and the two Fiords in which [[Reykerskoli]] and [[Bordeyri]] were situated constituted the principal northerly points of defence and were garrisoned with a Rifle Coy and 2 Platoons together with C.D. (Coast defence) guns and field guns.  The HQ of the 10th Bn Durham L.I. with HQ Coy and two Rifle Coys were established at Borgarnes.  The remaining Coy was at [[Akranes]].  The selection of [[Borganes]] for the greater part of this Battalion was not from its tactical importance as a landing place but with the object of having a mobile reserve situated at a suitable point on the western sector for operating in any part it may be required.
+The 10th Bn The Durham L.I. were occupying defences on the western sector of the island extending from [[Blonduos]] in the North to [[Akranes]], some 15 miles north by sea from [[Reykjavik]].  With 1200 miles of coastline it is impossible to occupy it throughout nor was it necessary.  Most of the coast is quite unsuitable for landing troops and only the important harbours, where the naval authorities considered the waters suitable were occupied.  At the same time several coast watching posts were established along this coastline and manned by R.N. personnel who were in direct telephone communication with HQ.  These latter posts carried six months reserve rations as, other than telephonic communication, they were completely cut off from the remainder of the British Forces for several months during the winter.  The HUNAFLOI area in which [[Blonduos]] and the two Fiords in which [[Reykerskoli]] and [[Bordeyri]] were situated constituted the principal northerly points of defence and were garrisoned with a Rifle Coy and 2 Platoons together with C.D. (Coast defence) guns and field guns.  The HQ of the 10th Bn Durham L.I. with HQ Coy and two Rifle Coys were established at Borgarnes.  The remaining Coy was at [[Akranes]].  The selection of [[Borganes]] for the greater part of this Battalion was not from its tactical importance as a landing place but with the object of having a mobile reserve situated at a suitable point on the western sector for operating in any part it may be required.
-On their arrival the 10th Bn The Durham L.I. had been quartered under canvas in a transit camp on the outskirts of Reykjavik and been nearly washed away in a terrific rainstorm.  Even when they were established in Nissen Huts at their permanent destination their hardships and discomforts were not at an end as these were new camps consisting of bare huts and they were dependent on their own ingenuity for even the bare necessities of life.  Although a mere 30 miles by sea from Reykjavik, [[Borganes]] is nearly twice that distance by road and this road is only possible to traverse in favourable weather.  Thus all supplies from Reykjavik had to be shipped by coastal steamers, and this method of transport proved precarious in the extreme, and NAAFI (Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes – the British equivalent of the American P.X. or Post Exchange) stores and suchlike had a way of vanishing into thin air.
+On their arrival the 10th Bn The Durham L.I. had been quartered under canvas in a transit camp on the outskirts of [[Reykjavik]] and been nearly washed away in a terrific rainstorm.  Even when they were established in Nissen Huts at their permanent destination their hardships and discomforts were not at an end as these were new camps consisting of bare huts and they were dependent on their own ingenuity for even the bare necessities of life.  Although a mere 30 miles by sea from [[Reykjavik]], [[Borganes]] is nearly twice that distance by road and this road is only possible to traverse in favourable weather.  Thus all supplies from Reykjavik had to be shipped by coastal steamers, and this method of transport proved precarious in the extreme, and NAAFI (Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes – the British equivalent of the American P.X. or Post Exchange) stores and suchlike had a way of vanishing into thin air.
-th Infantry Brigade less 10th DLI were detailed to form the Force Mobile Reserve.  Brigadier Kirkup took over from Brigadier Page, Commanding “Z” Force Canadians at Bruarland, [[Alafoss]], about 10 miles N.E. of Reykjavik, the 11th Bn DLI occupied the camp vacated by the Royal Canadian Regiment a mile away and the 187 Fd Ambulance occupied an adjacent camp.  The 1st Bn Tyneside Scottish occupied the camp at [[BALDURSHAGI]] vacated by the Fusiliers Mont Royale, 6 miles east of Reykjavik.
