2nd Battalion, Princess Louise's Kensington Regiment War Diary November 1941.
1 November 1941 Bytown Camp, Reykjavik
A combined manning and attack exercise was held by 70th Infantry Brigade. One Section of F Company taking part.
H Company Ashton Camp.
The Company holds its second training route march over rough country. Temperature: max 50F, min 42.8F.
2 November 1941
The Commanding Officer held a kit inspection of Headquarters Company today.
E Company, Reydisfjordur.
Clocks put back another hour today. Now 2 hours behind England. Company Commander returned from Seydisfjordur.
H Company Ashton Camp.
10:45 hours. First Church Parade, under Company Commander, at Akureyri Cathedral. Temperature: max 50F, min 41.5F.
3 November 1941
The Commanding Officer attended a Cloth Model Exercise today on Mountain Warfare, directed by the G.O.C. A very successful dance was held in the Officers’ Mess tonight. The G.O.C. and Brigadiers from 70th, 146th and 147th Infantry Brigades being present.
E Company, Reydisfjordur.
Company Route March. Improvements on Camp increasing, more time for training.
H Company Ashton Camp.
09:00 hours. Manning exercise held by all Platoons and Company HQ. Chief points that arise as a result are:-
(1) Lack of transport, the Company being 11 trucks below establishment.
(2) Difficulty of feeding dispersed Platoons owing to lack of cookers hydro no.2.
These points are taken up with Brigade.
Permission is obtained today from Brigade to rename the Camp Knightsbridge Camp. This name has been suggested by the men in view of the fact that the Battalion did its first training in Knightsbridge Barracks. Temperature: max 50F, min 41.5F.
4 November 1941
A Conference was held by the G.O.C. on the recent Intelligence Exercise. The Cloth Model Exercise terminated. Rain most of the day.
E Company, Reydisfjordur.
Manning Exercise. Work on existing positions, and building of alternative ones. Company running own Laundry – local facilities very unsatisfactory . Major Wray acting as Sub-Sector Commander in place of Lt Col Walker, 1/4th KOYLI.
H Company Knightsbridge Camp.
09:00 hours. The entire Company climbs STORIHUJUKER, a 3,000 foot peak North West of the Camp. Snow had fallen during the morning and the latter part of the climb has to be made in a snowstorm. But each Platoon and Company HQ reaches the summit in an average time of 1 hour 25 minutes, and Company Roll-Call is held on the summit.
2/Lt S J Davis today rejoins the Company from the Battalion Advance Party and duty with G Company. Temperature: max 47.3F, min 36.3F.
5 November 1941
Brigadier Kirkup, 70th Infantry Brigade, held a Conference on the recent manning exercise. Very cold, frost.
E Company, Reydisfjordur.
Company drill parade. Work on defences. Garrison Concert.
H Company Knightsbridge Camp.
It is again snowing heavily, and the day is devoted to individual training and work on the Camp. In the evening am impromptu concert is given in the mens’ Mess. Despite short notice, NCO’s and men provide 18 turns for the concert. Temperature: max 32.9F, min 27.3F.
6 November 1941
The Commanding Officer attended a TEWT directed by the G.O.C. Very cold, frost.
E Company, Reydisfjordur.
General swabbing. Weather much colder.
H Company Knightsbridge Camp.
Individual training and work on the Camp. Temperature: max 30.2F, min 23.9F.
7 November 1941
The G.O.C. held a Conference on the previous days TEWT. Wind dropped, warmer.
E Company, Reydisfjordur.
Snowing heavily with very cold wind blowing. Route March and Exercise cancelled.
H Company Knightsbridge Camp.
The temperature continues to fall and today, with 20 degrees of frost, is the coldest the Company has yet experienced. Temperature: max 27.1F, min 11.3F.
8 November 1941
A Company Commanders’ Conference was held today. Gale, colder.
E Company, Reydisfjordur.
Blizzard blowing, extremely cold, snowfall about 1 foot to 18 inches, drifts up to 8 or 10 feet. Transport unable to be used.
H Company Knightsbridge Camp.
Instructions received from Battalion HQ that it is intended to operate the Battalion as a part of a Mountain Force, and that M.T. is to be replaced by mules, or man-drawn sleds. Company Commanders are to hold early Conferences and submit transport layouts for a Machine Gun Company on these lines. Temperature: max 27.5F, min 26F.
9 November 1941
A Battalion Sports Meeting was held today, Major Warton presiding. Wind dropped.
E Company, Reydisfjordur.
