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

70bgadmin at 17:43, 30 April 2018

2018-04-30T17:43:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:43, 30 April 2018
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	Probably the most telling factor during the last month (and indeed for the past four months) has been the atrocious weather. It has rarely failed to rain, or hail, sleet or snow on any one of two consecutive days.		Probably the most telling factor during the last month (and indeed for the past four months) has been the atrocious weather. It has rarely failed to rain, or hail, sleet or snow on any one of two consecutive days.

	In consequence all types of training have suffered. A Company Camp for Mountain Warfare training was established at HVITANES in HVALFJORD which is occupied by a Company from each Battalion in turn for a week. On at least two days of each week outdoor training has been impossible for drying facilities are nil. Mud in the Camp is knee deep. After much time and trouble, a 12-target classification rifle and Light Machine Gun range has been built; but bad weather makes it difficult to get even 50% value out of it during the limited hours of daylight (10:00 to 14:00 hours); another classification range was constructed near ~~HAFNAFJORDUR~~ and, when weather permitted, provided useful outdoor practice.		In consequence all types of training have suffered. A Company Camp for Mountain Warfare training was established at HVITANES in HVALFJORD which is occupied by a Company from each Battalion in turn for a week. On at least two days of each week outdoor training has been impossible for drying facilities are nil. Mud in the Camp is knee deep. After much time and trouble, a 12-target classification rifle and Light Machine Gun range has been built; but bad weather makes it difficult to get even 50% value out of it during the limited hours of daylight (10:00 to 14:00 hours); another classification range was constructed near [[Hafnafjordur]] and, when weather permitted, provided useful outdoor practice.
	Outdoor sport has become quite impossible and, for example, the Brigade football ground has only been fit for play on one afternoon between 1st August and 5th December.		Outdoor sport has become quite impossible and, for example, the Brigade football ground has only been fit for play on one afternoon between 1st August and 5th December.

70bgadmin at 15:29, 6 August 2012

2012-08-06T15:29:58Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:29, 6 August 2012
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	(ii)Modified Divisional Signals.		(ii)Modified Divisional Signals.

	(iii)One Mountain Regiment of four 4-gun 3.7” Howitzer Batteries. Guns to be carried on pack or in draught on sledges.		(iii)One Mountain Regiment of four 4-gun [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QF_3.7_inch_Mountain_Howitzer 3.7” Howitzer] Batteries. Guns to be carried on pack or in draught on sledges.

	(iv)Two Field Companies and One Field Park Company (Royal Engineers) on a reduced scale.		(iv)Two Field Companies and One Field Park Company (Royal Engineers) on a reduced scale.
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	(x)Ordnance, Provost and Postal personnel.		(x)Ordnance, Provost and Postal personnel.

	A Battery of Oerlikon Light Anti-Aircraft Guns may be included in each Infantry Brigade if they are found suitable by trial for pack transport.		A Battery of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oerlikon_20_mm_cannon Oerlikon Light Anti-Aircraft Guns] may be included in each Infantry Brigade if they are found suitable by trial for pack transport.

	As regards transport, units of the Mountain Division will be organised to operate on man-pack, sledge, pack animal, Motor Transport or any suitable combination of these means of transport.		As regards transport, units of the Mountain Division will be organised to operate on man-pack, sledge, pack animal, Motor Transport or any suitable combination of these means of transport.
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	This was a combined Active and Passive Air Defence Exercise. From the point of view of an Infantry Brigade it represented a test of Camp Black-out, of signal and Light Aid Detachment repairs and of night-driving, all under black-out conditions.		This was a combined Active and Passive Air Defence Exercise. From the point of view of an Infantry Brigade it represented a test of Camp Black-out, of signal and Light Aid Detachment repairs and of night-driving, all under black-out conditions.
	Unfortunately, owing to a Wellington bomber being overdue from patrol, it was not possible to turn off all power at the main, and thus test emergency lighting and impose a black-out on the civil population. This incident also prevented the firing of an Anti-Aircraft barrage.
			Unfortunately, owing to a Wellington bomber being overdue from patrol, it was not possible to turn off all power at the main, and thus test emergency lighting and impose a black-out on the civil population. This incident also prevented the firing of an Anti-Aircraft barrage.

