War Diary - G Branch - October 1940
1 October 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) The Force Field Firing Exercise in the Kleifervatn area was repeated. The weather was fine and the Exercise ran more smoothly than on the previous day.
(2) A request having been made by the Reykjavik Omnibus Company through the Chief of Police that road blocks and defensive positions be removed, a letter was sent to H B M Minister to ICELAND informing him that while individual road blocks were being reconsidered there could be no question of the removal of those considered necessary or of defensive posts in Reykjavik and HARNARFJORDUR.
2 October 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) The position of Coastal Defence Batteries from the point of view of equipment and particularly of the men necessary to man them efficiently was considered and as a result messages (0 302 and 0 303) sent to War Office setting out in detail the increase in establishment and further reinforcements considered essential.
3 October 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Considerable flooding having taken place at Kaldadarnes the following troop movements took place during the day :-
a. One Company Fusiliers Mont Royale C.A.S.F. from Kaldadarnes to REYKIR.
b. 4 Officers and 49 Other Ranks of 98 Bomber Squadron RAF from Kaldadarnes to Reykjavik (Staging Camp “A”).
(2) The following were issued :-
a. New list of Code Names to come into operation on 10th October 1940. Copy attached to War Diary as Appendix No. 1.
b. Revised statement of Winter Policy. Copy attached to War Diary as Appendix No. 2.
4 October 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Instructions were issued providing for a readjustment of the responsibility for the coast line between (excl) HOFSVIK and (excl) GRAFARVOGUR, the responsibility for this stretch being placed upon the Force Reserve. There were included instructions for the provision of a line of Observation Posts, that three principal Key-points behind the Observation Posts (the points being respectively, (a) the river line immediately North of the junction of roads Pingvellir and Brautarholt. (b) Lagafell high ground. (c) High ground astride the Brautarholt road (incl) GRAFARHOLT HILL – (incl) KELDRAHOLT HILL were to be secured immediately on an emergency, and that counter-offensive action would be taken, based on these Key-points, in the event of a landing. A copy of the instruction is attached to the War Diary as Appendix No. 3.
(2) The following were issued :-
a. Instructions as to additional Code Words for use in preparation for an anticipated emergency. Copy attached to the War Diary as Appendix No. 4.
b. Preliminary instructions for setting up a Force Tactical School. Copy filed with the War Diary as Appendix No. 5.
c. Amendment No.1 to Force Location Statement No. 9 (parts I and III). Copies attached to the War Diary as Appendices No. 6 And 7.
5 October 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Message (0 305) sent to War Office on the question of taking over the Short-wave wireless transmitting station at VATNSENDI and for permission to negotiate terms with the Icelandic Government for its joint use.
(2) Mounting of the two four-inch Coastal Defence guns for “V” Battery at SEYDISFJORDUR reported to be complete, save for gun shields which, owing to fault in design could not be fixed without alteration, if at all.
(3) The following were issued :-
a. Amendment to the list of Code Names. Copy attached to War Diary as Appendix No. 8.
b. Programme for visit of the Inspector General of Training. Copy attached to War Diary as Appendix No. 9.
c. Force Intelligence Summary No. 21. Copy attached to the War Diary as Appendix No. 10.
6 October 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Information was received from F.O.I.C. ICELAND that he had received an Admiralty Signal (1931/4) ordering the recall of the 701 Squadron, Fleet Air Arm, Royal Navy. (A) A message (0 308) was accordingly sent to War Office pointing out that full preparation for maintenance of the Squadron was well underway, that winter conditions were now, and would continue at intervals to immobilise 98 Squadron, RAF and that withdrawal of the Fleet Air Arm Squadron would deprive the Force of all air recce facilities, and a request was made that if this Squadron was withdrawn some alternative type of flying boat should be provided.
(2) A report was received that a coast-watching post has been established at ESKIFJORDUR and will be maintained throughout the winter, by 1/ 4 KOYLI.
7 October 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Major-General H O Curtis (G.O.C.) left for three-day recce of Western Sector including a recce of a possible landing ground at DALSMYNNI on the road Borganes – Bordeyri.
