Report for the Quarter ending 31/12/1941

The Report – classified Secret at the time – was sub-titled “Notes for War Diary”. It ran to four typed pages and started with Weather Conditions.

The paragraph on the weather summarised the differences between the North and South of the island and made reference to the frequent gales and to the “midnight sun” and winter darkness.

Transport and Communication difficulties referred to the inevitable scattered nature of units due to the need to guard fjords and passes around the island. The impossibility of road travel in winter over much of the island was pointed out – leaving sea and air as the only feasible transport means available. The plea for an adequate provision of cars is made as units were not always able to make vehicles available. Hospital Chaplains were often called upon to minister to other units and this also implied the need for their own transport.

The next paragraph discussed the selection criteria for Chaplains to serve in Iceland and stressed the need for planning and organising skills to ensure that remote units were also covered. “Keen” men were needed to withstand the difficult and hazardous conditions of travel, although the warm welcome assured for Chaplains who were prepared to make the effort to minister to the troops was highlighted. The enthusiastic Chaplain was seen as a great friend to men in isolated positions.

The next paragraph discussed the number of Chaplains required in the somewhat peculiar nature of the Iceland posting, with many Lines of Communication units in place that did not have an establishment provision for a Chaplain, as well as the complications of distance, weather and communication problems.

Visits by Leaders of various denominations on a regular basis was seen as key to supporting Chaplains in their spiritual ministrations.

The morale of the men was seen as a fundamental concern with a tendency for men to worry or be depressed due to :-

The invasion threat and the news of heavy air raids on the UK.

Delay in receiving mail – especially for men in remote areas.

The monotony of Camp life and lack of contact with locals, although the efforts made to alleviate this through concerts, sport, entertainment and the education programmes were acknowledged.

The unfortunate impression given in the UK Press that the men were living a sort of “holiday camp” life in Iceland, with a distinct lack of appreciation as to what duty in a remote corner of the island was like.

The need for entertainment to be of good quality and of a satisfactory nature.

Overall the troops’ morale was seen as remarkably high and a testament to their endurance of severe winter conditions.

The final paragraph concerned the availability of Literature – much of what was available was viewed as unsuitable and inadequate – organised distribution was seen as necessary. A recommendation for a working committee to prepare suitable material was made. Paper shortage was a problem but a stock of Testaments and suitable material available to Chaplains had a high priority.

The report was signed by the Senior Chaplain to the Forces and dated 29/1/1942.

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