+th Infantry Brigade less 10th DLI were detailed to form the Force Mobile Reserve.  Brigadier Kirkup took over from Brigadier Page, Commanding “Z” Force Canadians at Bruarland, [[Alafoss]], about 10 miles N.E. of [[Reykjavik]], the 11th Bn DLI occupied the camp vacated by the Royal Canadian Regiment a mile away and the 187 Fd Ambulance occupied an adjacent camp.  The 1st Bn Tyneside Scottish occupied the camp at [[BALDURSHAGI]] vacated by the Fusiliers Mont Royale, 6 miles east of [[Reykjavik]].
 The first impressions of a newcomer to Iceland are not exactly favourable.  The entire absence of trees and hedgerows give it a forbidding appearance and long stretches of rocks, stones and lava dust devoid of even the scantiest vegetation lend an added force in this impression.  It is not till one had grown familiar with this unaccustomed austerity that one can appreciate the rugged grandeur of the snowcapped mountains and the lakes and fiords which are so abundant in the island.  The absence of trees affected us in more ways than one and meant that every inch of timber had to be imported.  Although the camps we took over had been previously occupied, we started from scratch as far as our comforts were concerned and timber, and where and how to get it occupied much of our thoughts and conversation.  Our first weeks were a great opportunity for the handyman to prove his worth and a unit with an ingenious carpenter was indeed lucky.  Examples of the ingenious craftsmen were soon apparent and extended over a wide variety of objects constructed to add to our comforts.  Few of us realised previously that an army Blanket filled with wood shavings can make excellent upholstery for a chair, while the iron brackets of a Nissen Hut can serve a variety of purposes from curtain rods to fenders.
@@ Line 105: / Line 105: @@
 The Icelander is tremendously proud of his independence, and he is furthermore a somewhat stubborn individual.  It had become inculcated in his somewhat slow thinking brain that we had no chance of winning the war and he was determined not to show us hospitality, lest it should reach Hitler’s ears and react unfavourably on them when Germany was at length victorious.  In the unlikely event of a British victory, the Icelander was convinced that we had Imperialistic aims with regard to his country.  It was impossible at first to convince him that we had only occupied his country as a precautionary measure and that a German occupation would be infinitely less pleasant.  Slowly, but surely, however, the Icelandic reserve melted and they adopted a more friendly attitude towards us, and this was particularly noticeable in the country districts where a number of our troops were shown the greatest kindness by the local people when they found themselves stranded in bad weather conditions.
-A strange town presents a thrilling novelty to most men and the first visit to Reykjavik, ablaze with lights, was eagerly looked forward to by men who had not seen a lighted shop window for 15 months.  The visit however was a disappointment.  The lack of female companionship was felt acutely, the Icelandic beer proved hardly worthy of the magic name, and the shops and restaurants charged prices far in excess of the value of the wares sold.  The majority returned to camp after their evening in Reykjavik resolved to spend their evenings in future in their own canteens where any resulting profits would be utilized for their own advantage.
+A strange town presents a thrilling novelty to most men and the first visit to [[Reykjavik]], ablaze with lights, was eagerly looked forward to by men who had not seen a lighted shop window for 15 months.  The visit however was a disappointment.  The lack of female companionship was felt acutely, the Icelandic beer proved hardly worthy of the magic name, and the shops and restaurants charged prices far in excess of the value of the wares sold.  The majority returned to camp after their evening in [[Reykjavik]] resolved to spend their evenings in future in their own canteens where any resulting profits would be utilized for their own advantage.
 Battalion Commanders forthwith arranged training schemes for platoons and companies and alternate indoor training schemes were drawn up for when the weather was unfavourable.  In conjunction with a Battery of 143 Field Regiment who were attached to the 70th Infantry Brigade for operational purposes, Field Firing was carried out in the presence of the G.O.C. by both the 1st Bn Tyneside Scottish and 11th BN Durham L.I. at KLEIFARVATN.  Advances were carried out by the troops under a barrage of shells from the 25 pounder guns.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 '''Source – The National Archives at the Public Record Office – File WO 176/304'''
-A large-scale map of the Brigade’s operational area is filed with the War Diary and shows the locations of each of the infantry detachments, from the 10th DLI’s northernmost Section-sized Coast Watching Post at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skagastr%C3%B6nd SKAGASTROND] on the East bank of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C3%BAnafl%C3%B3i HUNAFLOI] fjord, down through [[Blonduos]], [[Reykerskoli]] and [[Bordeyri]] to their Battalion HQ at [[Borganes]] on the North bank of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borgarfjordur BORGARFJORDUR] and on to their Company position at [[Akranes]] on the Western edge of [[Hvalfjordur]].
