War Diary - G Branch - September 1940
1 September 1940 – Reykjavik.
(1) Orders issued with regard to prohibited areas in consequence of a notice now published by the Icelandic Government to Icelandic Citizens. Instructions given that any person found in a prohibited area and unable to give an account of himself should be detained for interrogation. Preliminary steps also taken towards making Kaldadarnes aerodrome a prohibited area.
(2) Instructions (message 80623) received from War Office as to personnel on board the Swedish steamer S.S. “GOTEBORG” expected at AKUREYRI from PETSAMO.
(3) Amendment No. 1 to Force Operation Instruction No. 19 issued. Attached to War Diary as Appendix No. 1.
2 September 1940
11:00 hours.
(1) No further report of enemy activity having been received instructions given to all concerned that the state of vigilance should return to normal.
(2) Letter sent to His Britannic Majesty’s (HBM) Minister to ICELAND on the question of the approach to beaches in garrison areas after nightfall. It was made quite clear that any civilian moving in the areas near high water mark after darkness otherwise than on defined roads or tracks would be in danger of being mistaken for enemy troops and consequently liable to be shot and that the British Troops would not accept any responsibility if civilians were shot in these circumstances after the issue of this warning.
3 September 1940
(1) A message (80789 of 3 September) having been received from the War Office containing a summary of G.O.C’s. appreciation of the general situation in ICELAND a reply was sent after contact with the Flag Officer in Charge (F.O.I.C.) ICELAND confirming the summary but stressing the importance of the air striking force and, in consequence of the views expressed by Wing Commander ASHTON (Officer Commanding 98 Squadron RAF) adding a request for the despatch of SIX fighter aircraft, preferably of the GLADIATOR or GAUNTLET type, for the protection of the aerodrome and Reykjavik area. These aircraft need be accompanied by the air crews only as the existing ground staff were adequate for maintenance and administration.
(2) A report having been received from the Officer Commanding 1 / 4 KOYLI that a local Cinema proprietor desired to show a GERMAN naval propaganda film of 1935 a request was made to HBM Minister that the Icelandic Government should be approached to ban any such exhibition.
(3) The following were issued :-
a. Force Intelligence Summary No. 15. Copy attached to War Diary as Appendix No. 2.
b. Amendment No. 1 to Force Operation Instruction No. 12. Copy attached to War Diary as Appendix No. 3.
4 September 1940
(1) S.S. “GOTEBORG” reached Reykjavik from AKUREYRI and Captain CRIPPS (Leicesters), Officer in charge of troops on board, landed and reported to Force HQ. The troops will be disembarked tomorrow and lodged in Staging Camps.
(2) One HAMPDEN Bomber landed at Kaldadarnes from WICK unannounced. In view of the risk of any such aircraft being mistaken for a hostile craft a message (0 281) was sent to the War Office requesting that any such arrivals should be notified beforehand.
(3) Force Operation Instruction No. 7 (Revised) on the subject of Refugee Control, issued. Copy attached to War Diary as Appendix No. 4.
5 September 1940
(1) Information received that MELGERDI landing field (near AKUREYRI) is now fit to receive aircraft.
(2) After consultation with F.O.I.C. ICELAND and Officer Commanding No. 1 Fire Command it was agreed that the second Reykjavik harbour Coast Defence Battery should not be established on VIDEY island, owing to administrative difficulties, but placed instead on the GUFUNES peninsula.
6 September 1940
(1) Information having been received that the Icelandic civil aircraft proposed to use a temporary runway prepared last year at EGILSSTADIR a request was made to H.B.M. Minister to ICELAND that the Icelandic Government be informed that permission has been given for the aircraft to be used for herring spotting only and that its use for other purposes required prior sanction and guarantees.
(2) New list of Code Names to come into use on 13 September issued. Copy attached to War Diary as Appendix No. 5.
