War Diary - G Branch - July 1941
1 July 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) The move of one Company of 1/6 Duke of Wellington’s Regiment to Kaldadarnes was completed.
(2) Special passes for Icelandic Ministers of State were forwarded to H B M Minister for transmission to the holders.
(3) The following were issued :-
a. Instructions for Force Educational Training Courses. Copy filed as Appendix No.1.
b. Sketch map of “The Eastern Front” as attachment to Force Intelligence Summary No. 62. Copy filed as Appendix No. 2.
2 July 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Major-General Curtis (G.O.C.) held a conference attended by the Commanders of the Western and South-Western Sectors on the question of summer training. It was decided that Brigade troops should go into the field under canvas to complete their summer training if possible by the end of the present week.
(2) A report was received from the Coast Watching Post at GRENAVIK of heavy gunfire or bombing to the North East at 17:12 hours. No confirmation could be received from any other posts likely to have heard it and no definite explanation could be assigned.
(3) Force Operation Instruction No. 52 on the subject of defence was issued. Copy filed as Appendix No. 3.
3 July 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Lt Col IRY and Major WHITCOMBE both of the US Army reached Reykjavik by air from the USA and were accommodated at Force HQ.
(2) The following were issued :-
a. Amendment No. 6 to Force Operation Instruction No. 27. Copy filed as Appendix No. 4.
b. Instructions for Force Exercise No. 5 of 1941. Copy filed as Appendix No. 5.
4 July 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Major-General Curtis (G.O.C.) held a conference on the co-ordination of field training. The Commanders of South Western and Western Sectors attended together with the Battalion Commanders and Major Packard (G.S.O.2 (O)) and Major Whitehead (G.S.O.2 (Training)).
5 July 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) At approximately 02:40 hours a large four-engined aircraft (provisionally identified as a Focke-Wolfe) approached the South coast in the vicinity and proceeded towards Reykjavik. From thence it turned South over Hafnafjordur and returned Eastwards along the South coast, being last seen at KIRKJUBAERJARKLAUSTUR at 03:26 hours. The aircraft flew high and could only be heard and not seen in the AUDSHOLT – Kaldadarnes area. It was glimpsed through cloud by air sentries at RAUDAVATN and SKELETON HILL Anti-aircraft gun sites and its height was estimated at 20,000 feet or more. A patrol of three HURRICANE aircraft took off to intercept but were not successful. The Force Control Room issued air raid message yellow at 03:06 hours and air raid message white at 03:41 hours.
(2) The following were issued :-
a. Force Intelligence Summary No. 63. Copy filed as Appendix No. 6.
b. Additions to list of names Camps. Copy filed as Appendix No. 7.
6 July 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) The moves of various formations and units into field camps for training was completed today and those involved are now located as follows :-
HQ 147 Infantry Brigade – area 3302. GEITHALS.
1/6 Duke of Wellington’s Regiment less detachments on operational stations – Point 335023. GEITHALS.
1/7 Duke of Wellington’s Regiment less detachments on operational stations – Point 353996. LAEKJARBOTN.
294 Field Company, Royal Engineers. VATNSENDI MOOR.
160 Field Ambulance – less detachments. SANDSKEID AREA
9 Mobile Bath Unit less detachments. SANDSKEID AREA.
The HQ Company of 10th DLI also moved from HALGOLAND CAMP, Reykjavik to CRAVEN CAMP, Reykjavik.
(2) The following were issued :-
a. Amendment No. 1 to Notes on Force Exercise No. 5 of 1941. Copy filed as Appendix No. 8.
b. Amended and revised Appendix “A” to Force Operation Instruction No. 17. Copy filed as Appendix No. 9.
7 July 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) At approximately 18:00 hours the convoy carrying the First Marine Brigade of US Marine Corps and auxiliary troops and stores reached Reykjavik. The convoy was escorted by four major war vessels and eleven destroyers of the US Navy and eleven US aircraft. The convoy dropped anchor in the Reykjavik harbour roads whilst the naval vessels proceeded to the naval base in Hvalfjordur. The following troops of the US Marines were on board :- HQ First Brigade. US Fleet Marines.
Regimental HQ, Supply Company and HQ Company 6th Marines.
5th Defence Battalion (Anti-aircraft)
A Company 2nd Tank Battalion.