	Unfortunately it was later learnt that the bomber had crashed into the mountains, all hands being lost.		Unfortunately it was later learnt that the bomber had crashed into the mountains, all hands being lost.

70bgadmin at 14:42, 6 August 2012

2012-08-06T14:42:46Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:42, 6 August 2012
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	'''3rd – 6th November 1941'''		'''3rd – 6th November 1941'''

	The G.O.C. held a cloth model exercise and T.E.W.T. on Mountain Warfare, attended by all Formation and Unit Commanders, heads of Services and Senior Staff Officers. The object of the exercise was to study, in general principles, the handling of the Division in Mountain Warfare under snow conditions, a role that has recently been allotted by the War Office.		The G.O.C. held a cloth model exercise and T.E.W.T. on [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_Warfare#World_War_II Mountain Warfare], attended by all Formation and Unit Commanders, heads of Services and Senior Staff Officers. The object of the exercise was to study, in general principles, the handling of the Division in Mountain Warfare under snow conditions, a role that has recently been allotted by the War Office.

	'''10th – 15th November 1941'''		'''10th – 15th November 1941'''

70bgadmin at 07:52, 6 August 2012

2012-08-06T07:52:54Z

70bgadmin at 07:49, 6 August 2012

2012-08-06T07:49:01Z

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

2011-06-18T15:11:08Z

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

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:52, 6 August 2012
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	At the beginning of the month, the Brigade HQ staff remained as previously.		At the beginning of the month, the Brigade HQ staff remained as previously.

	1st November 1941		'''1st November 1941'''

	A combined manning exercise and counter-attack rehearsal was carried out.		A combined manning exercise and counter-attack rehearsal was carried out.
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	(a)Manning of two Company areas (Aerodrome and HOWITZER HILL – overlooking the aerodrome) by 10th DLI.		(a)Manning of two Company areas (Aerodrome and HOWITZER HILL – overlooking the aerodrome) by 10th DLI.

	(b)A practice rehearsal of the counter-attack to retake the aerodrome in the event of its occupation by the enemy. (See Appendix B to the South-West Sector Defence Scheme – Revised 1st November 1941).		(b)A practice rehearsal of the counter-attack to retake the aerodrome in the event of its occupation by the enemy. ''(See Appendix B to the South-West Sector Defence Scheme – Revised 1st November 1941).''

	Troops taking part in the counter-attack were:-		Troops taking part in the counter-attack were:-
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	A main lesson learnt was the advisability of NOT waiting for the arrival of further Infantry before committing to any task, subsequent to the initial one.		A main lesson learnt was the advisability of NOT waiting for the arrival of further Infantry before committing to any task, subsequent to the initial one.

	2nd November 1941		'''2nd November 1941'''

	Weather showery. Winter Time came into force, clocks being put back one hour.		Weather showery. Winter Time came into force, clocks being put back one hour.

	3rd November 1941		'''3rd November 1941'''

	Captain R.H. Jerrome, Brigade Intelligence Officer, left for the U.K. on compassionate leave, his duties being temporarily taken over by 2/Lt J.W. Barron, Brigade Transport Officer.		Captain R.H. Jerrome, Brigade Intelligence Officer, left for the U.K. on compassionate leave, his duties being temporarily taken over by 2/Lt J.W. Barron, Brigade Transport Officer.

