70th Infantry Brigade War Diary August 1941.
The only material change in the Officer staffing of Brigade HQ was that 2/Lt V.B. Murray, in addition to acting as Camp Commandant, also took over responsibility for the Brigade Defence Platoon.
The numbers of NCOs and men in the Brigade HQ establishment were as follows:-
Brigade Headquarters – 1 Warrant Officer, 3 Sergeants, 48 Other Ranks
Light Aid Detachment – 1 Warrant Officer, 11 Other Ranks
Signals Section – 2 Sergeants, 36 Other Ranks
Defence Platoon – 1 Warrant Officer, 1 Sergeant, 44 Other Ranks (of whom 1 Sergeant and 11 Other Ranks were yet to be posted.
1st August 1941
The Brigade Commander attended a Force Exercise for Umpires in the area of KOTAS, near GEITHALS. B Company 11th DLI provided the troops carrying out the exercise. The weather was dull and inclined to rain.
2nd August 1941
Brigade Intelligence Course ended.
South-West Sector Operation Instruction No 12 issued, dated 1st August – attached to the War Diary as Appendix A.
This is a crucially important document for 70th Brigade as it sets out the dispositions of the Brigade’s units, and supporting units, and their areas of responsibility. The document is effectively a rewriting of the initial scheme for the defence of this key part of Iceland and had become necessary as a result of the recent changes in unit deployment and the arrival of the first American Forces.
U.S. Troops
The American element within the South-West Sector was the Battalion of the 6th U.S. Marine Regiment and part of the 5th Defence Battalion. The Commander of the 3rd Battalion was expected to defend his own Camps, whether or not, as planned, his unit was to be used in a Mobile Column and was to liaise with the British Sector Commander of the Reykjavik Sub-Sector with regard to coverage of fire.
Appendix A to the Instruction detailed the American deployment within the South-West Sector.
The Regimental HQ of the 6th Marine Regiment was at RIPON CAMP, supported by a Service Company, Anti-Tank Platoon (eight .37” guns), Signals Platoon and an Anti-Aircraft Platoon (four .50 Machine Guns). The HQ of the 3rd Battalion was at HALGOLAND CAMP, with its HQ Company and its I Company, with a Medium Machine Gun Platoon and a Mortar Platoon (four 81mm mortars).
3rd Battalion’s K Company was at SELBY CAMP with a Medium Machine Gun Platoon (six guns).
Similarly L Company of 3rd Battalion (less one Platoon) was at BALBO’s CAMP, also supported by a six-gun MMG Platoon.
HARROGATE CAMP held F Battery of 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment with four 75mm Pack Howitzers and the remaining Platoon of L Company.
The Anti-Aircraft Machine Gun Group’s HQ of the 5th Defence Battalion was at TADCASTER CAMP.
Sub-Sector Organisation
With effect from 18:00 hours on 30th July the Sectors were arranged as follows:-
REYKJAVIK Sub-Sector (Commanded by Lt Col Oxley 1st TS)
1st Tyneside Scottish with 89 Company Pioneer Corps, Electrical and Mechanical Section Royal Engineers and No 7 Section of the 135th Mechanical Engineering Section Royal Engineers – headquartered at SKIPTON CAMP, with their Battle HQ at TOWER HILL.
MIDDLE Sub-Sector (Commanded by Lt Col Marley 10th DLI)
Two Companies 10th DLI, with 203 Company Pioneer Corps and 807 Road Construction Company Royal Engineers, headquartered at CRAVEN CAMP.
HAFNAFJORDUR Sub-Sector (Commanded by Lt Col Ware 11th DLI)
11th DLI, headquartered at CLOISTERS CAMP.
REYKJAVIK Town (Commanded by Lt Col Collier 25 Group Pioneer Corps)
687 Artisan Works Company Royal Engineers.
688 Artisan Works Company Royal Engineers
1007 Docks Operating Company Royal Engineers
4 Supply Company Royal Army Service Corps
Detachment F.F.I.