Wind changed, getting warmer, starting to rain. Heavy thaw has set in. River running beside Camp became a torrent, broken its banks and now running through Camp. Camp flooded out. Company worked in darkness up to waist in water building dam. After 4 hours work managed to stem flow slightly.
H Company Knightsbridge Camp.
Conferences are held between Company Officers, Norwegian Officers and the O.C. Recce Platoon, 4th Lincolns, on methods of transporting a Machine-Gun Company by sleds. As a result of these and other Conferences, a report is sent to Battalion HQ embodying the conclusions reached and summarising the available data. Appendices to the report show the essential equipment of a Machine-Gun Platoon and Company HQ which will have to be carried on sleds, essential individual equipment not carried on the man, and what, on expert advice, a man can carry in his pack while forming part of a sled crew. The conclusion reached in the report is that a Division will have to be made between the advanced fighting units of the Company, which will have to come into action with all possible speed, and a supply echelon which will have to carry equipment, reserves and all stores not needed for immediate action. How this can be done must, the report suggests, be the subject of experiments by experts in winter Mountain Warfare. Temperature: max 43.7F, min 40.1F.
10 November 1941
Courses – Officers – The Commanding Officer attended a Course at the Force Tactical School, terminating on November 15th. Strong wind.
E Company, Reydisfjordur.
Torrential rains continue, roads washed away. Company concentrating on making Camp habitable.
H Company Knightsbridge Camp.
A thaw sets in. In two days, maximum temperatures have risen by more than 20 degrees F. Temperature: max 48.2F, min 42.7F.
11 November 1941
Courses – Officers – 2nd Lieutenant A J Cannon attended an Air Co-operation Course at the Reykjavik Aerodrome, now Reykjavik Airport terminating on 15th November. Headquarters Company commenced individual training for all personnel. Warmer.
E Company, Reydisfjordur.
Still raining but training continues.
H Company Knightsbridge Camp.
The Company boxing team beats the 18th Heavy (A.A.) Battery, Royal Artillery in the first round of the North-East Sector Novices Boxing Tournament. Temperature: max 48.2F, min 39.7F.
12 November 1941
Duties – Officers – Captain T A Barton appointed Administrative Officer w.e.f. 15 November 1941. Major J B Warton to take over the duties of Sports Officer w.e.f. 15 November 1941. Rain.
E Company, Reydisfjordur.
Slight improvement in weather. Company carrying on with training.
H Company Knightsbridge Camp.
Longest training march to date, over LITLIHUJURER (2,500 feet) to YTRI-BAEGISA in the Horga Valley, which is reached after 5 ¼ hours marching, with only two short breaks. Temperature: max 41F, min 32F.
13 November 1941
The GSO (II) (I) Major Bratby lectured the Officers and Sergeants on the German Army.
E Company, Reydisfjordur.
Company operates with Mobile Company 1/4th KOYLI in Exercise set by Major Wray. All arms fire weapons in Attack Scheme, support from 1 Troop, Field Regiment R.A. 1 Platoon M.G. Mortar Platoon infantry very realistic and owing to bad conditions of roads M.G. and Mortars assisted into positions by Carrier Platoon. M.G. Platoon carried guns and ammunition – distance 3 miles over rough ground.
H Company Knightsbridge Camp.
By 17 points to 15, the Company Boxing Team beats the 4th Battalion, the Lincolnshire Regiment in the final of the North-East Sector Novices Boxing Tournament. The Company, which has been in the Sector only three weeks, thus becomes the winner of a shield presented by the Brigadier. Temperatures: max 43.5F, min 36F.
14 November 1941
E Company, Reydisfjordur.
Conference all Officers on Exercise. Lecture to Company on same subject. Captain A F Procter Company 2 i/c leaves to take command of HQ Company at Reydisfjordur.
H Company Knightsbridge Camp.
Today’s training includes a long carry of about 8 miles, each Platoon carrying at least 7 belts per gun. Temperatures: max 42.4F, min 31.6F.
15 November 1941
The Second in Command inspected Battalion Headquarters and Headquarters Companies transport this morning. The Commanding Officer finished his Course at the Force Tactical School. The Intelligence Officer finished his Course at the Aerodrome.
E Company, Reydisfjordur.
Drill Parade. General training.
H Company Knightsbridge Camp.
Work on Camp and recreational training. Temperatures: max 43.7F, min 39.56F.
16 November 1941
A Church Parade was held today at Battalion Headquarters. The second large batch of mail arrived today.
E Company, Reydisfjordur.
Church Parade, Budareyri Church.