	3rd – 6th November 1941		'''3rd – 6th November 1941'''

	The G.O.C. held a cloth model exercise and T.E.W.T. on Mountain Warfare, attended by all Formation and Unit Commanders, heads of Services and Senior Staff Officers. The object of the exercise was to study, in general principles, the handling of the Division in Mountain Warfare under snow conditions, a role that has recently been allotted by the War Office.		The G.O.C. held a cloth model exercise and T.E.W.T. on Mountain Warfare, attended by all Formation and Unit Commanders, heads of Services and Senior Staff Officers. The object of the exercise was to study, in general principles, the handling of the Division in Mountain Warfare under snow conditions, a role that has recently been allotted by the War Office.

	10th – 15th November 1941		'''10th – 15th November 1941'''

	A Senior Officers’ Course was held at the Force Tactical School attended by unit Commanders and Brigade Majors. The course was designed to ensure that a uniform doctrine was being followed and to give the Officers the time for individual study by relieving them for a week from their normal duties. Instruction was given by the G.O.C., Brigade Commanders, G.S.O.1., A.A. & Q.M.G. and others.		A Senior Officers’ Course was held at the Force Tactical School attended by unit Commanders and Brigade Majors. The course was designed to ensure that a uniform doctrine was being followed and to give the Officers the time for individual study by relieving them for a week from their normal duties. Instruction was given by the G.O.C., Brigade Commanders, G.S.O.1., A.A. & Q.M.G. and others.

	19th November 1941		'''19th November 1941'''

	Force Exercise No 14 was held. This was a Signal Exercise for all Headquarters down to units and, as in the case of the previous Signal Exercise, was on an Infantry Division basis, as opposed to Iceland (C) Force. The object of the exercise was to practise the “ROFT” system of simultaneous reconnaissances and preliminary moves.		Force Exercise No 14 was held. This was a Signal Exercise for all Headquarters down to units and, as in the case of the previous Signal Exercise, was on an Infantry Division basis, as opposed to Iceland (C) Force. The object of the exercise was to practise the “ROFT” system of simultaneous reconnaissances and preliminary moves.
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	The exercise lasted from 10:00 hours 19th November to 14:20 hours on 20th November – the longest such exercise held and was fruitful of lessons in consequence.		The exercise lasted from 10:00 hours 19th November to 14:20 hours on 20th November – the longest such exercise held and was fruitful of lessons in consequence.

	25th November 1941		'''25th November 1941'''

	A slight fall of snow during the night 25th/26th November.		A slight fall of snow during the night 25th/26th November.

	26th November 1941		'''26th November 1941'''

	The Brigade Commander held a cloth model exercise for C.Os. and Seconds –in-Command, together with representatives of supporting arms. The object of the exercise was to study the detailed tactics of an Infantry Battalion and supporting arms in Mountain Warfare. G.O.Cs. exercises had all dealt with the subject in very general terms and it was considered desirable to thrash out the detailed procedure as far as limited information permits.		The Brigade Commander held a cloth model exercise for C.Os. and Seconds –in-Command, together with representatives of supporting arms. The object of the exercise was to study the detailed tactics of an Infantry Battalion and supporting arms in Mountain Warfare. G.O.Cs. exercises had all dealt with the subject in very general terms and it was considered desirable to thrash out the detailed procedure as far as limited information permits.
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	Heavy rain and gale during the night 25th/26th November (it is possible this should have read 26th/27th November).		Heavy rain and gale during the night 25th/26th November (it is possible this should have read 26th/27th November).

	28th November 1941		'''28th November 1941'''

	(a)70th Infantry Brigade Operation Instruction No 15 was issued and a copy attached to the War Diary as Appendix A.		'''(a)70th Infantry Brigade Operation Instruction No 15 was issued and a copy attached to the War Diary as Appendix A.'''

	(This was a particularly important document as, although short, it set out the basics of the Organisation of a Mountain Division, and therefore it is produced here in more detail than might otherwise have been the case.		''(This was a particularly important document as, although short, it set out the basics of the Organisation of a Mountain Division, and therefore it is produced here in more detail than might otherwise have been the case).''

