49th Division Provost Company War Diary - April 1941

1 April 1941 Iceland, Reykjavik.

14:30 hours. Officer Commanding addressed senior NCOs on security.

3 April 1941

L/Cpl BILSON C.M.P. obtained Minute Book of a Pro-German Club which was once in Reykjavik. This book was from 28/5/1931 to 2/7/1938. Signatures of all members of Club in the book. This NCO also managed to obtain three leaflets marked “Germania” printed in German and Icelandic. The above were handed over to Field Security Police.

4 April 1941

11:00 hours. L/Cpl PAGE C.M.P. approved for O.C.T.U. by Force Interviewing Board.

5 April 1941

22:40 hours. Disturbance occurred outside MILITARY POLICE GUARD ROOM caused by Icelanders objecting to the arrest of a Canadian sailor.

6 April 1941

11:10 hours. Officer Commanding addressed leave party giving them instructions while they are on leave in the UK.

8 April 1941

Part I Orders 50 – 52 issued and included as Appendix A to the War Diary (which does not seem to have survived in the original file).

10 April 1941

07:15 hours. First leave party left for the UK – 4 NCOs from CMP, 1 W.O. from Military Provost Staff Corps, 1 Private soldier from No. 10 Fire Brigade, attached CMP, 1 NCO from Field Security Police.

08:00 hours. Sgt Chrisp, CMP, left on compassionate transfer to UK.

15 April 1941

Part I Orders 53 – 58 issued and attached to the War Diary as Appendix B (which does not seem to have survived in the original file).

16 April 1941

12:30 hours. Field Firing Exercise at GEITHALS. Military Police engaged on clearing occupants out of property situated in the Firing Area etc.

17 April 1941

09:00 hours. Field Firing Exercise at GEITHALS continued.

18 April 1941

09:30 hours. War Office photographer took photographs of Company on parade.

20 April 1941

05:30 hours. 2 NCOs of CMP left to convoy a road grader and tractor from Alafoss to Kaldadarnes.

22 April 1941

18:00 hours. Lieut HESSLER CMP embarked for UK on compassionate leave.

23:00 hours. Military Police called to a disturbance at HVERFISGATA 83, Reykjavik and were fired upon by SKIPPER C. RADFORD of “HMS DUCHESSE DE BRABANTE”.

25 April 1941

17:30 hours. L/Cpl MINTON CMP embarked for UK – medically unfit.

26 April 1941

12:00 hours. No 1871437 Sapper ROGAN, 711 General Construction Company, Royal Engineers, arrested by Military Police at Reykjavik DOCKS dressed in seaman’s clothing, for attempted desertion.

27 April 1941

22:00 hours. Raid carried out by Field Security Police and CMP on Communist newspaper offices in AUSTURSTRAETI, Reykjavik.

28 April 1941

Part I Orders Nos 60 – 69 issued and filed as Appendix C to the War Diary (though they appear not to have survived).

Normal duties carried out throughout the month. Supervision of loading and unloading supply ships at Reykjavik and Hafnafjordur DOCKS. Increased town patrols during shore leave of naval personnel. Speed patrol on roads in S.W. Sub-Sector and in Reykjavik. Investigation of V.D. cases, complaints against troops, and taking all details of accidents. Apprehension of absentees of all services. Searching of incoming and outgoing ships and other similar duties in conjunction with Field Security Police. Weekend town patrol at Hafnafjordur. Traffic control of new aerodrome construction vehicles.

Detachments at AKUREYRI, SEYDISFJORDUR and SIGLUFJORDUR carrying out similar duties in their areas.

Detachment at ARTUN carrying out traffic control and general security and discipline at Iceland Force Headquarters.

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