H Company Knightsbridge Camp.
Company Commander and small party climb 3,200 foot peak in the HRAPPSTADASKALAR Range. Temperatures: max 45.7F, min 33.8F.
17 November 1941
Captain Shepherd, 7 ? and Patterson embarked today for Akureyri, where they are to attend the “Winter Warfare School”.
H Company Knightsbridge Camp.
Temperatures: max 40.1F, min 33.08F.
18 November 1941
Duties – Officers – 2nd Lieutenant N G Nightingale to take over the duties of Sports Officer.
H Company Knightsbridge Camp.
09:00 hours. Experimental long carry up the STORIHUJUKUR peak (3,000!). Platoons are agreed that the best way of carrying the gun is strapped on top of the pack, but that some form of rucksack, or frame for the pack, is necessary. The tripod, it is found, is best handled with the cross-head out and carried by an ammunition number, and two belts can be carried on the back in the pack. Each Platoon today succeeds in climbing about 1400 feet with 8 belts per gun, and returning to the Camp within 2 ½ hours. Temperatures: max 36.5F, min 26.6F.
19 November 1941
Battalion Headquarters and F and G Company Headquarters took part in Force Exercise no. 14. An attack scheme. Very cold and wet. Strong wind.
H Company Knightsbridge Camp.
Temperatures: max 46.4F, min 41.72F.
20 November 1941
Force Exercise no. 14 finished this afternoon. Captain Watkins G III (CW) gave a lecture today on “Local Governments”. A party from H Company, led by Captain Lovibond and consisting of three other Officers, 7 NCO’s carried out a reconnaissance march between Lojmannshild and Melgerdi Camp. Duration of march 12 hours 43 minutes.
E Company, Reydisfjordur.
Company Route March approximately 22 miles. Men getting vert fit, training progressing satisfactorily. Sub-Sector Commander returns.
H Company Knightsbridge Camp.
Recce March from Camp to MELGERDI across mountains by party of four Officers and seven NCO’s. Purpose of March is to find a route via GLERA river valley along which to take the entire Company next week. Re recce party follows river Glera to its source, a five-hour march, and then crosses mountains over snow-covered glacier at about 4,400 feet. A steep descent down the course of a frozen river brings the party, just before dark, to the head of the river SKYOL, and the road AKUREYRI – MELGERDI is reached after a further five hours’ march, mostly in the dark over difficult country. MELGERDI Camp is reached 12 hours and 43 minutes after beginning the march. Conclusions reached as a result of the march are that, in view of difficult country and short hours of daylight, it is not practicable to march a Company by this route at this time of the year. The map (Sheet 63: 1/100,000) is found inaccurate in many respects. A full report of the march is attached (For details see Appendix A below). Temperatures: max 46.4F, min 41.72F.
21 November 1941
Major Warton left for Budareyri, to inspect E Company. Very windy. Wet.
H Company Knightsbridge Camp.
Temperatures: max 48.2F, min 33.3F.
22 November 1941
The Commanding Officer inspected G Company’s billets. A Conference was held today by the G.O.C. on the recent Signal Exercise. H Company, stationed in Akureyri changed the name of their Camp to “Knightsbridge Camp” with effect from 13/11/1941. H Company won the North-West Sector Boxing Shield having beaten 2 Infantry Battalions and 1 Battery of 69 Field Regiment, on 13 December (presumably should read November) 1941. The Battalion challenged the 10th DLI at Football and lost to a far more experienced team (6 – 1). Fair weather.
E Company, Reydisfjordur.
Company Exercise - 4 and 5 Platoons act as Infantry, 6 Platoon supporting with guns. Successful exercise. 4 Platoon right of valley, 5 Platoon left. 6 Platoon covering from ridge – guns carried to height of 800 feet. Infantry Platoons climbed to 1200 feet. Garrison dance at night.
H Company Knightsbridge Camp.
Major R E N D’Abo, Company Commander, leaves for Reykjavik to attend a Course at Force Tactical School. Captain A L Lovibond takes over acting command. Temperatures: max 42.96F, min 32.36F.
23 November 1941
The Commanding Officer inspected a Church Parade at F Company. The third batch of mail arrived. The Sergeants’ Mess held a Guest Night.
E Company, Reydisfjordur.
Major J Warton Battalion 2 i/c arrived for short stay with Company and inspected training. Very cold weather.
H Company Knightsbridge Camp.
Temperatures: max 34.52F, min Not available.
24 November 1941
Work was begun on Battle HQ and a 30 yards range at Bytown Camp.