Royal Army Ordnance Corps Base personnel
This unit had the responsibility of defending the town itself, excluding the Docks and Harbour, which was the responsibility of the Reykjavik Sub-Sector.
Sector Reserve
This consisted of :-
The remaining two Companies of 10th DLI (less the Platoon on VESTMANNAEJAR)
86 Company Pioneer Corps
140 Company Pioneer Corps less a detachment (once a “special task” had been completed).
Details of the boundaries between the Sub-Sectors was set out.
Supporting Arms
Field Artillery
There were now two Field Batteries in support of the South-West Sector –
507 Field Battery at REDESDALE CAMP
366 Field Battery (less one troop) at GUIVATN CAMP
One troop of 366 Field Battery at HAFNAFJORDUR
Provision was made, in an emergency, for Observation Posts to be manned at CLOISTERS, HOWITZER HILL, TOWER HILL and PIMPLE HILL.
Anti-Aircraft Artillery
The layout of the anti-aircraft defences in the Sector was set out in a separate Appendix B to the Instruction. The guns were expected to engage ground targets as necessary after the completion of their primary role. Not all the guns listed in the very detailed Appendix had as yet arrived in Iceland, but were expected shortly. The weapons ranged from 3.7” Heavy Anti-Aircraft Guns to .30 and .50 American Machine Guns and included 40mm Bofors Guns.
The Bofors were the equipment of the 53rd Light Anti-Aircraft Battery – part of the “Z” Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, while the 3.7” guns were part of 203rd Heavy Anti-Aircraft Battery – of the 12th Heavy Anti—Aircraft Regiment. The Machine Guns were the responsibility of the U.S. Marines 5th Defence Battalion.
In total, the equipment to be deployed in the Sector added up to:-
18 3.7” guns
7 Bofors guns
24 Machine Guns
Coast Defence Artillery
183 Battery (2 6” guns) was located at GROTTA
186 Battery (2 4.7” guns) was located at HAFNAFJORDUR
These guns were also planned to engage land targets, once their primary role was complete.
Medium Machine Guns
As mentioned in earlier War Diaries, 8 guns had been withdrawn from the Sector – once extra weapons had been allocated to the Infantry – and the support strength now consisted of 1st/9th Manchesters, less two Companies and a Platoon. The unit was deployed across the Sub-Sectors as follows:-
HAFNAFJORDUR – one Company, less one Platoon
REYKJAVIK – one Company, less one Section
MIDDLE – one Section – at RED HOUSE HILL
The Infantry guns, to be manned by the Battalions, were to be allocated as follows:-
HAFNAFJORDUR – 4 guns
REYKJAVIK – 8 guns
MIDDLE – 4 guns
Arrangements were set out for alternative gun positions and the relevant arcs of fire to be employed.
Force troops
In addition to the details set out above, all other Force troops in any Sub-Sector come under the command of the Sub-Sector commander for static defence purposes in an emergency.
Security of RAF establishments
The War Office had recently ruled that the Army was responsible for the security and protection of RAF installations and aerodromes in Iceland. This was delegated to the Sub-Sector commanders as follows:-
REYKJAVIK aerodrome – the Middle Sector Commander – one Infantry Company and a Section of Infantry MMGs to be provided for this role, covering guarding entrances, patrolling, securing installations and the Operations Room.
Wireless station at LEYMMEYRD – 1st/9th Manchesters
Naval and RAF HQ Reykjavik – 1st Tyneside Scottish
KEFLAVIK Landing Ground – 11th DLI.
Transport for South-West Sector Reserve
In an emergency, 15 30cwt lorries were to be provided to CRAVEN CAMP for the transport of 10th DLI.
Alarm Signals
Detailed instructions were given of the types of emergency signals to be used and the coloured flares to be employed.
Sector HQ
This was at YORK HOUSE reference 229064.
