War Diary - CRA - October 1941

Iceland Force Headquarters (49th Division) Commander Royal Artillery War Diary – October 1941. 6 October 1941 – Reykjavik Area.

09:00 – 17:00 hours. Anti-aircraft Signals Exercise No. 3. Originally scheduled for 22 September 1941, this exercise was postponed until 29 September 1941 and again until 6 October 1941, owing to adverse weather conditions. The exercise brought to light various points with regard to communications and procedure, which required amendment or further practice. An Appendix A concerning this exercise was attached to the original War Diary file. (No copy retained in the file at The National Archives).

7/8 October 1941 – Selfoss.

Force Signals Exercise No. 11. This exercise had as its objective to practice Division, Brigade and Battalion Headquarters in Battle Drill in the field, with particular reference to mobile warfare. Weather mild. Fine.

10 October 1941

17:00 hours. Conference on Force Signals Exercise No. 11 held at Fish Shed Theatre, Thornhill Camp, Reykjavik.

15/16 October 1941

Force Exercise No. 12. Inter-Brigade Exercise with troops. 70 Infantry Brigade. Blue Force. 147 Infantry Brigade Red Force, both forces operating with attached troops. Weather – very wet. Conditions extremely unpleasant. A copy of the G.O.C’s. message to all taking part in the exercise was attached to the War Diary as Appendix B. (No copy retained in the file at The National Archives).

18 October 1941

17:30 hours. Final Conference on Force Exercise No. 12 held at Fish Shed Theatre, Thornhill Camp.

29 October 1941

09:15 – 18:00 hours. Area HAFNAFJORDUR.

Force Exercise No. 13. This exercise was devised to provide practice for Intelligence Sections of Infantry Brigades and Artillery Observation Posts. Enemy were represented by detachments under command Lt-Col F N Richardson T.D. Royal Artillery as follows:-

507 Field Battery Royal Artillery

Two Sections Medium Machine-Guns (2nd Kensingtons)

Two 3” mortars and 2” mortars (70 Infantry Brigade)

60 Other Ranks 143 Field Regiment Royal Artillery with Light Machine Guns and rifles.

Two Carriers with Drivers and Light Machine Guns (143 Field Regiment Royal Artillery)

Officers to command various parties were provided by 143 Field Regiment Royal Artillery and Northrop aircraft of the Norwegian Squadron carried out imaginary dive bombing attack.

Firing took place to the following scale of ammunition:-

25pdr – 86 rounds High Explosive, 40 rounds smoke.

3” mortar – 40 rounds High Explosive.

2” mortar – 35 rounds High Explosive, 5 rounds smoke.

Medium Machine-Guns – 1500 rounds .303 Mark VII.

Light Machine Guns and rifles – 1500 rounds .303 Mark VII.

This exercise provided excellent practice for both Infantry and Artillery Observation Posts and much useful experience was gained. Weather fair.

Weather for month generally mild, though considerable rain and high winds. Owing both to weather conditions and shortage of aircraft very little Anti-aircraft training in co-operation with the RAF was possible during the month.

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