10th Battalion, The Durham Light Infantry, War Diary August 1941

For a more complete picture of activity this War Diary should be read in conjunction with the 70th Infantry Brigade War Diary for the same month.

3rd August 1941

Another document from the American National Archives, sourced by Fridthor Eydal, is the Reykerskoli Garrison Operation Order No 1, dated 3rd August. This sets out the action to be taken by the garrison, and its supporting troops, in various emergency situations. Detailed maps are included of the defences overlooking Reykerskoli - very much on the lines of those previously the responsibility of 10th DLI.

4th August 1941

The Bank Holiday Sports took place at 18:00 hours.

Two teams of professional footballers played at the Stadium. The 10th Battalion had two representatives taking part – 2/Lt Shields of West Bromwich Albion and Pte Shreeve of Charlton.

16th August 1941

This was the day of the Prime Minister’s visit to Iceland. His party for the visit included the heads of all three services and F D Roosevelt Jr – son of the US President - who was a serving US Army Officer.

The Battalion had to march at “heavy infantry” pace of 120 paces to the minute as the music to accompany the parade was provided by 1st Tyneside Scottish Pipe Band. The Battalion would have preferred “Light Infantry pace” of 140 paces to the minute.

The Battalion was involved in a series of Exercises; Signal exercises etc. over the succeeding weeks.

29th August 1941

A trial game took place for the selection of a rugby team to represent 70th Infantry Brigade.

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