War Diary - AQ Branch - September 1941
4 September 1941
G.O.C. and party arrive Reykjavik after tour of island.
10 September 1941
War Office cabled leave accommodation to be increased to 1,400 per trip. About 150 extra places available in trip L. Extra allotment of 2 Officers and 75 Other Ranks sent to North East Sector. S.S. TORDENSKJOLD made special journey to pick them up.
14 September 1941
Report received of about 295 D.B.S. being landed within next 24 hours also 38 Officers and men, Naval Prisoners of War. In order avoid having to cut down leave party, trying to arrange to send Faroese labourers back to Faroes on Lochnagar instead of on leave ship.
17 September 1941
Arrival convoy of US Troops consisting of HQ of Iceland Base Command and representatives of all services and arms. Major General Bonesteel, Commander of Force landed at 10:30 hours. Guard of Honour provided by 70th Infantry Brigade.
18 September 1941
Gale and rain.
19 September 1941
Gale and rain continues.
Letter of welcome to US Army written by G.O.C. to Major-General C H Bonesteel. (See below for details).
21 September 1941
Gale and rain continue.
Letter of thanks received from Major-General Bonesteel.
22 September 1941
Gale and rain continue. Roads beginning to suffer damage in North West and North Sectors.
Special Order of the Day quoting letters referred to on 19th and 21st.
4th E.N.S.A. party arrives and leaves for North East Sector.
Leave trip “L” sails on S.S. BERGENSFJORD.
Faroese labourers return to Faroes on leave ship.
26 September 1941
Major-General H O Curtis left by air for UK. Brigadier P Kirkup D.S.O., O.B.E., M.C., T.D., assumed command Iceland (C ) Force in his absence.
Courts Martial
Reykjavik area – G.Cs.M. – 2. Other areas – NIL.
F.G.Cs.M. – 13.
Appendices attached to September 1941 War Diary for A/Q Branch 49th Division. Appendix A
This letter, addressed to Major-General Bonesteel from Major-General H O Curtis read as follows:-
"On my own behalf and that of the British Forces in Iceland, may I extend to you and to the U.S.Army about to land a most hearty welcome to Iceland.
During recent weeks the British Forces have deeply appreciated the privilege of working in the closest co-operation with their friends the U.S. Marines and U.S. Airforce in the defence of this vital strategic point. Now all are looking forward to the same honour with the U.S.Army.
All feel the importance of the historic fact of the troops of the two great democracies standing here shoulder to shoulder in the fight for freedom against Nazidom, and as a result enjoying the feeling of absolute confidence in the final victory".
Routine Orders – September.
This document included arrangements affecting troops taking leave in Ireland.
The availability of a souvenir booklet of the Prime Minister’s visit – containing 70 to 80 pages – was mentioned and units were invited to place orders.
In addition a paragraph was included indicating the arrangements for Jewish religious services with the locations and timings set out.
(Research and family information has already identified that the soldier who led the original Jewish service in 1940 was from 70th Infantry Brigade. To read his details please click here).
Appendix B – Normal Ration Scale
This document set out in detail the full range of basic foodstuffs and the quantities to be issued as standard rations over the winter period.
To contact the author by e-mail with any queries, or to send information - click here.