C Company 1st Engineer Battalion.
3rd Platoon 1st Scout Company.
Chemical Platoon.
A Company 3rd Mechanised Battalion.
1st Platoon A Company 2nd Service Battalion.
Two Bakery Units.
Band.
A total of 193 Officers, 11 Warrant Officers and 3891 Other Ranks. No troops landed.
On arrival Major-General Curtis (G.O.C.) accompanied by Lt-Col Heard (G.S.O.1) visited Brigadier-General MARSTON – Officer Commanding American troops on board U.S. Transport “ORIZABA” and stayed to dinner. During the evening a statement on the situation was broadcast on the Icelandic Broadcasting Station by the Prime Minister of Iceland. A summary of his speech is attached. Filed as Appendix No. 10.
(2) The following were issued :-
Iceland Force Operation Order No.2 (Revised). Copy filed as Appendix No. 11.
8 July 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) At 10:00 hours Major-General Curtis (G.O.C.) and Officers of Force HQ met Brigadier-General Marston US Marines at Reykjavik harbour on his formal landing in ICELAND and during the morning and afternoon Officers of “G” Branch were in conference with their opposite numbers of the US Marine Brigade. Brigadier-General Marston, his A.D.C. and two of his Staff Officers were entertained to lunch at Force HQ. Lt-Col Mathews and Lt-Col Kirby-Green of the US Army took up quarters at Force HQ. Landing of troops and stores from the US Transports proceeded during the day and the troops landed were accommodated as follows :-
Brigade HQ. Lumley Camp. Alafoss.
Regimental HQ. LAMBTON CAMP. Alafoss.
1st Battalion 6th Marines. Baldurshagi Camp. BALDURSHAGI.
2nd Battalion 6th Marines. McArthur Camp and Victoria Park Camp. Alafoss.
3rd Battalion 6th Marines. Halgoland Camp, Harrogate Camp, Balbos Camp and Selby Camp. Reykjavik.
2nd Battalion 10th Marines. Yeomanry House Camp and White Horse Camp. Alafoss. Guivatn Camp. BALDURSHAGI.
5th Defence Battalion (Anti-aircraft). Baldurshagi Camp. BALDURSHAGI. LAMBTON CAMP. Alafoss. Clayton Camp and Ontario Camp. Alafoss. Tadcaster Camp. Reykjavik.
The Brigade special troops were dispersed over various Camps in the Reykjavik and Alafoss areas. During the day the Squadron of US Naval Aircraft which accompanied the convoy maintained an Anti-Submarine patrol over the approaches to Hvalfjordur.
(2) The following were issued :-
a. Force Operation Instruction No. 53 on the method of notification of the first use of gas. Filed as Appendix No. 12.
b. Amendment No. 2 to Force Operation Instruction No. 7. Filed as Appendix No. 13.
9 July 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) At 01:45 hours Major Bratby (G.S.O.2 (I)) at the request of the Commander 1st US Marine Brigade and of the US Consul broadcast a message to the USA from the Icelandic Broadcasting Station on the arrival of the US Marines. A copy of the broadcast is attached. Copy filed as Appendix No. 14.
(2) A field firing exercise arranged by 70th Infantry Brigade was held in the GEITHALS area. The following troops took part :-
10th Durham Light Infantry.
Two Companies 1st Tyneside Scottish.
Recce Platoon 11th Durham Light Infantry.
143 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery.
One Company 1/9 Manchester Regiment (Machine Gun).
Two Sub Sections 294 Field Company, Royal Engineers.
Major-General Curtis (G.O.C.), Lt-Col Heard (G.S.O.1), Lt-Col Mathews, US Army, Lt-Col Kirby-Green, US Army and other Staff Officers attended. The exercise ended at 15:00 hours. Heavy rain fell during most of the day.
(3) The following were issued :-
a. Force Training Instruction No.5 on Chemical Warfare. Filed as Appendix No. 15.
b. Destruction Certificate for Operation Order No. 2. Filed as Appendix No. 16.
c. Force Location Statement No 11. Filed as Appendix No. 17.
d. Amendment No. 1 to Force Operation Instruction No. 42. Filed as Appendix No. 18.
10 July 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Major-General Curtis (G.O.C.) held a conference attended by Brigadier-General MARSTON Commanding 1st US Marine Brigade, attended by heads of branches and services of Force HQ and of the corresponding branches and services in the US force on general co-operation and information.
