War Diary - G Branch - November 1940
1 November 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) As a result of the recce of the HAFNARFJORDUR area by hostile aircraft on 28th October, the following steps were taken to supplement the existing warning organisation :-
a. Arrangements made for W/T to be used to supplement the civil telephone where lines are not available, or clear.
b. Instructions given to HQ 146 Infantry Brigade to establish a watching post at EGILSSTADIR to cover possible landings on water or ice at LAGARFLJOT and to HQ 70 Infantry Brigade to establish a post for a similar purpose in respect of Pingvellir VATN.
(2) The following were issued :-
a. Force Operation Order No. 2 (revised). Copy attached to War Diary as Appendix No. 1.
b. Force Location Statement No. 10. Copy attached to War Diary as Appendix No. 2.
2 November 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Various reports were received during the day of one or more balloons observed at various points around the island, and one with markings “KB Mark V5246 TA6 17.8.40” was reported as having been shot down by a farmer at MIDFJORDUR near HVAMMSTANGI. Instructions were given as to the securing of these balloons intact if possible and for their return to this HQ, and the Icelandic press was requested not to publish the dates (if any) marked on the balloons.
(2) A report was received from Flight 98 Squadron RAF, Kaldadarnes, that their patrol along the Southern Coast had sighted at 18 degrees 17 minutes West and 63 degrees 27 minutes North a float of four oil drums in a square 400 yards off the shore, and on the shore a series of poles in two lines each about a thousand yards long, one parallel and one at right angles to the shore line. Further, at 17 Degrees 20 minutes West 63 degrees 48 Minutes North, a rubber dinghy of a colour used by the enemy was seen drawn up on the shore. A further patrol was ordered and the nearest coast watching post and civilians in the locality warned to report any unusual incident.
3 November 1940 – Artun, Iceland. 02:00 hours.
(1) Iceland reverted from Icelandic Summer Time to normal Icelandic Zone Time which is one hour behind Greenwich Mean Time. The Force changed time to conform to local conditions and times given in this Diary hereafter will be given in Icelandic Zone Time.
(2) At 08:23 hours a monoplane identified as German was seen at Kaldadarnes, circled the airfield once at a height of 6/7000 feet and then flew North West in the direction of Reykjavik. It appeared in the Reykjavik area at 08:38 hours flying on a course VATNSENDI – SKERJAFJORDUR and thence out to sea where it turned North, was observed at 08:46 by detachments at Akranes and then turned West and flew out to sea. Its height was between 3500 and 4000 feet. It was engaged by 4 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Battery Sections from SKELETON HILL, GARDAR and LAUGANES. 38 rounds were fired but it was not hit. The aircraft fired two bursts of Machine-Gun fire, presumably at SKELETON HILL gun position but caused no casualties. It was provisionally identified as an H.E. 111K. Three “Battle” aircraft took off to engage it but were not successful in intercepting it.
(3) The poles, float and rubber dinghy on the Southern Coast were further investigated by air and on closer examination it appeared that the poles were connected with help for shipwrecked mariners while the float was on shore and not in the sea. The rubber dinghy appeared to have been washed ashore and been in position for some time.
(4) Report received that 10th DLI had secured two drifting balloons.
(5) The following were issued :-
a. Amendment No. 1 to Force Operation Instruction No. 21 on Identification of Aircraft. Copy attached to War Diary as Appendix No. 3.
b. Amendment No. 1 to Force Operation Instruction No. 25 on Ski Training. Copy attached to War Diary as Appendix No. 4.
c. Notes on Inspection by Inspector General of Training. Copy attached to War Diary as Appendix No. 5.
4 November 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Instructions given for the return of one Platoon Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa (Machine Gun Battalion) C.A.S.F. to Kaldadarnes from Hafnafjordur in view of the good flying weather and increased air activity. In addition instructions were also given for the completion, as early as possible, of one runway at Reykjavik airfield as a matter of urgency.
(2) Force Operation Instruction No. 27 on the subject of Coastwatching posts issued. Copy filed with War Diary as Appendix No. 6.
5 November 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Approval was given to the Educational and Training winter programme prepared by HQ 146 Infantry Brigade and subject to confirmation, authority to expend £150 was granted. The scheme was circulated to HQ’s 70 Infantry Brigade and 147 Infantry Brigade and to the services for information.