7 September 1940
(1) Information was received from F.O.I.C. ICELAND that a movement of enemy transport vessels northward from the Great Belt was reported. Orders were issued that all concerned were to maintain a state of extreme vigilance particularly at dawn and immediately prior to high water. Later in the day further information was received from F.O.I.C. ICELAND that naval forces were proceeding in the direction of ICELAND.
(2) Hampden bomber aircraft left Kaldadarnes aerodrome en route for UK.
8 September 1940
(1) No further information having been received as to the reported movements of enemy shipping the state of vigilance was maintained. The air recces made by 701 Squadron Fleet Air Arm (FAA) and 98 Bomber Squadron RAF produced negative reports.
9 September 1940
(1) There was no further information from any source as to enemy movements in the vicinity of or towards ICELAND.
(2) A conference of Branches and Services was held to determine the siting of quarters and provision of services for the reinforcements of the composition of which advice was today received.
(3) In view of the expected reinforcements Lt Col. MAUFE (Commander, Royal Artillery – CRA) and Major L F Heard (GSO II) carried out a recce of the Borganes area. It was decided to quarter one Battalion (less two Companies) in or immediately adjoining the town and the one Field Battery, Royal Artillery (less one Troop) about a mile and a half north of the town. In this position the Field Battery could fulfil its primary role and also adequately carry out its secondary role of the defence of Borganes against any landing there.
(4) One BATTLE aircraft from Kaldadarnes landed safely at MELGERDI landing ground (North East Sector).
(5) Arrangements made by H.B.M Minister to ICELAND representing the Ministry of Economic Warfare for the Swedish vessel S.S. “GOTEBORG” to sail for SIGLUFJORDUR. No British guard or personnel were to be carried. She was unable to leave immediately owing to the state of the weather.
(6) The following were issued :-
a. Force Intelligence Summary No. 16. Copy attached to War Diary as Appendix No. 6.
b. Amendment to Road Guide to road Reykjavik – AKUREYRI. Copy attached to War Diary as Appendix No. 7.
10 September 1940
(1) No further information having been received of enemy movements threatening ICELAND instructions were given for the state of vigilance to return to normal.
(2) S.S. “GOTEBORG” left for SIGLUFJORDUR. Instructions were given for the Detachment at that port to ascertain what cargo the vessel loaded and that she should not be permitted to leave.
(3) Eight aircraft workers repatriated from SWEDEN on S.S. “GOTEBORG” left Reykjavik for the UK on S.S. “HORSA”. The War Office was advised.
(4) The BATTLE aircraft returned safely from AKUREYRI to Kaldadarnes.
(5) Wing Commander Barnes RAF left for the UK on board S.S. “HORSA”.
11 September 1940
(1) Bad weather (winds reaching gale force and accompanied by a fall of snow) at AKUREYRI prevented the dispatch there of the three BATTLE aircraft it was intended to send there today.
(2) 12:45 hours. The G.I. Set at GROTTA gun site reported that it had picked up indications of three aircraft flying in formation within a range of 10,000 yards. Visibility at the time was below this figure. As no aircraft from the FAA or 98 Squadron RAF were then flying the Ani-Aircraft Sections were ordered to stand by and the 98 Squadron warned. The aircraft were lost at 11,000 yards.
(3) “Z” Force, C.A.S.F. carried out an exercise in co-operation with 98 Squadron RAF Northwards along the banks of Hvalfjordur. The exercise could not be carried completely through owing to the violence of the gale in Hvalfjordur but was successful as far as it went. Major-General Curtis watched the exercise.
12 September 1940
14:30 hours.
(1) Three BATTLE Aircraft successfully landed at MELGERDI landing field on their flight from Kaldadarnes. They are to stay there for approximately four days to provide air co-operation training and demonstration flights in that Sector.
(2) A convoy of the following ships arrived at Reykjavik harbour :-
S.S. “VANELLUS”, “DOTTEREL”, “ADJUTANT”, “KOHISTAN”, “CISCAR”, “ZAMALEK”, “EILDON”, “MANCHESTER CITY”, “BESTUM” and “RUCKINGS”.