(2) Letter addressed to the civil aviation Company (W.A.A.C.U.) confirming that permission to fly their civil aircraft was confirmed but not permission to purchase additional aircraft or train additional pilots. The additional places at which landings could be permitted were :-
Borganes, STYKKSHOLMUR, HOLSVIK and Bordeyri. Permission to fly the ambulance aircraft was also granted.
(3) Message (0 309) sent to War Office pressing for the despatch of personnel to man the naval 3.7 Howitzers on the withdrawal of the naval crews and requesting permission to retain the guns.
(4) Appointment of Captain G H P GRENFELL as A.D.C. confirmed, with effect from 25 September 1940.
8 October 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) As a corollary to the action taken by F.O.I.C ICELAND with regard to R/T and W/T sets on fishing vessels H B M Minister to ICELAND was requested to obtain from the Icelandic Government lists of all trawler-owning firms or individuals who are authorised to be in possession of transmitting sets. Arrangements were also made to recruit Interpreters for the censorship of all shore to ship (and vice versa) communications.
9 October 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Lt Col Davies (G.S.O.1) and Major Heard (G.S.O.11) with Lt Col Colley (C.R.E. (Ops)) recce’d the proposed airfield to the South of Reykjavik.
(2) Revised appendix “C” to Force Operation Instruction No. 14 (Identification of Aircraft) issued. Copy attached to War Diary as Appendix No. 11.
10 October 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Major-General Curtis (G.O.C.) returned from recce of Western Sector.
(2) One day course in W/T and R/T for Staff Officers of Force HQ organised and held at Signals camp by 49th Divisional Signals.
11 October 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) The W/T and R/T course at the Signals camp by 49th Divisional Signals was repeated for those Officers who were unable to attend the course yesterday.
(2) A conference was held at which members of Icelandic Press were invited to attend. It was pointed out that all papers were inclined to print unverified and tendentious articles and views concerning the British Troops and it was made clear that the continuance of such conduct could not be tolerated. The Editors appeared to accept the validity of the criticisms and it is hoped that a voluntary improvement will be made.
(3) Force Intelligence Summary No. 22 was issued. Copy filed with the War Diary as Appendix No. 12.
12 October 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) R.M.F.U. reported that “W” Coastal Defence Battery at REYDARFJORDUR had been mounted.
(2) Major-General Curtis (G.O.C.) accompanied by Brigadier Page – Commanding “Z” Force and Lt Col Marley – Officer Commanding 10th DLI – attended field firing exercise conducted by 147 Infantry Brigade in the VATNSENDI area.
(3) Force Operation Instruction No. 25 on the allotment and use of skis issued. Copy filed with War Diary as Appendix No. 13.
13 October 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Section 4 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Battery, Royal Artillery, at AUDSHOLT (Kaldadarnes) with two 3.7 Anti-Aircraft guns, completed move one gun to Reykjavik area.
(2) Illicit wireless messages originating in Reykjavik area were intercepted yesterday and today, the messages being thought to be destined for enemy occupied territory and to be in the nature of practice messages. Message (0 314) sent to War Office with report and request for very early dispatch of two portable D/F (direction-finding) equipments.
(3) Fuller programme for visit of Inspector General of Training issued. Copy filed with War Diary as Appenix No. 14.
14 October 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Further cases of Signal wire-cutting having occurred, H B M Minister to ICELAND was requested to inform the Icelandic Government that any persons found committing this offence would be arrested, deported and interned for the duration of the war.
(2) Information was received that the Icelandic ship “ESJA” with Icelandic repatriates from Scandinavia had been sent by error direct to ICELAND without interrogation in the UK. F.O.I.C. was informed and requested to detain the ship.
(3) Particulars of additional item in programme for Inspector General of Training issued. Copies filed with War Diary as Appendices Nos. 15 and 16.