(2) Information received from the War Office that the personnel for the Coastal Defence Batteries could not be supplied this month, but that the Royal Marine Coastal Defence Battery personnel could be retained until the next draft.
(3) Platoon, Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa (Machine Gun Battalion) moved to Kaldadarnes.
(4) Addendum for Force Operation Instruction No. 27 (appendix no. 6). Copy attached to War Diary as Appendix No. 7.
6 November 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Two Barrage Balloons secured in Western Sector were inspected today and identified as British. A report was also received that a German Meteorological Balloon had been washed ashore at LAUFAS in North East Sector and that steps were being taken to recover it.
(2) The following were issued :-
a. Force Operation Instruction No. 28 on Defence of Kaldadarnes aerodrome. Copy attached to War Diary as Appendix No. 8.
b. Force Intelligence Summary No. 27. Copy attached to the War Diary as Appendix No. 9.
7 November 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) On the instructions of HQ Coastal Command, RAF, Flight 98 Squadron RAF carried out recce patrols over DENMARK STRAIT from Kaldadarnes to locate enemy raider believed to be in that vicinity. No enemy ship was sighted. Pack ice was reported to extend South from GREENLAND towards the Northern Coast of ICELAND as far South as 67 Degrees 30 Minutes North.
(2) A communication having been received from the Reykjavik town authorities protesting against the establishment of an aerodrome near Reykjavik a reply was sent to H B M Minister to ICELAND requesting him to point out that a clearly defined and unprotected harbour was much more vulnerable than one with aircraft defence and that the presence of defending aircraft would tend to break up and divert any air attack.
(3) The following were issued :-
a. Force Operation Instruction No. 29 as to Kaldadarnes reinforcement. Copy filed with War Diary as Appendix No. 10.
b. Force Operation Instruction No.5 (revised). Copy filed with War Diary as Appendix No. 11.
c. Amendment No 1 to Force Operation Instruction No. 27. Copy filed with War Diary as Appendix No. 12.
8 November 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Orders for patrol by detachment of Flight 98 Squadron RAF were received by the Flight direct from Coastal Command, RAF although the Flight was under the operational command of this HQ. A message was sent to the War Office (0 356) (copy attached). The recce patrols by Flight 98 Squadron RAF were continued again with a negative result. Copy of orders filed with War Diary as Appendix No. 13.
9 November 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) No flying was possible from Kaldadarnes today owing to weather conditions. This information reported to the War Office and HQ Coastal Command.
(2) SUNDERLAND flying boat en route Reykjavik alighted HORNEFJORDUR about 16:00 hours. SUNDERLAND went aground on sand bank but was re-floated at high water.
(3) Post for watching Pingvellir VATN was established at Pingvellir.
(4) Platoon of Tyneside Scottish established at Selfoss.
(5) Snow and ice interrupted communications intermittently.
(6) Force Operation Instruction No. 30 on Air Raid Alarm issued. Copy filed with War Diary as Appendix No. 14.
10 November 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Sunderland flying boat H 204 reached Reykjavik about 17:00 hours. The Captain of the aircraft reported that he was not ordered to ICELAND for special rescue work but on routine patrol and that his engines were within 17 hours of the time at which they should go into shops for compete overhaul. Information was received about 23:00 hours that orders for this craft had been received by 98 Squadron at Kaldadarnes from 18 (RECCE) Group RAF and decision as to the instructions for the Captain were deferred until after midnight when the message would be available.
(2) Flight 98 Squadron RAF continued their patrol over DENMARK STRAIT with negative result but the patrol was shortened owing to W/T failure.
(3) Amendment No. 2 to Force Operation Instruction No. 27 was issued. Copy filed with the War Diary as Appendix No. 15.
11 November 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) The message from HQ 18 (RECCE) Group RAF to 98 Squadron RAF concerning the SUNDERLAND flying boat was received. It requested a report on when it would be available for operations and for proposals for its return or operations from Reykjavik if any. After consultation with Group Captain ASHTON and the Captain of the aircraft a reply was sent that the aircraft was due for a 30 hour star inspection and must return to its base.
(2) Weather conditions prevented flying from Kaldadarnes. War Office and HQ Coastal Command informed.