(3) Conference held to consider various points arising on the establishment of the additional one Battalion in the Borganes area and Northwards.
(4) A message having been received from the War Office on the return of the R.M.F.U. a reply ( 0 289) was sent pointing out that an immediate return of the R.M.F.U. might mean that the Coastal Defence Batteries at HRUTAFJORDUR and VIDEY would not be established or D.E.L’s. installed at SEYDISFJORDUR or REYDARFJORDUR.
(5) The following were issued :-
a. Force Location Statement (in three parts). Copy attached to War Diary as Appendix No. 8.
b. Amendment to Force Operation Instruction No.17. Copy attached to War Diary as Appendix No. 9.
13 September 1940
(1) Lt. Col. H L Davies (G.S.O.1) left Reykjavik by air from Kaldadarnes for AKUREYRI at 18:00 hours. Although due at about 20:00 hours the aircraft had not reached AKUREYRI or been reported elsewhere by midnight. Telephone officers were warned and arrangements made to Broadcast for information as soon as the Icelandic station opened in the morning and at intervals during the day.
(2) Officer Commanding 98 Squadron RAF reported that as the Icelandic fish-spotting aircraft had on several occasions flown over Kaldadarnes aerodrome a communication was addressed to H.B.M. Minister to ICELAND requesting him to inform the responsible authority that orders had been issued that any aircraft other than British aircraft over the aerodrome would be fired on.
(3) No reply having been received from the Icelandic Government on the proposals for restricting access to beaches during the hours of darkness H.B.M. Minister to ICELAND was requested to inform the Icelandic Government that orders on the lines proposed had been issued.
(4) The following were issued :-
a. Instructions on the order of priority for protection for motor vehicles in open camps during the winter. Copy attached to the War Diary as Appendix No. 10.
b. Amendment No. 1 to Schedule of Winter Accommodation. Copy attached to War Diary as Appendix No. 11.
14 September 1940 – Reykjavik, Iceland.
(1) The remaining nine “BATTLE” aircraft of 98 Squadron, RAF arrived from the UK at Kaldadarnes aerodrome accompanied by two “SUNDERLAND” flying boats. One was reported to have fallen into the sea near 62 degrees 40 minutes North, 170 degrees 0 minutes West and arrangements were made for a search to be made. This aircraft eventually reached the aerodrome but overturned on landing without serious injury to the aircraft or crew. The remaining aircraft landed safely.
(2) At first light 98 Bomber Squadron RAF started to search for the missing aircraft in which Lt Col H L Davies (G.S.O.1) was travelling to AKUREYRI. Visibility over most of the route was good but within 25 miles of MELGERDI landing field the weather was extremely bad, sleet falling and ice forming on the windscreens. Ground search parties were sent out from AKUREYRI to cover the region over which aircraft could not fly and in the South two search parties were sent out at approximately 12:15 hours, one from 147 Infantry Brigade up the HVITA river valley along which a road runs as far as HVERAVELLIR, and the other one from “Z” Force, C.A.S.F. up the PJORSA river valley which would have to proceed by pony. A report was received during the morning that an aircraft had been heard by a farmer at GRIMSFALL (65 degrees 20 minutes North, 17 degrees 25 minutes West) at about 17:30 hours yesterday.
The aircraft was located about 12:30 hours on the Southern slopes of HOFSJOKULL (64 degrees 37 minutes North, 19 degrees 0 minutes West) in a rather inaccessible spot. The undercarriage was down and it appeared to have made a successful landing in circumstances which should not have caused injury to the occupants. On receipt of this message the search party from 147 Infantry Brigade was advised and instructed to attempt to cross the range of mountains from the HVITA valley to the spot where the aircraft had been seen, while the party from “Z” Force would continue up the PJORSA valley. Captain P C N STURT (G.S.O.III) and Lt ALLEN (Interpreter) subsequently left to proceed to ASOLFSSTADIR (the last telephone post) to act as a liaison with Force HQ and the party from “Z” Force. The position at nightfall was that the search parties from 146 Infantry Brigade had been withdrawn, the party from 147 Infantry Brigade after some difficulty had left a base camp at SOELUHUS and established a forward camp on the road to HVERAVELLIR at the point nearest the crash, and the party from “Z” Force had reached ASOLFSSTADIR and were collecting ponies to proceed on the following day. All parties were in Wireless Telegraphy (W/T) communication with Force HQ.
