War Diary - AQ Branch - February 1941

1 February 1941 – Artun – Reykjavik.

Nucleus HQ Fixed Defences established at GROTTA – to move to Artun as soon as personnel to complete arrive. Lt-Col W E Walters-Symons M.C., Royal Artillery appointed C.F.D. (presumably Commander – Fixed Defences) and promoted to rank of Colonel.

3 February 1941

HQ 25 Coast Artillery Group formed with, under command, “V”, “W” and 382 Coast Batteries.

5 February 1941

Convalescent Depot opened at Corbett Camp, Reykjavik, staffed by personnel provided locally.

9 February 1941

Single German aeroplane over Selfoss (Machine-Gun casualties : Tyneside Scottish 1 killed 1 wounded) Reykjavik Skirted – Kaldadarnes.

8 – 19 February 1941

Influenza epidemic among civilians in Reykjavik led to all places of entertainment being closed as a precautionary measure – including baths. Very few cases among the troops.

17 February 1941

08:00 to 16:00 hours. Force Signal Exercise.

22 February 1941

Hotel and restaurant employees strike ends.

Opening night of Force Pantomime “Snow White” – a great success.

24 February 1941

08:30 – 20:30 hours. Force Exercise.

25 February 1941

Following drafts arrived:-

HQ Fixed Defences – 2 Officers, 9 Other Ranks to complete establishment (unit formed in UK).

Coastal Defence, Royal Artillery – 2 Officers, 83 Other Ranks to complete 536 Coat Regiment, Royal Artillery.

27 February 1941

10:00 hours. Admin. Conference on points brought back from Akureyri by D.A.Q.M.G. (visited 7th – 15th February).

27/28 February 1941

Northerly Gale; drove shipping anchored in harbour ashore.

28 February 1941

Hundredth broadcast in the British Forces in Iceland Programme.

GENERAL (i) COURT MARTIAL SUMMARY.

February – General Courts Martial - Reykjavik – 2 convictions. Field General Courts Martial – Reykjavik – 9 convictions

(ii) Summary of Compassionate Transfers and Leave granted to date.

(iii) Routine Orders for February.

The documents to support (ii) and (iii) were not copied when the file was photographed at The National Archives.

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