+A large-scale map of the Brigade’s operational area is filed with the War Diary and shows the locations of each of the Infantry detachments, from the 10th DLI’s northernmost Section-sized Coast Watching Post at [[Skagastrond]] on the East bank of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C3%BAnafl%C3%B3i HUNAFLOI] fjord, down through [[Blonduos]], [[Reykerskoli]] and [[Bordeyri]] to their Battalion HQ at [[Borganes]] on the North bank of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borgarfjordur BORGARFJORDUR] and on to their Company position at [[Akranes]] on the Western edge of [[Hvalfjordur]].
 th DLI was based at [[Alafoss]].

@@ Line 5: / Line 5: @@
 th DLI was based at [[Alafoss]].
-st TS had Platoons scattered in positions at some distance from its HQ at [[BALDURSHAGI]], namely at SAUERBAER and [[Brautarholt]] to the North, [[Pingvellir]] to the North-East and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selfoss_(town) SELFOSS] to the South-East ''(guarding the road and bridges to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Kaldadarnes RAF KALDADARNES]).''
+st TS had Platoons scattered in positions at some distance from its HQ at [[BALDURSHAGI]], namely at SAUERBAER and [[Brautarholt]] to the North, [[Pingvellir]] to the North-East and [[Selfoss]] to the South-East ''(guarding the road and bridges to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Kaldadarnes RAF KALDADARNES]).''
 As indicated, Brigade HQ was also at [[Alafoss]].

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 '''Source – The National Archives at the Public Record Office – File WO 176/304'''
-A large-scale map of the Brigade’s operational area is filed with the War Diary and shows the locations of each of the infantry detachments, from the 10th DLI’s northernmost Section-sized Coast Watching Post at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skagastr%C3%B6nd SKAGASTROND] on the East bank of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C3%BAnafl%C3%B3i HUNAFLOI] fjord, down through [[Blonduos]], REYKERSKOLI and [[Bordeyri]] to their Battalion HQ at [[Borganes]] on the North bank of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borgarfjordur BORGARFJORDUR] and on to their Company position at [[Akranes]] on the Western edge of [[Hvalfjordur]].
+A large-scale map of the Brigade’s operational area is filed with the War Diary and shows the locations of each of the infantry detachments, from the 10th DLI’s northernmost Section-sized Coast Watching Post at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skagastr%C3%B6nd SKAGASTROND] on the East bank of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C3%BAnafl%C3%B3i HUNAFLOI] fjord, down through [[Blonduos]], [[Reykerskoli]] and [[Bordeyri]] to their Battalion HQ at [[Borganes]] on the North bank of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borgarfjordur BORGARFJORDUR] and on to their Company position at [[Akranes]] on the Western edge of [[Hvalfjordur]].
 th DLI was based at [[Alafoss]].
@@ Line 81: / Line 81: @@
 Sector (i)   Reykjavik and the neighbourhood surrounding the capital.
-Sector (ii)  The Hunafloi Sector comprising Reykerskoli, [[Blonduos]], [[Bordeyri]].
+Sector (ii)  The Hunafloi Sector comprising [[Reykerskoli]], [[Blonduos]], [[Bordeyri]].
 Sector (iii)  Akureyri in the north.
@@ Line 89: / Line 89: @@
 Our next concern is to find out where we were stationed and if we would be with the 10th Durham L.I. who had formed our advance party.