11 July 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Force Exercise No. 5 of 1941 was held today in accordance with the scheme prepared. The following took part :-
Force HQ including Commander, Royal Artillery, Commander, Fixed Defences and Chief Engineer.
Force Signals and the HQ's of Field Regiments and Batteries and Infantry Brigades and Battalions.
The A.O.I.C. and Officer Commanding RAF Iceland also co-operated. The exercise opened at 04:15 and concluded at 15:30 hours. Force HQ moved at 12:30 hours to SLINGSBY HILL CAMP and Rear Force HQ to FOSSVOGUR CAMP.
(2) Major A R Wise G.S.O.2 (S) returned from the UK.
(3) Force Intelligence Summary No. 64 was issued. Filed as Appendix No. 19.
12 July 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Air Marshal Sir Philip Joubert, Commander, Bomber Command visited Major-General Curtis (G.O.C.) to discuss the position of ICELAND in relation to bomber activities of the RAF.
(2) A copy of a report prepared by Commander 146 Infantry Brigade on the use of Brigade troops was forwarded to the War Office.
(3) Lt-Col C J Mathews, Lt-Col Kirby-Green and Lt-Col Iry all of US Army left Force HG on their return to the USA.
(4) The following were issued :-
a. List No. 19 of Force Code Names. Filed as Appendix No. 20.
b. Further additions to list of Camp Names. Filed as Appendix No. 21.
(5) The following message was received by Major-General Curtis (G.O.C.) from Chief of the Imperial General Staff.
“Have just seen ICELANDIC Charge d’affaires and several ICELANDIC Press representatives. All are enthusiastic in their praise of the discipline and good behaviour of the troops under your command. This is all that we expected but I would like you and those under your command to know how much good has been done by that excellent diplomat, the British soldier, who I know will never flag in his efforts to maintain the prestige of Britain”.
(6) 203 Heavy Anti-aircraft Battery, Royal Artillery consisting of 11 Officers and 312 Other Ranks disembarked on arrival from UK.
13 July 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Major-General Curtis (G.O.C.) held a general conference for all Commanders and Staff engaged in the Force Exercise No.5 of 1941.
14 July 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Major-General Curtis (G.O.C.) and Lt Col Heard (G.S.O.1) accompanied Brigadier-General Marston Commanding 1st US Marine Brigade and his Chief of Staff on a tour of the Hvalfjordur area and its troop dispositions and defences.
(2) A message (77210 dated 10th July 1941) having been received from the War Office on the question of the release of the interned Icelandic subjects:- OLAFUR KRATSCH, TRYGGNI JOAKIMSSON, Mrs TRYGGNI JOAKIMSSON, JOHANN EYRFIRDINGUR, THORBERGER THORBERGSSON, EINAR OLGEIRSSON, SIGFUR SIGURHJARTARSON, SIGURDUR GUDMUNDSSON and FRAU SCHEITHER, a letter was sent to H B M Minister requesting him to inform the Icelandic Government that the release of these internees having been conceded as an act of grace, the government would be expected to have accepted certain responsibilities for their behaviour and be expected to restrain any action on their part which would be of assistance direct or indirect to the enemy.
(3) A communication was addressed to H B M Minister on the question of an article which appeared in the newspaper “NYTT DAGBLAD” (the successor to the suppressed Communist paper “THODVILJINN”) of a subversive kind and informing him that the paper appeared to be approaching a stage when suppression would become necessary.
(4) Major Packard (G.S.O.II) accompanies Brigadier Kirkup, Commander 70th Infantry Brigade, and Lt Col Haycroft Commander, Royal Engineers (Works) on an inspection of the REYKJAVIK aerodrome from a security point of view and for the purpose of settling where guards should be posted.
(5) Force Educational Course No. 1 started in Reykjavik.
15 July 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) The following were issued :-
a. General Idea and Instructions for Force Exercise No. 6 of 1941. Filed as Appendices Nos. 22 and 23.
16 July 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Lt Col Heard G.S.O.1 left Force HQ at 13:00 hours for Reykerskoli and AKUREYRI.
(2) A final decision as to the location of defences for providing security for REYKJAVIK aerodrome having been completed H B M Minister was requested to approach the Icelandic Government for the purpose of declaring the aerodrome a prohibited area to which access could be obtained by people residing within the area and workmen employed at the aerodrome itself.