3rd August 1941
The Force Sports Meeting held at the Reykjavik Stadium was hailed as a great success. The rain, which began in the morning, had left off by mid-day and the meeting was not interfered with by the weather.
4th August 1941
The Brigade Commander and Staff Captain carried out an administrative inspection of 10th DLI, in their location at VATNSMYRI aerodrome, REYKJAVIK.
The Brigadier discussed with Lt Col L.D. Hermle, Commander of 6th Marine Regiment of the U.S. Marine Corps, the use of a Company of American tanks in a possible counter-attack role on VATNSMYRI aerodrome in co-operation with British troops.
5th August 1941
A quiet day owing to the imposition of telephone silence in preparation for Force Exercise No 7. The exercise commenced at 22:30 hours with a dive-bombing attack on Brigade HQ. The scheme was designed to exercise communications between formation and unit HQs.; Company HQs of units were not involved. 10th DLI was the only Battalion to move. The exercise ended at 10:30 hours on 6th August.
7th August 1941
A Guard of Honour for the arrival of Admiral Sir Percy Noble, Commanding North West Approaches, was supplied by 11th DLI. In spite of the short notice given, the turnout and drill of the guard were both excellent.
8th August 1941
1st Tyneside Scottish carried out a Mobile Column Exercise as previously carried out by 10th and 11th DLI towards KEFLAVIK. An added twist was given to the exercise by an attack on the rear of the column when it was stationary near KALFATJORN. The weather was fine and sunny all day and the exercise was carried out successfully.
At 17:00 hours the G.O.C. of Iceland Force held a conference on the Signal Exercise held on the night of 5th/6th August.
9th August 1941
The weather was again fine and sunny.
10th August 1941
An enemy aircraft identified as a Heinkel 111 flew over REYKJAVIK almost as soon as the Air Raid warning was received. Although fired at by Anti-Aircraft Artillery and chased by a Hurricane the aircraft disappeared without apparent harm having been done to it.
11th August 1941
The Brigade Commander inspected the defences of VATNSMYRI aerodrome, REYKJAVIK and HOWITZER HILL with the C.O. of 10th DLI and ordered the improvement of the latter defences to be given priority over other work.
At 17:30 hours a conference took place at SKIPTON CAMP on the Mobile Column exercise carried out by 1st Tyneside Scottish.
12th August 1941
70th Infantry Brigade Operation Instruction No 8 (Revised) was issued – a copy being attached to the War Diary as Appendix B.
This was a revision of the orders regarding the defence of the Emergency Landing Ground at UTSKALAR on the KEFLAVIK peninsula. The defending troops were a Section from 11th DLI, supported by two Armoured Cars – one of which had been manufactured by the Brigade’s Light Aid Detachment. The intention of the defence force was to:-
(a)Give early warning of enemy activity in the area
(b)Protect established ground installations
( c)Prevent enemy aircraft landing
(d)Take offensive action against any enemy that succeed in landing on the landing ground or in the immediate vicinity.
The Section was to maintain a permanent sentry in the billet area next to the Armoured Cars, which were armed with a Light Machine Gun each. The vehicles were to be driven a short distance each day and also used for regular patrols – any vehicle repairs or maintenance had a high priority.
The post was stocked with fourteen days’ rations and fuel, with regular fresh replacements. Water was fit to drink and would be tested monthly.
Close touch was to be maintained with the Coast Watching Posts at GERDAR and SANDGERDI. Communications were provided to allow direct reporting to the Force Control Room.
13th August 1941
In the evening a lecture was given to 11th DLI on Mountain Warfare by Lt Col Ware in connection with the mountain training that was to be carried out. Representatives of Brigade HQ and other units also attended.
14th August 1941
A preliminary conference met at Force HQ to discuss a ceremonial parade to be organised for a distinguished visitor in the near future.
15th August 1941
70th Infantry Brigade Operation Instruction No 13 was issued, and a copy attached to the War Diary as Appendix C.