-The 10th Bn The Durham L.I. were occupying defences on the western sector of the island extending from [[Blonduos]] in the North to [[Akranes]], some 15 miles north by sea from Reykjavik.  With 1200 miles of coastline it is impossible to occupy it throughout nor was it necessary.  Most of the coast is quite unsuitable for landing troops and only the important harbours, where the naval authorities considered the waters suitable were occupied.  At the same time several coast watching posts were established along this coastline and manned by R.N. personnel who were in direct telephone communication with HQ.  These latter posts carried six months reserve rations as, other than telephonic communication, they were completely cut off from the remainder of the British Forces for several months during the winter.  The HUNAFLOI area in which [[Blonduos]] and the two Fiords in which Reykerskoli and [[Bordeyri]] were situated constituted the principal northerly points of defence and were garrisoned with a Rifle Coy and 2 Platoons together with C.D. (Coast defence) guns and field guns.  The HQ of the 10th Bn Durham L.I. with HQ Coy and two Rifle Coys were established at Borgarnes.  The remaining Coy was at [[Akranes]].  The selection of [[Borganes]] for the greater part of this Battalion was not from its tactical importance as a landing place but with the object of having a mobile reserve situated at a suitable point on the western sector for operating in any part it may be required.
+The 10th Bn The Durham L.I. were occupying defences on the western sector of the island extending from [[Blonduos]] in the North to [[Akranes]], some 15 miles north by sea from Reykjavik.  With 1200 miles of coastline it is impossible to occupy it throughout nor was it necessary.  Most of the coast is quite unsuitable for landing troops and only the important harbours, where the naval authorities considered the waters suitable were occupied.  At the same time several coast watching posts were established along this coastline and manned by R.N. personnel who were in direct telephone communication with HQ.  These latter posts carried six months reserve rations as, other than telephonic communication, they were completely cut off from the remainder of the British Forces for several months during the winter.  The HUNAFLOI area in which [[Blonduos]] and the two Fiords in which [[Reykerskoli]] and [[Bordeyri]] were situated constituted the principal northerly points of defence and were garrisoned with a Rifle Coy and 2 Platoons together with C.D. (Coast defence) guns and field guns.  The HQ of the 10th Bn Durham L.I. with HQ Coy and two Rifle Coys were established at Borgarnes.  The remaining Coy was at [[Akranes]].  The selection of [[Borganes]] for the greater part of this Battalion was not from its tactical importance as a landing place but with the object of having a mobile reserve situated at a suitable point on the western sector for operating in any part it may be required.
 On their arrival the 10th Bn The Durham L.I. had been quartered under canvas in a transit camp on the outskirts of Reykjavik and been nearly washed away in a terrific rainstorm.  Even when they were established in Nissen Huts at their permanent destination their hardships and discomforts were not at an end as these were new camps consisting of bare huts and they were dependent on their own ingenuity for even the bare necessities of life.  Although a mere 30 miles by sea from Reykjavik, [[Borganes]] is nearly twice that distance by road and this road is only possible to traverse in favourable weather.  Thus all supplies from Reykjavik had to be shipped by coastal steamers, and this method of transport proved precarious in the extreme, and NAAFI (Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes – the British equivalent of the American P.X. or Post Exchange) stores and suchlike had a way of vanishing into thin air.

@@ Line 5: / Line 5: @@
 th DLI was based at [[Alafoss]].
-st TS had Platoons scattered in positions at some distance from its HQ at [[BALDURSHAGI]], namely at SAUERBAER and [[Brautarholt]] to the North, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%9Eingvellir PINGVELLIR] to the North-East and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selfoss_(town) SELFOSS] to the South-East ''(guarding the road and bridges to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Kaldadarnes RAF KALDADARNES]).''
+st TS had Platoons scattered in positions at some distance from its HQ at [[BALDURSHAGI]], namely at SAUERBAER and [[Brautarholt]] to the North, [[Pingvellir]] to the North-East and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selfoss_(town) SELFOSS] to the South-East ''(guarding the road and bridges to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Kaldadarnes RAF KALDADARNES]).''
 As indicated, Brigade HQ was also at [[Alafoss]].

@@ Line 37: / Line 37: @@
 '''21st November 1940'''
-The Field Firing exercises resumed at KLEIFERVATN.
+The Field Firing exercises resumed at [[Kleifervatn]].
 Practice blackouts and Air Defence (P.A.D.) Exercises were held.