(3) An outline of the possible roles in which the US Marine Brigade might be employed was forwarded to Commander, 1st US Marine Brigade. The three main roles suggested were :-
(i) Movement up the Hvalfjordur.
(ii) Counter attack towards Reykjavik.
(iii) Movement towards the rivers SOG and OLFUSA.
(4) The G.O.C. having decided on the re-dispersion of the 1/9 Manchester Regiment (Machine Gun) with a view to reinforcing the North East Sector, Commanders of South West and Western Sectors were instructed to report any adjustments in their sector defences necessitated by this reallocation. The proposed revised location of the 1/9 Manchester Regiment (Machine Gun) is as follows :-
South West Sector for Reykjavik – Hafnafjordur. 1/9 Manchester (M.G.) less two Companies and One Platoon.
Western Sector for Mobile Column. One Platoon.
North East Sector – for AKUREYRI – One Company.
for REYDARFJORDUR – One Company.
(5) Force Training Instruction No.6 (notes on the G.O.C’s. remarks at the final conference on Force Exercise No. 5 of 1941) was issued. Filed as Appendix No. 24.
17 July 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Between 03:04 and 03:15 hours an unidentified aircraft was seen over the Reykjavik – Hafnafjordur and GEITHALS area flying EAST, and at 03:21 hours over Kaldadarnes flying East. Definite identification of the aircraft was not made, but no friendly aircraft were known to be in the vicinity and on that course at that time. Fire was not opened.
(2) Major-General Curtis (G.O.C.) accompanied by Officers of the 1st US Marine Brigade attended a field firing exercise conducted by 147 Infantry Brigade in the LYKLAFELL area. The exercise lasted from approximately 10:00 hours to approximately 14:00 hours.
(3) A communication (ref IF/M1/1a) was addressed to the War Office on the irregularity and delay in the arrival of official mail from the UK and requesting an investigation with a view to the utilisation of all available routes for the despatch of official mail.
(4) Information was received from Officer Commanding RAF Iceland that 100 Wing ceases to operate in Iceland at 11:00 hours and that 209 Squadron and 330 Squadron will be operated by RAF Station, Reykjavik.
18 July 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Major Packard (G.S.O.II) inspected the defence posts in the Alafoss area with Major Ferguson US Marine Brigade.
(2) A letter was addressed to H B M Minister supporting a request that the Icelandic Airways be permitted to buy an American passenger carrying aircraft.
(3) Instructions were issued on the co-ordination of ground defences at Kaldadarnes. The Company Commander of the Infantry Company stationed there is to assume command of all Army personnel in that area and of all RAF personnel available for ground defence.
(4) Force Operation Instruction No.54 on disposal of unexploded enemy bombs was issued. Copy filed as Appendix No. 25.
19 July 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Major-General Curtis (G.O.C.) carried out an all-day recce of KEFLAVIK and the REYKJANES peninsula.
(2) An RAF ALBATROSS aircraft landed at Reykjavik at about 19:45 hours on the inauguration of a courier service to the UK.
(3) A Signal Exercise was carried out by the 12th Anti-aircraft Regiment Operations Room in conjunction with Force Control Room for Anti-aircraft gun sites. Two NORTHROP aircraft co-operated.
(4) Instructions were given to Sector Commanders that as the Army are now entirely responsible for the protection of the RAF installations, schemes for the protection of all installations in ICELAND would be incorporated in each Sector Defence Scheme.
(5) Amendment No. 1 to Force Operation Order No. 2 was issued. Copy filed as Appendix No. 26.
20 July 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) 17 A.I.L. Section was transferred from Kaldadarnes RAF Station to Reykjavik RAF Station.
(2) Lt Col Heard (G.S.O.1) returned from North East Sector.
(3) The following were issued :-
a. Force Intelligence Summary No. 65. Filed as Appendix No. 27.
b. Fresh Appendix “A” to Force Operation Instruction No. 13 (Revised). Filed as Appendix No. 28.