This document, which contained highly secret material, dealt with weapon and ammunition policy. It set out that Brigade HQ and units would hold a G1098 scale of ammunition for all the types of weapon in use. In addition each Infantry Battalion was authorised to hold three Anti-Tank Rifles and one 2” Mortar above the standard scale.
The First-Line Ammunition scale to be held by units was to be the G1098 scale, with some exceptions, as follows:-
.303 Ammunition
185,000 rounds per Rifle Battalion (to allow for first-line reinforcements)
8,000 rounds per static Medium Machine Gun
.303 Tracer
1 round in every six of the .303 held for Light Machine Guns
Two belts, filled one tracer to four ball rounds, to be held for each Medium Machine Gun for which Anti-Aircraft mountings are provided
Grenades
480 per Infantry Battalion
2” Mortar
864 rounds of High Explosive and 280 rounds of smoke per Infantry Battalion
Signal Cartridge
300 Red, 300 Green, 600 White per Infantry Battalion
For other units – 12 Red, 12 Green, 24 White per Signal Pistol held.
Second-line Ammunition
These figures for each type of ammunition and grenade were set out on an attached Appendix and varied depending on the responsibilities of the units concerned.
Third-line Ammunition
This reserve was stored in Force Ammunition Dumps.
Units were charged with keeping this material securely.
16th August 1941
In connection with the ceremonial parade it was announced that the distinguished visitor was Mr Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister, and that he would be arriving at 11:00 hours.
He was on his way back to the U.K. from a mid-Atlantic meeting with President Roosevelt and was accompanied by General Sir John Dill (C.I.G.S.), Admiral Sir Dudley Pound, Air Marshal Sir Wilfred Freeman, and Lieutenant Franklin Roosevelt Jnr (U.S. Navy) son of the American President.
He was met by a Guard of Honour (with the Pipe Band) provided by the Royal Navy, Army (1st Tyneside Scottish) and RAF – under the command of Major K.T. Roper (Brigade Major).
After receiving a warm welcome from the Icelandic people he inspected units lined up along the concrete road leading out of REYKJAVIK. Brigadier Kirkup commanded the parade until he handed over command on the arrival of Major-General Curtis – G.O.C. Iceland Force.
The U.S. Marine Corps and detachments of the U.S. Army units, the Royal Navy, RAF and Norwegian Navy were all represented. Each Battalion in the Brigade had 500 Officers and men on parade. After the inspection, the parade marched past the Prime Minister and later dispersed to their Camps, or the waiting Motor Transport. The parade did not conclude until 13:30 hours.
A contribution to the BBC People’s War Website from, then, Cpl Wampach, Royal Engineers, records an encounter with the Prime Minister during his visit to Iceland in 1941.
The encounter concerned the state of progress on airfield construction and took place at Iceland Force HQ when the PM enquired about MELGERDI Airfield.
Cpl Wampach was able to supply the information and also confirmed that the PM refused the offer of lunch in the Officers’ Mess and joined the Other Ranks in their Mess.
This Extract was taken from "Memoirs of a Sapper" by Major C R Wampach via Thanet Libraries.
The weather was very warm and sunny and one of the warmest days for several weeks. Mr Winston Churchill made visits to REYKJAVIK aerodrome and the hot springs at Alafoss; after tea at Force HQ he left on the Battleship “Prince of Wales” for England.
On the departure of the Prime Minister from Iceland the G.O.C. sent him the following signal:-
“All the forces in Iceland respectfully send you their best wishes and as a result of your visit feel more confident than ever of victory under your leadership”.
Mr Winston Churchill replied as follows:-
“Thank you so much for your kind message. I wish the best of luck and eventually a safe return home to all the combined forces in Iceland”.
At 16:30 hours a boxing match attended by the G.O.C. was held in the Fish Shed Theatre, REYKJAVIK, between 70th Infantry Brigade and 147th Infantry Brigade. 70th Infantry Brigade won by 23 points to 19.