(3) The collier “GREENLAND” reached Reykjavik with a cargo of coal.
(4) Intelligence Summary No. 17 was issued. Copy attached to the War Diary as Appendix No. 12.
15 September 1940 – Reykjavik, Iceland.
(1) The search for Lt Col H L Davies (G.S.O.1) and the pilot of the aircraft continued, both by means of the ground parties and from the air. By mid-day the party from 147 Infantry Brigade had commenced to cross the range to where the aircraft lay and the party from “Z” Force C.A.S.F. had assembled 27 ponies and two guides and were striking up the PJORSA valley. Lt Col Davies and the pilot were met in the PJORSA valley 16:00 hours, having marched some thirty five miles down the valley to the place where they were met, and were safe and well. Arrangements were made for aircraftsmen from 98 Squadron RAF to be attached to each party and that the parties should proceed to the aircraft to recover the AKUREYRI mail, such portions of the aircraft and instruments as could be salvaged and generally recce that section of the interior.
(2) The two “SUNDERLAND” flying boats left Reykjavik for the UK, one being delayed until approximately 14:30 hours owing to engine trouble.
16 September 1940 – Reykjavik, Iceland.
(1) Lt Col Davies (G.S.O.1) reached Force HQ.
(2) The convoy consisting of H M T “ULSTER MONARCH” and “CHITRAL” reached Reykjavik with the 10th DLI, 16 D.I.D. and other troops for reinforcements. The Detachment 10th DLI on board H M T “CHITRAL” were landed and accommodated in the Staging Camp.
(3) In implementation of the information given to the Icelandic Government through H B M Minister to ICELAND that access to beaches in defended localities would be restricted, Force Operation Instruction No. 21 was issued. A copy was filed with the War Diary as Appendix 13. This provided that :-
a. All persons approaching the coastline during the hours of darkness were to be regarded with suspicion, halted and interrogated as to their bona fides and if they refused to halt they were to be fired on.
b. In addition, all shipping which approached within 200 yards of a beach defended by troops were to be regarded as hostile and fired on. A copy of this instruction was forwarded to H B M Minister with a copy of the instructions it was suggested the Icelandic Government should issue, and it was made clear that the G.O.C. British troops would not be responsible if injury occurred by rreason of any failure by the civilians to observe these orders.
(4) The following was also issued :-
a. Addition to list of Code Names. Copy attached as Appendix No. 14.
b. Addition to Force Operation Instruction No. 17 (Signs on Vehicles). Copy attached as Appendix No. 15.
c. Force Operation Order No. 2 (further revised). Copy attached as Appendix No. 16.
d. Force Operation Instruction No. 22 amplifying the instructions relating to Western Sector. Copy attached as Appendix No. 17.
17 September 1940
10:00 hours.
(1) A Conference was held attended by Major-General H O Curtis, Major L F Heard (G.S.O.II), Lt Col C D Marley – Officer Commanding 10th DLI, Captain Oldham (Staff Captain) and Captain Wilkinson (Adjutant) on the tasks of the 10th DLI in the Western Sector.
(2) Further men from both H M T “ULSTER MONARCH” and “CHITRAL” were disembarked and are lodging in the Staging Camp. HQ 10th DLI remained on board H M T “ULSTER MONARCH”.
(3) Representations having been made through H B M Minister to ICELAND that the Icelandic Government had not had time to advise the civil population of the provisions of Force Operation Instruction No. 21 (Appendix No. 13) on restricted beaches all concerned were advised and instructed that for the following two nights particular care should be taken to ensure that no unfortunate incident took place.