(3) Revised instructions from the Air Ministry for 98 Squadron RAF in ICELAND were received making it clear that the aircraft here were to be utilised for seaward recces for enemy craft if occasion demanded their use for that purpose.
12 November 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Major-General Curtis (G.O.C.) accompanied by Brigadier Kirkup (70 Infantry Brigade) and Lt Col Davies (G.S.O.1) visited Kaldadarnes aerodrome and inspected its local ground defences.
(2) Flight 98 Squadron RAF carried out further recce of DENMARK STRAIT from Kaldadarnes. No surface craft were sighted. The recce was curtailed owing to engine trouble.
(3) Information received from F.O.I.C. that a censorship of business letters from USA had been established in the office of the British Consul-General NEW YORK and that all letters to neutral countries bearing his stamp were not to be opened for further censorship.
(4) The following were issued :-
a. Provisional programme for Force Tactical School. Copy filed with War Diary as Appendix No. 16.
b. Force Intelligence Summary No. 28. Copy filed with War Diary as Appendix No. 17.
13 November 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Flight 98 Squadron RAF carried out further seaward recce from Kaldadarnes West to position 63 degrees 30 minutes North 24 degrees 0 minutes West at which point the recce aircraft was compelled to return owing to engine trouble. The cloud base was low and visibility poor.
(2) Permission granted to the Icelandic Airways Company (W.A.A.C.U.) to construct a small runway at BUDAREYRI to facilitate the delivery of mail there.
(3) Amendment No. 1 to Force Location Statement No. 10 (Parts 1 and 111) was issued. Copy attached to War Diary as Appendix No. 18.
14 November 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Owing to snow squalls and strong North Easterly wind flying was not possible from Kaldadarnes.
(2) A message (88941 dated 14th November) was received from the War Office that the Admiralty were most anxious that the seaward patrol, by Flight 98 Squadron, should be continued until Coastal Command found it possible to relieve the Flight of this duty.
(3) Report received that the Coast-watching post at KETILSSTADIR on HERADSFLOI had been established.
(4) Amendment No. 1 to Force Operation Order No. 2 (Revised) issued. Copy attached to War Diary as Appendix 19.
15 November 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Weather conditions again prevented any aircraft from leaving Kaldadarnes aerodrome.
(2) The question of Icelandic or any other friendly shipping entering the harbours at Reykjavik or Hafnafjordur without compliance with the rules of the examination in service was considered. A communication was sent to H B M Minister to ICELAND for communication to the Icelandic Government and in addition instructions were issued to No. 1 Fire Command (536 Coast Regiment Royal Artillery) and to 147 Infantry Brigade on the action to be taken if vessels did enter the harbour without authority and yet were not vessels likely to be hostile and to be engaged. Copy attached to War Diary as Appendix No. 20.
16 November 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Flight 98 Squadron RAF at Kaldadarnes carried out seaward recce in the following area, to 27 degrees West thence north to 66degrees North returning East to 23 degrees 30 minutes West. At 65 degrees 40 minutes North 25 degrees 30 minutes West one fishing vessel was observed but no other surface craft were seen.
(2) The draft orders prepared by F.O.I.C. Iceland for the EYARFJORDUR, REYDARFJORDUR and SEYDISFJORDUR extended defence and examination service were approved.
(3) The following were issued :-
a. Amendment No. 2 to Force Operation Instruction No. 2. Copy attached to War Diary as Appendix No. 21.
b. Amendment No. 1 to Force Operation Instruction No. 5. Copy attached to War Diary as Appendix No. 22.
c. Amendment No. 1 to Force Operation Instruction No. 23. Copy filed with War Diary as Appendix No. 23.
d. Force Intelligence Summary No. 29. Copy attached to War Diary as Appendix No. 24.
17 November 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) No flying was possible from Kaldadarnes aerodrome. From approximately 12:00 hours snow fell continuously. At 15:40 hours a message (OPS 931) was received from HQ Coastal Command stating that they would not require any further recce by 98 Squadron RAF.
(2) At approximately 11:50 hours the sound of an aircraft engine was heard in the vicinity of Kaldadarnes but it could not be seen. No British or Icelandic aircraft were flying at the time. The aircraft was also heard at EYRARBAKKI and seen by a civilian at SOLDHOLSFOSS but no description of it is available.