To see a short Pathe News silent film of Prime Minister Churchill aboard ship en route to the UK after the visit please click here.
T see a short film clip of part of a speech by Prime Minister Churchill on his return to the UK after the visit please click here.
19th August 1941
The Brigade Commander and Brigade Major made a reconnaissance with the Air Liaison Officer for a combined field firing and close support bombing exercise to be carried out by a unit of the Brigade and 330 (Norwegian) Squadron, Fleet Air Arm (Northrop float planes).
22nd August 1941
A small rehearsal of the signals working for the close support bombing exercise was held to practise the correct procedure.
24th August 1941
Captain J.H. Trail returned from leave and returned to his duties as Staff Captain. Lt Col Marley returned from leave and resumed command of 10th DLI.
25th August 1941
Certain plans had now been prepared for the co-operation of Company A of the 2nd Tank Battalion of the U.S. Marine Corps with one Company 10th DLI in counter-attacks on HOWITZER HILL, REYKJAVIK aerodrome and RED HOUSE HILL. 143rd Field Regiment Royal Artillery and 1st/9th Manchesters (M.G. Bn) would support any of these operations.
An exercise commenced at 06:00 hours to rehearse the HOWITZER HILL plan as this feature was assumed to have been captured by enemy airborne troops.
REYKJAVIK aerodrome was also assumed to be in enemy hands but it was not intended to carry the exercise further than the capture of HOWITZER HILL and consolidating there. However, the G.O.C. Iceland Force, who was a spectator, ordered the exercise to be continued and painted a picture of the enemy dispositions on the aerodrome.
This part of the exercise, though arranged at such short notice, was carried out as successfully as the counter-attack on HOWITZER HILL. This was the first occasion that the American tanks had co-operated with British troops in an exercise and it was watched by several British and American Officers.
26th August 1941
The Brigade Commander and Brigade Major attended a G.O.Cs. conference at Force HQ on winter training. Particular emphasis was laid on the probable future role of troops now constituting Iceland Force being trained as an Alpine Division. Training was therefore to be carried out as for such a Division.
28th August 1941
An all-night withdrawal scheme held by 11th DLI was visited in the early hours of the morning by the Brigade Commander and members of his staff.
A revised Appendix B to South-West Sector Operation Instruction No 12 was issued, giving the new Anti-Aircraft layout in the Sector, and was attached to the War Diary as Appendix D. Part of the reason for the revision of the information was that a new Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment Royal Artillery was being formed as X Regiment, which would assume command of both British Light AA Batteries, thus removing them from the command of 12th Anti-Aircraft Regiment Royal Artillery.
The Appendix set out, as did the original, the gun sites both geographically, and by number and type of gun to be employed. The armament now totalled sixteen 3.7” Heavy Guns (4th Heavy Battery), eight 40mm Bofors Guns (52 and 77 Light Batteries) , eight 3” Heavy Guns (5th Defence Battalion U.S. Marine Corps) and twenty-five .5” Machine Guns (5th Defence Battalion U.S. Marine Corps).
30th August 1941
The Brigade Commander held a conference for Commanding Officers on winter training.
During the course of the month, a large part of the Iceland Force in the South-West and Western Sectors was occupied in erecting huts, although in 70th Brigade only one Company each of 1st TS and 10th DLI were concerned in this.
The arrival of detachments of the U.S. Army had greatly increased the number of troops under canvas and, with no immediate sign of the relief of British troops, it was necessary to build, as quickly as possible, more adequate accommodation for the autumn.
The Brigade supplied about 800 men per day for a fortnight’s work on the aerodrome and during the other fortnight supplied about 150 men per day, to allow 147th Brigade to concentrate on building huts.
By the end of August 40% of the men in Brigade HQ and the Battalions had completed three weeks’ leave in the U.K.
During the month two of the American “Tomahawk” fighter aircraft were lost by accidents on landing on, or leaving, the REYKJAVIK aerodrome, and one of these cases proved fatal to the pilot.
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