H Company Knightsbridge Camp.
Temperatures: max 38.7F, min 25F.
25 November 1941
Duties – Officers – 2/Lt Cannon R. (145601) relinquished appointment as Intelligence Officer and was posted to G Company. 2/Lt J Cutforth (184788) (G Company) assumed appointment of Intelligence Officer and Education Officer. In the Sergeants Debate a motion that “The USA would be far more use to us if she declared war immediately” was heavily defeated. Snow.
E Company, Reydisfjordur.
Company exercise. 4 and 5 Platoons act as Infantry – 6 Platoon MG in support. Very cold day. Platoons had to wade river but guns and ammunition ferried across by using rubber dinghy. Very long carry for M.G.’s – approximately 4 miles each way with stiff climg of 500 to 600 feet. M.G.’s fired 2000 rounds – 2 belts per gun. Rifles, Tommy Guns and pistols all fired. Successful exercise. 2 i/c with Company. Left by SS Lochnagar that night. Storm sprang up. Lochnagar unable to leave fjord.
H Company Knightsbridge Camp.
10:00 hours. The Company is inspected by Brigadier N P Procter M.C. commanding 146 Infantry Brigade. The Company is drawn up in review order on the parade ground , and after his inspection, Brigadier Procter welcomes the Company to the North-East Sector and congratulates it on its victory in the Boxing Tournament. Brigadier Procter then inspects the entire Camp. Temperatures: max 43.7F, min 37F.
26 November 1941
Duties – Officers – Captain A F Procter (97588) took over command of HQ Company. Captain T A Barton took over duties of 2 i/c E Company. Transfers – Officers – 2/Lt P F Edwards (200346) transferred to 1st Line reinforcements and attached to F Company. 2/Lt G D Fulcher (204411) transferred to War Establishment and posted to G Company. Fine and warm.
H Company Knightsbridge Camp.
09:00 hours. All three Platoons today undertake their longest carry, taking all essential gun kit and seven belts per gun up STORIHUJUKER (3000 feet). Two Platoons (13 and 15) reach the summit in 2 hours 20 minutes, despite bad weather. 14 Platoon is unable to reach the summit in time owing to making a detour, but completes the greater part of the climb. All Platoons are back in Camp by 14:00 hours. Temperatures: max 43.7F, min 32F.
27 November 1941
Major Wise lectured the Officers and NCO’s on Intelligence. Battalion Sports Meeting at Bytown Camp. Intensely cold. High wind.
E Company, Reydisfjordur.
Company cross-country route march. Started at 08:30 hours across mountains, cold wind, rough going, climbed to 1500 feet, well above snow line, descended towards Egelestallaskund road – had to wade river, clothing frozen stiff where it had been in water. Trucks not at appointed rendezvous but eventually found. A very hard day. No sick next morning.
H Company Knightsbridge Camp.
Temperatures: max 34.16F, min 28F.
28 November 1941
Force Passive Air Defence Exercise was held at 23:00 hours. The C.O. was Chief Umpire. Cold. Calmer.
H Company Knightsbridge Camp.
13 Platoon, under Lt Jacobson and 2/Lt Greville, today climbs to the summit of SULUR, 3,850 feet, in 3 hours 55 minutes. The ascent is made via the valley of the GLERA, then South East along the River HLIFA to its source. The Platoon returns down the North-West slopes and over foothills to the AKUREYRI – MELGERDI road, and Camp is reached eight hours after the beginning of the march. No 14 Platoon, under Captain Lovibond and 2/Lt Strawson, carry out a nine-hour training march along the Glera valley and back. The remaining Platoon and Company HQ are engaged on work in the Camp. Temperatures: max 36.5F, min 32.5F.
29 November 1941
Umpires Conference held at Bytown Camp on the P.A.D. Exercise. Wet. Mild.
E Company, Reydisfjordur.
Conference and Lecture to Company on mountain climbing and Mountain Warfare.
H Company Knightsbridge Camp.
Temperatures: max 36.5F, min 32.54F.
30 November 1941
Mild.
Company exercises have been held every week during this month.
E Company, Reydisfjordur.
Church Parade – RC’s only. Company football team play 1/4th KOYLI team – we are beaten 2-0. Great shortage of mail. Only two deliveries since arrival, last lot posted 28th October.
H Company Knightsbridge Camp.
Temperatures: max 48.56F, min 42.88F.
Appendix attached to the November 1941 War Diary of 2nd Princess Louis's Kensington Regiment.
Appendix A
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