(3) A copy of the orders issued by the Norwegian High Command in the UK to Norwegian detachments with the Force was received.
18 November 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Instructions given to detachment Flight 98 Squadron RAF to carry out seaward patrol to locate the Finnish ship WIRTA if the aerodrome at Kaldadarnes was usable.
(2) Information received from the War Office that vacancies of the following Infantry Courses had been allotted to the Force, viz :-
HYTHE wing, Small-Arms School, Bisley.
NRA wing, Small-Arms School, Bisley.
Netheravon wing, Small-Arms School.
Infantry Company Commanders’ School.
(3) Amendment No. 3 to Force Operation Order No. 2 was issued. Copy attached to War Diary as Appendix No. 26.
19 November 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) “SUNDERLAND” flying boat H 204 left Reykjavik at 08:00 hours, approximately, for the UK and its safe arrival at SULLUM VOE in the Shetlands was reported.
(2) The aircraft heard at Kaldadarnes on the 17th November was definitely identified as hostile a civilian postman having seen it and its markings at ASGARDUR about 12 miles North North West of Kaldadarnes.
(3) No flying was possible from Kaldadarnes owing to weather conditions and the state of the runways and it was not possible for the seaward patrol to discover the Finnish ship “WIRTA” to be made.
(4) Preliminary notes for a G.O.C’s. conference was issued. Copy attached to War Diary as Appendix No. 27.
20 November 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Information was received from H B M Minister to ICELAND on the proposals for the control of shipping at defended ports that the Icelandic Government were prepared to take positive action against offenders. H B M Minister was informed that action suggested by British troops in respect of shipping not hostile but which ignored the port examination rules would be put into effect.
(2) Appreciation on the subject of movements of reinforcements by sea sent to War Office. Copy attached to War Diary as Appendix Nos. 28 and 29.
21 November 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) 2 Officers and 61 Other Ranks of “F” Troop of 274 Battery, Royal Artillery were embarked on “S.S. TORDENSKOLD” for BUDAREYRI together with a total of 1 Officer and 32 Other Ranks details for other units and Services at BUDAREYRI and SEYDISFJORDUR. It was not intended that the ship would sail until the following day.
(2) A field firing exercise was carried out by 70 Infantry Brigade at Kleifervatn which was attended by Major-General Curtis (G.O.C.) and Major Beard (G.S.O.2). The exercise was curtailed, ceasing about midday when snow began to fall.
(3) The following were issued :-
a. Force Intelligence Summary No. 30. Copy attached as Appendix No. 30.
b. Amendment No. 3 to Force Operation Instruction No. 13 (Revised). Copy attached as Appendix No. 31.
22 November 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) SS TORDENSKOLD was unable to sail for the North East Sector as no escort was available.
(2) Kaldadarnes aerodrome was again unusable and two normal patrols along the East Coast were carried out. The patrols had nothing unusual to report.
(3) Information was received from F.O.I.C. Iceland that the draft regulations for the Coastal Defence examination batteries at REYDARFJORDUR, SEYDISFJORDUR and AKUREYRI had been approved and trawlers informed and Officer Commanding 536 Coast Regiment, Royal Artillery was accordingly informed.
(4) A communication was addressed to F.O.I.C. Iceland on the apparent inability of the naval forces to supply an Officer to assist in the manning of the Control Room and for general assistance at Force HQ and it was pointed out that if the agreed arrangement could not be implemented the Scope of the work of the Control Room would need alteration and it would have to confine itself to the distribution of military information, leaving the Exchange of military and naval information to take place through normal channels.
(5) A message was received from the Air Ministry (for Group Captain Ashton) (X24 dated 21st November) requesting a report on work in progress at Reykjavik airfield and generally on the question of the use of Iceland as a base in USA – Europe flights of military aircraft.
23 November 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) S.S. TORDENSKOLD left for the North East Sector.
(2) A conference attended by Major-General Curtis (G.O.C.) Group Captain Ashton RAF adviser, Brigadier Bliss (Chief Engineer) Colonel Temple (A.A.& Q.M.G.) and Lt Col Davies (G.S.O.1) was held on the development of the Reykjavik airfield in consequence of Air Ministry message X24 dated 21st November.