@@ Line 5: / Line 5: @@
 th DLI was based at [[Alafoss]].
-st TS had Platoons scattered in positions at some distance from its HQ at [[BALDURSHAGI]], namely at SAUERBAER and BRAUTARHOLT to the North, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%9Eingvellir PINGVELLIR] to the North-East and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selfoss_(town) SELFOSS] to the South-East ''(guarding the road and bridges to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Kaldadarnes RAF KALDADARNES]).''
+st TS had Platoons scattered in positions at some distance from its HQ at [[BALDURSHAGI]], namely at SAUERBAER and [[Brautarholt]] to the North, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%9Eingvellir PINGVELLIR] to the North-East and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selfoss_(town) SELFOSS] to the South-East ''(guarding the road and bridges to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Kaldadarnes RAF KALDADARNES]).''
 As indicated, Brigade HQ was also at [[Alafoss]].
@@ Line 11: / Line 11: @@
 '''4th November 1940'''
-“B” Company of 1st TS took over the coastal defence of BRAUTARHOLT from “B” Company of the 1st /5th West Yorkshire Regiment.
+“B” Company of 1st TS took over the coastal defence of [[Brautarholt]] from “B” Company of the 1st /5th West Yorkshire Regiment.
 Preparations were made for a significant field firing exercise by 2 Companies of 11th DLI and 1 Troop of 386th Battery of the 143rd Field Regiment Royal Artillery to take place at the field firing range at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kleifarvatn KLEIFARVATN], a bleak lava-covered area South of REYKJAVIK.
@@ Line 45: / Line 45: @@
 th DLI was deployed entirely on coastal defence.
-st TS was defending BRAUTARHOLT with a detachment also stationed inland.
+st TS was defending [[Brautarholt]] with a detachment also stationed inland.
 th DLI continued to be stationed at [[Alafoss]].

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 '''Source – The National Archives at the Public Record Office – File WO 176/304'''
-A large-scale map of the Brigade’s operational area is filed with the War Diary and shows the locations of each of the infantry detachments, from the 10th DLI’s northernmost Section-sized Coast Watching Post at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skagastr%C3%B6nd SKAGASTROND] on the East bank of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C3%BAnafl%C3%B3i HUNAFLOI] fjord, down through [[Blonduos]], REYKERSKOLI and [[Bordeyri]] to their Battalion HQ at BORGANES on the North bank of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borgarfjordur BORGARFJORDUR] and on to their Company position at [[Akranes]] on the Western edge of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hvalfjordur HVALFJORDUR].
+A large-scale map of the Brigade’s operational area is filed with the War Diary and shows the locations of each of the infantry detachments, from the 10th DLI’s northernmost Section-sized Coast Watching Post at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skagastr%C3%B6nd SKAGASTROND] on the East bank of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C3%BAnafl%C3%B3i HUNAFLOI] fjord, down through [[Blonduos]], REYKERSKOLI and [[Bordeyri]] to their Battalion HQ at [[Borganes]] on the North bank of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borgarfjordur BORGARFJORDUR] and on to their Company position at [[Akranes]] on the Western edge of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hvalfjordur HVALFJORDUR].
 th DLI was based at [[Alafoss]].
@@ Line 23: / Line 23: @@
 '''15th November 1940'''
-Brigadier Kirkup visited 10th DLI’s HQ at BORGANES – travelling by sea.
+Brigadier Kirkup visited 10th DLI’s HQ at [[Borganes]] – travelling by sea.
 '''16th November 1940'''
@@ Line 89: / Line 89: @@
 Our next concern is to find out where we were stationed and if we would be with the 10th Durham L.I. who had formed our advance party.