21 July 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Force Exercise No. 6 commenced at 11:00 hours today, Major-General Curtis (G.O.C.) acting as Chief Director. The general situation was painted as follows. Two opposing forces, RED Force and BLUE Force, were making landings simultaneously on the island, RED Force in the Reykjavik – Hafnafjordur area, and BLUE Force in the Kaldadarnes area. RED Force was represented by 70th Infantry Brigade and BLUE Force by 147 Infantry Brigade. The following additional units took part :-
143 Field Regiment less 388 Field Battery.
294 Field Company, Royal Engineers, less No. 3 Sections.
A and B Companies 1/9 Manchester (Machine Gun).
160 Field Ambulance, less one Company.
187th Field Ambulance, less one Company.
Detachments Royal Army Service Corps.
During the afternoon the situation developed that BLUE Force, having landed, proceeded westwards from Kaldadarnes through Selfoss along the road to Reykjavik, while a column from RED Force moved out to meet them and the troops came into contact at the top of KAMBAR PASS (square 5591 ref sheet 37 South East 1/50,000 map ICELAND). At the same time, BLUE Force despatched a column consisting of 1/5 West Yorks – less two Companies and one troop field artillery to attack Reykjavik by way of road Selfoss – ALVIDRA – Br – THINGVELLIR – Alafoss and a Platoon mounted on ponies by way of the South Coast to create a diversion in the Hafnafjordur area. By 22:00 hours the advance parties of the Northern Columns had reached the ridge overlooking the SALMON River. In the meantime, the BLUE Force on the Selfoss – Reykjavik road had forced the RED Force to retire to the SANDSKEID area where an engagement was proceeding. Valuable co-operation was given by such aircraft of the Squadron (Norwegian float planes) as could be spared from operational work. Each Commander of the forces engaged was supplied with imaginary aircraft for sorties and bombing expeditions. All units employed their full Motor Transport in the Exercise and Battalion transport was pooled on a Brigade basis. Weather was cold and overcast but without much rain.
(2) The following were issued :-
a. Amendment No. 10 to Force Operation Instruction No. 17. Filed as Appendix No. 29.
b. Amendment No.6 to Force Operation Instruction No.17. Filed as Appendix No. 30.
c. Amendment to Allocation of Ranges. Filed as Appendix No. 31.
22 July 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Force Exercise No.6 of 1941 continued until 11:15 hours when Major-General Curtis ordered “stand down”. The engagement in the SANDSKEID area had been developed by a flank attack by BLUE Force to the North, during which heavy casualties were judged to have been inflicted on the RED Forces employed and on their transport. In the SALMON RIVER area the defending RED Forces pushed back the left flank of the BLUE column as deployed and the BLUE column made a subsequent attack in which they lost heavily. Rain set in during the night and continued throughout the morning.
(2) Captain Moody (G.S.O.3(Cam)) returned from visit to North East Sector.
23 July 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) A conference was held at Force HQ, attended by Lt Col Jackson (Officer Commanding Force Signals), Major Packard (G.S.O.2 ( C )), Major Bratby (G.S.O.2 (I)) and representatives of RAF Iceland and US Forces on the organisation of the combined Control and Operations Room for ICELAND forces.
(2) Major-General Curtis (G.O.C.) held a conference attended by Commander 147 Infantry Brigade, Commander 70th Infantry Brigade and all Officers of Staffs, formations and units taking part at which the results and lessons of Force Exercise No. 6 of 1941 were discussed.
(3) A report was received from a civilian in the North East Sector of the presence of a submarine off MJOFJORD lighthouse. A.C.I.O. was informed.
(4) Agreement was reached with Group Captain PRIMROSE (Officer Commanding RAF Iceland) on the question of the priorities of work on the RAF Station at Reykjavik and the construction of the D.F. Station on the South Coast.
24 July 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Major-General Curtis (G.O.C.) accompanied by Lt Col Heard (G.S.O.1) and Major Packard (G.S.O.2) at the request of the Commander 1st US Marine Brigade inspected the 1st Battalion, 6th Marines at BALDURSHAGI Camp.
(2) By agreement the following defence tasks in the Western Sector will be taken over by the 1st US Marine Brigade as from 18:00 hours 25th July 1941 :-
a. Manning of the three pivot positions mentioned in Force Operation Order No. 2 para 16 (vii).
b. The manning of the Coast Watching Posts at Fort CAMERON, Fort YORK and Fort ROYAL in the Alafoss area.
c. The manning of the defensive position on VATNSENDI Hill.
d. The manning of the road blocks at Alafoss and KELDWAHOLT.