15 October 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) H M S “WORCESTERSHIRE” (Armed Merchant Cruiser) reached Reykjavik. She carried General Lord Gort, Inspector General of Training and two A.D.C’s. and 4 Officers and 235 Other Ranks of 143 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery all of whom were disembarked. The Inspector General of Training carried out the programme for the day as arranged.
(2) The Icelandic ship “ESJA” reached Reykjavik and was detained in the outer roads. 354 Icelanders repatriated from various parts of Scandinavia and Finland were on board an an examination of the bona fides of each was commenced. Orders were given to ensure that none landed.
(3) The following were issued :-
a. Amendment No. 4 to Force Operation Instruction No. 17 on marking of vehicles. Copy filed with War Diary as Appendix No. 17.
b. Amendment No. 2 to Appendix “A” of provisional programme for the visit of Inspector General of Training. Copy filed with War Diary as Appendix No. 18.
16 October 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Report received from R.M.F.U. that the “X” Coastal Defence Battery at Reykerskoli on FRUTAFJORDUR had been mounted.
(2) General Lord Gort (Inspector General of Training) carried out visit to “Z” Force in accordance with provisional programme.
(3) Examination of Icelandic repatriates on S.S. “ESJA” continues.
(4) Addition to list of Code Names issued. Copy filed with War Diary as Appendix No. 19.
17 October 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) The programme for General Lord Gort, Inspector General of Training, was revised to include an extra day in the Reykjavik area. The Inspector General carried out the provisional programme arranged for today but will leave for Akranes on the 19th October, instead of tomorrow.
(2) The examination of the Icelandic repatriates on S.S. “ESJA” continued and was not concluded.
(3) A convoy of the following ships arrived at Reykjavik, viz :- S.S. “BLACKHEATH”, “HARPAGAN”, “ZAANSTROOM” and “ST CLARE”.
(4) The following were issued :-
a. Revised programme for D5 of Inspector General of Training’s visit. Copy filed with War Diary as Appendix 20.
b. Force Intelligence Summary 23. Copy filed with the War Diary as Appendix No. 21.
c. Instructions on Winter arrangements, RAF aerodrome, Kaldadarnes. Copy filed with War Diary as Appendix 22.
18 October 1940 – Artun Iceland,
(1) General Lord Gort (Inspector General of Training) carried out provisional programme of visits as amended including the field firing exercise at Kleifervatn valley.
(2) Examination of Icelandic repatriates on S S “ESJA” continued and concluded, save for six passengers, four of whom have not established their bona fides and two of whom boarded the ship at TRONDHEIM, Norway and are not on the passenger lists.
(3) Revised Operation Instruction No. 13 (on weapon and ammunition policy) issued. Copy filed with War Diary as Appendix No. 23.
19 October 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) General Lord Gort, Inspector General of Training ended his programme in area Reykjavik and embarked with Major-General H O Curtis G.O.C. and A.D.C’s. on the trawler “LORD LLOYD” for Akranes and his tour of the Western and North East Sector.
20 October 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) A report was received from civilian sources that an unidentified ship circled by four aircraft had been sighted off the South East Coast (in the neighbourhood of EYSTRA HORN) during the afternoon about 14:30 hours. An air recce by 98 Squadron RAF at first light on 21 October was ordered, though it is likely that the aircraft were Fleet Air Arm machines known to be in the area at about that time.
(2) The six passengers on S.S. “ESJA” whose bona fides were not established were held under armed guard. F.O.I.C. was requested to arrange for their transport to the UK if this is found desirable.
21 October 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Section 4 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery from AUDSHOLT established and in action at SKELETON HILL, Reykjavik.
(2) H M S “ARGUS” arrived at Reykjavik in connection with the return to the UK of 701 Squadron, Fleet Air Arm, Royal Navy (A).
(3) Force Motor Cycle Reliability Trial held in the Reykjavik area on a cross country circuit. There were 105 entrants.
(4) Coastal Defence guns in the VIDEY Examination Battery at GUFUNES mounted by R.M.F.U.
(5) List of Code Names to come into operation on 3 November 1940 issued. Copy filed with War Diary as Appendix No. 24.