(3) Coast watching post manned by Naval personnel established at HOFN (South West Sector).
24 November 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) The Faroese trawler “AUSTERLITZ” left SIGLUFJORDUR (its first port of call) at 08:45 hours without clearance and failed to stop even when fired upon by coast watching detachment there. Remaining coast watching posts in North West of the island notified and instructed to detain her.
25 November 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Communication received from F.O.I.C. Iceland regretting that owing to lack of trained staff he was unable to supply a naval Officer for work in the Control Room.
(2) Commander North East Sector forwarded a copy of a letter he had written to the Chief Magistrate at AKUREYRI on the subject of fishing in EYJAFJORDUR. As the question of fishing in this area would be affected by the position of the controlled minefields and as no information had been received from the F.O.I.C. Iceland on their location the F.O.I.C. was requested to supply details of the position of all. Copy letter attached to War Diary as Appendix No. 32 and map as Appendix No. 33. Copy letter attached as Appendix No. 34.
(3) Note on the allotment of Courses in the UK issued. Copy attached to War Diary as Appendix No. 35.
26 November 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) After conferences with Group Captain Ashton, RAF adviser, Chief Engineer and Commander, Royal Engineers (Ops) and a recce of the site for a possible satellite airfield at KEFLAVIK a message (0384) was sent to War Office in reply to Air Ministry message X24 of 21st November giving details of progress of work at Reykjavik, of possibilities of KEFLAVIK and Kaldadarnes asking particulars of what traffic might be expected, and also on the strengthening of Anti-Aircraft defences. Copy message attached as Appendix No. 36.
(2) The F.O.I.C. was requested to give details of his orders for naval operations under conditions of low visibility, and a message (0389) was sent to the War Office on the deficiencies of Coastal Defence Batteries in men and equipment.
(3) The following were issued :-
a. Force list of Code Names No. 10 to come into force on 9th December 1940. Copy attached as Appendix No. 37.
b. Force Intelligence Summary No 31. Copy attached as Appendix No. 38.
27 November 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) 03:00 hours. A practice “black-out” of the electricity light supply to Reykjavik, Hafnafjordur and Alafoss areas was held, conducted by 49 Divisional Signals. It was found that all light to the area could be cut off at ARTUN within two minutes of starting.
(2) Hospital ship “LEINSTER” reached Reykjavik.
(3) Major J J Packard joined the staff of G Branch as G.S.O.II for Force Tactical School on landing from UK.
(4) The following were issued :-
a. Additional items for G.O.C’s. conference. Copies attached to War Diary as Appendices No. 39 and 40.
b. Force Operation Instruction No. 31 on defence scheme for SANDSKEID – LOGBERG area. Copy attached as Appendix No. 41.
28 November 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) The following were issued :-
a. Force Operation Instruction No. 32 on composition of Norwegian Ski Platoon. Copy attached to War Diary as Appendix No. 42.
b. Amendment No. 4 to Operation Instruction No. 13 (Revised) including new Appendix D. Copy attached as Appendix No. 43.
29 November 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) A reply (X87) having been received from the Air Ministry to message 0384 dated 26th November in which details of the proposed use to be made of airfields in ICELAND a further conference with Group Captain Ashton, Chief Engineer and Commander, Royal Engineers (Ops) was held and a further message sent (0391) stating that three concrete runways would be completed but it was essential that all emergency equipment just demanded by Chief Engineer should arrive before the end of December.
30 November 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) A practice of all Passive Air Defence Schemes was held in the Reykjavik area in conjunction with the Royal Navy, the Detachment Flight 98 Squadron RAF and Civil authorities. From the point of view of Force HQ the practice was useful in exercising the machinery for advising all concerned of the approach of hostile aircraft by means of the Control Room. This worked well subject to one or two points on which the procedure can be expedited.
(2) The hospital ship LEINSTER reached AKUREYRI where she will be stationed.
(3) Programme for the Force Tactical School issued. Copy filed with the War Diary as Appendix No. No. 44.
(4) Amendment No. 4 to Force Operation Order No. 2 (revised) issued. Copy filed with War Diary as Appendix No 45.
Appendices attached to the November 1940 War Diary for G Branch of Iceland Force.
None of the Appendices were photographed at The National Archives or were missing from the War Diary file.
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