These tasks will be taken over from 147 Infantry Brigade.
(3) Permission was granted for the oil tanks of the B.P. installation in Reykjavik harbour to be used for oil storage for three weeks after the arrival of the next tanker pending its distribution to other localities.
(4) 11 Officers and 314 Other Ranks of 18 Heavy Anti-aircraft Battery Royal Artillery landed and were accommodated in CALEDONIA CAMP, Reykjavik.
(5) The following were issued :-
a. Amendment No. 1 to Force Location Statement No. 14. Filed as Appendix No. 32.
b. Force Code Name List No. 20 with amendments to Code Name List No.19. Filed as Appendices Nos. 33, 34 and 35.
25 July 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) As from 10:00 hours today the following redispositions of the 1/9 Manchester (Machine Gun) Battalion were made :-
a. One Platoon at Kaldadarnes was relieved by one Infantry Platoon from 147 Infantry Brigade with four static Machine Guns.
b. Two Platoons are withdrawn from South West Sector for North East Sector.
(2) Amendment No. 15 to Force Operation Instruction No. 13 was issued. Copy filed as Appendix No. 36.
27 July 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Major-General Curtis held a conference to discuss various matters in connection with the accommodation of the forces in Iceland during the winter, the constructive programme for hutting and the relative priorities of the various Royal Navy, Army and RAF projects.
(2) The second Force Motor Cycle Reliability Trial was held today. The course covered a distance of 86 miles over a circuit including a track to the West and South of THINGVELLAVATN to ALVIDRA BRIDGE and back to Reykjavik. 120 cyclists entered in 30 teams of four each.
(3) The following were issued :-
a. Force Intelligence Summary No.66. Filed as Appendix No. 38.
b. Amendment No.3 to Force Operation Instruction No. 25. Filed as Appendix No. 39.
c. Notes on camouflage. Filed as Appendix No. 40.
28 July 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Instructions were issued to Commander Western Sector in the G.O.C’s. decisions as to winter dispositions of troops in the KALDADARMES – ODDI area. These are :-
Kaldadarnes – One Company plus one Section Carriers and four static Machine Guns.
Selfoss – One Company less one Section plus two static Machine Guns.
ALVIDRA BRIDGE – One Section.
ODDI – Observation Post of 1 NCO and 3 men with improvised armoured car.
29 July 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Instructions for Force Exercise No. 7 of 1941 were issued. Filed as Appendix No. 41. 30 July 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) An unidentified aircraft was heard in the North East Sector at the following times:-
REYDARFJORDUR (Coast Watching Post K 34) at 02:55 hours. MELGERDI at 03:35 hours. HVAMMSTANGI (Coast Watch Post S 13) at 03:45 hours. REYKJARBORG (VARMAHLID) at 04:05 hours.
The aircraft was above clouds and was not seen anywhere. No friendly aircraft were known to be in the vicinity at the time.
(2) Two additional 40mm Bofors guns were brought into action at REYKJAVIK aerodrome.
(3) Instructions for Force Exercise No. 8 of 1941 were issued. Filed as Appendix No. 42.
31 July 1941 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) The following were issued :-
a. Additions to lists of Code Names Nos. 19 and 20. Filed as Appendix No.44.
b. Additions to list of Camp Names. Filed as Appendix No. 43.
(2) Major-General Curtis (G.O.C.) accompanied by Brigadier Bliss (Chief Engineer) Lt Col Frazer (A.Q.M.G. (movements)) and the Admiralty Civil Engineer and Divisional Sea Transport Officer carried out a complete inspection of the progress and present position of the work in the Hvalfjordur area. As a result of this a full report (message 0 993 amended in detail by message 0 994) was sent to the War Office. Filed as Appendix No. 45.
(3) Commanding General 1st US Marine Brigade was informed that the G.O.C. had no objection to the proposed use by the US Marine Brigade of the VATNSENDI Short Wave W/T for direct communication from ICELAND to the US.
(4) Revised Iceland (C ) Force Order of Battle was prepared. Filed as Appendix No. 46.
Appendices attached to the July 1941 G Branch Iceland Force HQ War Diary.
None of the Appendices listed above were photographed at The National Archives, Either they were too large a quantity to photograph, or were not available on the file.
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