(6) Force Operation Instruction No. 26 on Training Policy for Winter Months issued. Copy filed with the War Diary as Appendix No. 25.
22 October 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) The Icelandic Government found sureties for three more repatriates from Scandinavia and arrangements were made for their release.
(2) The following were issued :-
a. Force Intelligence Summary No. 24. Copy filed with War Diary as Appendix No. 26.
b. Amendment No. 1 to Force Operation Instruction No. 13 (revised). Copy filed with War Diary as Appendix No. 27.
c. Instructions on Command on arrival of Canadian Relief Convoy. Copy filed with War Diary as Appendix No. 28.
d. Amendment No. 5 to Force Operation Instruction No. 17 on signs on Vehicles. Copy filed with War Diary as Appendix No. 29.
23 October 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) H M S ARGUS left Reykjavik with 701 Squadron Fleet Air Arm R.N. (A) and their aircraft and equipment.
(2) The proposed airfield site in Reykjavik having been considered satisfactory on final survey H B M Minister to ICELAND was requested to approach the Icelandic Government for their co-operation in its acquisition and construction. Part of the land was already owned by them and it was suggested that a conference to consider the contributions to be made (in view of the permanent value such an airfield would have) should be held at an early date.
24 October 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) General Lord Gort Inspector General of Training having completed his tour of the Western and North Eastern Sectors left BUDAREYRI on H M S WORCESTERSHIRE.
(2) The results of the investigation of the remaining three repatriates from Scandinavia were reported to the War Office (message 0 328). Of the three two were ordinary seamen who are suspected of association with German authorities and require further investigation. The remaining man BJARNI JONSSON is a doctor of medicine and believed to be an enemy agent and recommended for internment. These three men left for the UK on H M S ARGUS.
(3) 17:15 hours. The personnel convoy consisting of the ships “EMPRESS OF AUSTRALIA”, “ANTONIA” and “LETITIA” reached Reykjavik. On board were the following troops :-
143 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery (Including Signal Section and Light Aid Detachment). 33 Officers and 368 Other Ranks.
Section Electrical and Mechanical Company, Royal Engineers. 2 Officers and 87 Other Ranks.
HQ 70th Infantry Brigade (Including Signal Section and Light Aid Detachment). 11 Officers and 104 Other Ranks.
11th DLI. 37 Officers and 871 Other Ranks.
1st Tyneside Scottish. 39 Officers and 874 Other Ranks.
Detachment 14th Royal Fusiliers. 8 Officers and 228 Other Ranks.
11 Reserve Motor Transport Company, Royal Army Service Corps. 2 Officers and 89 Other Ranks.
187 Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps. 11 Officers and 239 Other Ranks.
10 Field Hygiene Section, Royal Army Medical Corps. 1 Officer and 28 Other Ranks.
9 Mobile Bath Unit, Royal Army Medical Corps. 1 Officer and 19 Other Ranks.
10 Mobile Bath Unit, Royal Army Medical Corps. 1 Officer and 19 Other Ranks,
and, in addition, sundry reinforcements for Royal Artillery, Royal Engineers, Infantry and other units in ICELAND, in all a total of 169 Officers and 3564 Other Ranks. No troops were disembarked during the evening.
25 October 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Disembarkation of personnel from personnel convoy commenced. HQ 70th Infantry Brigade (with Signal Section), HQ 11th DLI and three Companies 11th DLI landed, the Brigade HQ, HQ 11th DLI and one Company 11th DLI proceeding directly to BRUARLAND, Alafoss, the remainder being accommodated in Reykjavik. An Advance Party of Tyneside Scottish proceeded to BALDURSHAGI camp and in addition Section 11th Reserve Motor Transport Company and personnel for Coastal Defence Batteries and Provost Company were landed and took up quarters in the appropriate camps in Reykjavik.
26 October 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Major-General Curtis G.O.C. and A.D.C. reached Reykjavik from North East Sector.
