War Diary - 38 Field Security Section - August 1941

1 August 1941 – Akureyri – Iceland

Rumour concerning a foreigner circulating in the RAUFAHORN district investigated by plane and pony journey. Telegram from SIMLA addressed to unknown person in the district thought to be connected with the rumour. Investigations brought to light the unreliability of the inhabitants of a certain farm.

2 August 1941

H.M.S. Shropshire brought in a whale on its bows which was disposed of to Icelanders as to ownership settled amicably by F.S.O. (Field Security Officer).

Report on military security by a Field Security NCO taking part in a recent exercise highly commended by Brigadier.

5 August 1941

Two active Nazi sympathisers located and warned. Reported by bus passengers.

6 August 1941

Air Ministry officials arrived unannounced and checked up with Iceland Force HQ.

7 August 1941 - Siglufjord

Two Faroese nationals prevented from leaving the country owing to incomplete passports.

8 August 2014 – Akureyri.

Careful approach being made to local Communists with a view to testing degree to which they are now prepared to co-operate with us. Tone of Communist papers being carefully watched.

13 August 1941

Finnish Captain Gabrielsson of m.v. “Caroline Thorden” interviewed on his way from SEYDISFJORDUR to Reykjavik and kept under close observation during his six days here.

19 August 1941

Report of hidden wireless set investigated and found incorrect.

20 August 1941

Report of apparent subversive propaganda by Irish member of a ship’s crew under investigation. This was subsequently found to be unfounded, a full report being sent to GSO 2 (S).

24 August 1941 – SIGLUFJORD

Censored letters handed to skipper of Icelandic trawler in FLEETWOOD delivered by him to a Field Security NCO and reported to Iceland Force HQ.

25 August 1941 – SEYDISFJORD

Norwegian vessel (name redacted) arrived with four passengers and four crew direct from NORWAY. Interrogated with the help of Lt Commander of the Norwegian Fleet Air Arm, and the passengers sent under guard to Reykjavik for further interrogation, the vessel and crew remaining in SEYDISFJORDUR under guard pending instructions from Force HQ.

AKUREYRI.

Messenger from Norwegian Military Governor of SPITZBERGEN arrived asking for urgent help. Sent by plane to Reykjavik.

27 August 1941 – AKUREYRI.

Differences that had arisen between the manager of a local Herring Factory and the commander of the military detachment stationed there amicably arranged by the F.S.O.

29 August 1941 – SIGLUFJORD

Icelandic Nazi agitator warned.

Routine Duties

Control of shipping: photographic censorship: postal censorship regulation: Civilian movement : Military security. These activities were continued normally.

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