	The document summarised the decisions reached at a War Office meeting to decide on the organisation and training of a Mountain Division.		The document summarised the decisions reached at a War Office meeting to decide on the organisation and training of a Mountain Division.
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	It is notified that consideration is also being given to the formation of a Divisional Reconnaissance Unit. If formed, it will be organised on the lines of an Infantry Brigade Group Reconnaissance Company in men and weapons, transport being skis and cars 5cwt Four Wheel Drive (The American “Blitz Buggy” – or “Jeep”). Experiments with these vehicles under snow conditions are being carried out in AKUREYRI.		It is notified that consideration is also being given to the formation of a Divisional Reconnaissance Unit. If formed, it will be organised on the lines of an Infantry Brigade Group Reconnaissance Company in men and weapons, transport being skis and cars 5cwt Four Wheel Drive (The American “Blitz Buggy” – or “Jeep”). Experiments with these vehicles under snow conditions are being carried out in AKUREYRI.

	(b)Force Exercise No 15		'''(b)Force Exercise No 15'''

	This was a combined Active and Passive Air Defence Exercise. From the point of view of an Infantry Brigade it represented a test of Camp Black-out, of signal and Light Aid Detachment repairs and of night-driving, all under black-out conditions.		This was a combined Active and Passive Air Defence Exercise. From the point of view of an Infantry Brigade it represented a test of Camp Black-out, of signal and Light Aid Detachment repairs and of night-driving, all under black-out conditions.
	Unfortunately, owing to a Wellington bomber being overdue from patrol, it was not possible to turn off all power at the main, and thus test emergency lighting and impose a black-out on the civil population. This incident also prevented the firing of an Anti-Aircraft barrage.		Unfortunately, owing to a Wellington bomber being overdue from patrol, it was not possible to turn off all power at the main, and thus test emergency lighting and impose a black-out on the civil population. This incident also prevented the firing of an Anti-Aircraft barrage.
	Unfortunately it was later learnt that the bomber had crashed into the mountains, all hands being lost.		Unfortunately it was later learnt that the bomber had crashed into the mountains, all hands being lost.

	GENERAL NOTE		'''GENERAL NOTE'''

	Probably the most telling factor during the last month (and indeed for the past four months) has been the atrocious weather. It has rarely failed to rain, or hail, sleet or snow on any one of two consecutive days.		Probably the most telling factor during the last month (and indeed for the past four months) has been the atrocious weather. It has rarely failed to rain, or hail, sleet or snow on any one of two consecutive days.

	In consequence all types of training have suffered. A Company Camp for Mountain Warfare training was established at HVITANES in HVALFJORD which is occupied by a Company from each Battalion in turn for a week. On at least two days of each week outdoor training has been impossible for drying facilities are nil. Mud in the Camp is knee deep. After much time and trouble, a 12-target classification rifle and Light Machine Gun range has been built; but bad weather makes it difficult to get even 50% value out of it during the limited hours of daylight (10:00 to 14:00 hours); another classification range was constructed near HAFNAFJORDUR and, when weather permitted, provided useful outdoor practice.		In consequence all types of training have suffered. A Company Camp for Mountain Warfare training was established at HVITANES in HVALFJORD which is occupied by a Company from each Battalion in turn for a week. On at least two days of each week outdoor training has been impossible for drying facilities are nil. Mud in the Camp is knee deep. After much time and trouble, a 12-target classification rifle and Light Machine Gun range has been built; but bad weather makes it difficult to get even 50% value out of it during the limited hours of daylight (10:00 to 14:00 hours); another classification range was constructed near HAFNAFJORDUR and, when weather permitted, provided useful outdoor practice.
	Outdoor sport has become quite impossible and, for example, the Brigade football ground has only been fit for play on one afternoon between 1st August and 5th December.		Outdoor sport has become quite impossible and, for example, the Brigade football ground has only been fit for play on one afternoon between 1st August and 5th December.

	The roads again closely resemble “scenic railways”.		The roads again closely resemble “scenic railways”.


	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].