(2) F.M.E. C.A.S.F. and 98 Squadron RAF less one flight embarked on, and HQ Tyneside Scottish and two Companies disembarked from, H M T ANTONIA. Sundry details disembarked from H M T EMPRESS OF AUSTRALIA.
(3) Force Intelligence Summary No. 25 issued. Copy filed with War Diary as Appendix No. 30.
27 October 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Disembarkation of personnel and stores from H M T “ANTONIA” and H M T “EMPRESS OF AUSTRALIA” continued, the discharge of all stores and equipment being completed by 24:00 hours.
(2) Lt Col H L Davies (G.S.O.1) left on a three day recce of the Southern Coast as far as VIK.
28 October 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Disembarkation personnel and stores continued from personnel convoy. Details from all units were landed, including remaining details of Tyneside Scottish. Battery of 3.7 Howitzers Royal Navy and Royal Regiment of Canada C.A.S.F. were embarked with equipment.
(2) R.M.F.U. sailed for UK on S.S. “KOHISTAN” having completed their tasks.
(3) A report was received from a Coast Watching Post at VATTARNES REYDARFJORDUR that at 10:30 hours a twin-engined monoplane had been seen to circle the lighthouse and fly South East. Subsequent information from civilian sources further to the South East viz. at HVALNES and BREIDDALSVIK showed that the plane was seen at 11:10 hours and at 11:20 hours and carried enemy markings. Visibility was poor at the time and the cloud base low.
29 October 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) In view of threatened bad weather the disembarkation of the remaining troops and stores from the personnel convoy and the embarkation of the remainder of those due to sail was expedited and concluded by nightfall. The troops on board consisted of the following :-
Battery 3.7 Howitzers, Royal Navy.
Royal Regiment of Canada, C.A.S.F.
F.M.R. C.A.S.F.
98 Squadron RAF (less one flight),
and sundry details from the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps and medically boarded men from other units.
(2) At the request of the F.O.I.C. Iceland instructions were given to Officer Commanding 49 Divisional Signals on the question of a broadcast of a “stand still” order to civilian shipping in the event of an emergency arising or being imminent.
30 October 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Confirmation given of the distribution of Field Artillery during the winter as follows:-
S.W. Sector & Force Mobile Reserve.
HQ 69 Field Regt. Salmon Bridge, Reykjavik.
HQ 143 Field Regt. BRUARLAND
273 Field Battery (less 2 tps) SOGAMYRI
One tp 273 Field Battery Hafnafjordur
386 Field Battery (less 1 tp) Alafoss
One tp 386 Field Battery BALDURSHAGI
Western Sector
388 Field Battery (less 1 tp) Borganes
1 tp 388 Field Battery (less 1 Sec) Blonduos
1 Sec 388 Field Battery Reykerskoli
North East Sector
1 tp 273 Field Battery (Less 1 Sec) Area SEYDISFJORDUR
1 Sec 273 Field Battery Area BUDAREYRI
274 Field Battery (less 1 tp) Area AKUREYRI
1 tp 274 Field Battery Area BUDAREYRI
(2) The following were issued :-
a Addition to List of Code Names. Copy filed with War Diary as Appendix No. 31.
b Note as to Winter Policy (affecting One Section 687 Artisan Works Company, Royal Engineers and detachment 294 Field Company, Royal Engineers). Copy filed with War Diary as Appendix No. 32.
31 October 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) The personnel convoy, consisting of H M T’s EMPRESS OF AUSTRALIA and ANTONIA sailed.
(2) The following were issued :-
a. Force Intelligence Summary No. 26. Copy filed with War Diary as Appendix No. 33.
b. Composite amendment to Force Operation Instructions consequent upon relief of Canadian troops. Copy filed with War Diary as Appendix No. 34.
c. Amendment No. 2 to Force Operation Instruction No. 13 (revised). Copy filed with War Diary as Appendix No. 35.
Appendices filed with October 1940 War Diary of G Branch, Iceland Force HQ.
None of the Appendices mentioned above have been photographed and it is possible that they had been already excluded from the file at The National Archives.
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