-The 10th Bn The Durham L.I. were occupying defences on the western sector of the island extending from [[Blonduos]] in the North to [[Akranes]], some 15 miles north by sea from Reykjavik.  With 1200 miles of coastline it is impossible to occupy it throughout nor was it necessary.  Most of the coast is quite unsuitable for landing troops and only the important harbours, where the naval authorities considered the waters suitable were occupied.  At the same time several coast watching posts were established along this coastline and manned by R.N. personnel who were in direct telephone communication with HQ.  These latter posts carried six months reserve rations as, other than telephonic communication, they were completely cut off from the remainder of the British Forces for several months during the winter.  The HUNAFLOI area in which [[Blonduos]] and the two Fiords in which Reykerskoli and [[Bordeyri]] were situated constituted the principal northerly points of defence and were garrisoned with a Rifle Coy and 2 Platoons together with C.D. (Coast defence) guns and field guns.  The HQ of the 10th Bn Durham L.I. with HQ Coy and two Rifle Coys were established at Borgarnes.  The remaining Coy was at [[Akranes]].  The selection of Borganes for the greater part of this Battalion was not from its tactical importance as a landing place but with the object of having a mobile reserve situated at a suitable point on the western sector for operating in any part it may be required.
+The 10th Bn The Durham L.I. were occupying defences on the western sector of the island extending from [[Blonduos]] in the North to [[Akranes]], some 15 miles north by sea from Reykjavik.  With 1200 miles of coastline it is impossible to occupy it throughout nor was it necessary.  Most of the coast is quite unsuitable for landing troops and only the important harbours, where the naval authorities considered the waters suitable were occupied.  At the same time several coast watching posts were established along this coastline and manned by R.N. personnel who were in direct telephone communication with HQ.  These latter posts carried six months reserve rations as, other than telephonic communication, they were completely cut off from the remainder of the British Forces for several months during the winter.  The HUNAFLOI area in which [[Blonduos]] and the two Fiords in which Reykerskoli and [[Bordeyri]] were situated constituted the principal northerly points of defence and were garrisoned with a Rifle Coy and 2 Platoons together with C.D. (Coast defence) guns and field guns.  The HQ of the 10th Bn Durham L.I. with HQ Coy and two Rifle Coys were established at Borgarnes.  The remaining Coy was at [[Akranes]].  The selection of [[Borganes]] for the greater part of this Battalion was not from its tactical importance as a landing place but with the object of having a mobile reserve situated at a suitable point on the western sector for operating in any part it may be required.
-On their arrival the 10th Bn The Durham L.I. had been quartered under canvas in a transit camp on the outskirts of Reykjavik and been nearly washed away in a terrific rainstorm.  Even when they were established in Nissen Huts at their permanent destination their hardships and discomforts were not at an end as these were new camps consisting of bare huts and they were dependent on their own ingenuity for even the bare necessities of life.  Although a mere 30 miles by sea from Reykjavik, Borganes is nearly twice that distance by road and this road is only possible to traverse in favourable weather.  Thus all supplies from Reykjavik had to be shipped by coastal steamers, and this method of transport proved precarious in the extreme, and NAAFI (Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes – the British equivalent of the American P.X. or Post Exchange) stores and suchlike had a way of vanishing into thin air.
+On their arrival the 10th Bn The Durham L.I. had been quartered under canvas in a transit camp on the outskirts of Reykjavik and been nearly washed away in a terrific rainstorm.  Even when they were established in Nissen Huts at their permanent destination their hardships and discomforts were not at an end as these were new camps consisting of bare huts and they were dependent on their own ingenuity for even the bare necessities of life.  Although a mere 30 miles by sea from Reykjavik, [[Borganes]] is nearly twice that distance by road and this road is only possible to traverse in favourable weather.  Thus all supplies from Reykjavik had to be shipped by coastal steamers, and this method of transport proved precarious in the extreme, and NAAFI (Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes – the British equivalent of the American P.X. or Post Exchange) stores and suchlike had a way of vanishing into thin air.
 th Infantry Brigade less 10th DLI were detailed to form the Force Mobile Reserve.  Brigadier Kirkup took over from Brigadier Page, Commanding “Z” Force Canadians at Bruarland, [[Alafoss]], about 10 miles N.E. of Reykjavik, the 11th Bn DLI occupied the camp vacated by the Royal Canadian Regiment a mile away and the 187 Fd Ambulance occupied an adjacent camp.  The 1st Bn Tyneside Scottish occupied the camp at [[BALDURSHAGI]] vacated by the Fusiliers Mont Royale, 6 miles east of Reykjavik.