(4) The party from “Z” Force proceeding to the “BATTLE” aircraft on HOFSJOKULL reached the aircraft. The party from 147 Infantry Brigade were then within approximately four miles of it.
(5) The three “BATTLE” aircraft at MELGERDI North East Sector returned safely to Kaldadarnes. The ground party remained.
(6) The following were issued :-
a. Amendment to Force Operation Instruction No. 11 (Immobilisation of Oil and Petrol Installations). Attached to the War Diary as Appendix No. 18.
b. Operation Instruction No. 23 on occupation of VESTMANNAEYJAR. Copy attached to War Diary as Appendix No. 19.
18 September 1940 – Reykjavik, Iceland.
(1) A conference was held on the subject of communications with aircraft including the use of cipher.
(2) Two instances of No. 1 Fire Command not having received notification of the movement of shipping having occurred F.O.I.C. ICELAND was requested to consider the institution of a daily shipping movement forecast to include all vessels naval and civil.
(3) KAREL VOROVKA (a German of Czech origin) the remaining German national known to be at large in ICELAND was taken into custody in Reykjavik.
(4) The following were issued :-
a. Amendment No. 2 to Force Operation Instruction No. 12. Copy attached to War Diary as Appendix No. 20.
b. Request for certificate of destruction of all superseded copies of Force Operation Order No. 2. Copy attached to the War Diary as Appendix No. 21.
19 September 1940 – Reykjavik, Iceland.
(1) Lt Col H L Davies (G.S.O.1) and Lt Col Marley, Officer Commanding 10th DLI left for Blonduos on a two-day tour of the Western Sector.
(2) H M T “ULSTER MONARCH” arrived at Blonduos and commenced unloading and disembarking of the troops on board, viz :- One Company 10th DLI (less one Platoon) the remaining Platoon being intended for Bordeyri.
(3) One Company 10th DLI relieved the Company 1/ 5 West Yorks at Akranes and took over that station. The Company of 1/ 5 West Yorks returned to the Reykjavik area.
(4) HQ 147 Infantry Brigade moved from MENNTASKOLINN, Reykjavik to huts at the Western foot of RED HOUSE HILL on the Hafnafjordur road approximately one mile out of Reykjavik town.
20 September 1940 – Reykjavik, Iceland
(1) Advance Party from 10th DLI consisting of 2 Officers and 50 men left Reykjavik and landed at Borganes.
(2) 10 Carriers and 18 lorries (including Light Aid Detachment - LAD – lorry) of 10th DLI landed at Akranes for distribution in the Western Sector.
(3) H M T ULSTER MONARCH completed disembarkation and unloading at Blonduos and proceeded to Bordeyri where she arrived and proceeded with the disembarkation od one Platoon 10th DLI there and the unloading of stores.
(4) S.S. TORDENSKOLD left Reykjavik with 3 Officers and 50 men of 1/ 5 West Yorks and 1 Officer and 3 men of the R.N. coast watching service for VESTMANNAEYJAR to relieve the Platoon of the Royal Regiment of Canada C.A.S.F. there.
(5) Force Location Statement No. 9 (in three parts) was issued. Copies attached to the War Diary as Appendices No. 22, 23 and 24.
21 September 1940 – Reykjavik to Artun, Iceland.
(1) Force HQ closed at MIDBAEJARBARNASKOLINN, Reykjavik at 18:00 hours and opened at the same time at ARTUN Camp. “G” Branch and the Cipher Office completed their move and A/Q Branch were to follow tomorrow. The division of Force HQ is now as follows :-
E At ARTUN At Reykjavik G.O.C. C.R.E. (Ops) “G” Branch C.R.E. (Wks) A/Q Branch A.D. S. & T. C.R.A. D.A.D.O.S. Cipher C.O.O. D.A.P.M. R.N. A.D.M.S. R.A.F. and Liaison Officers Hirings Office Command Paymaster D.S.T.O.
(2) Movement of 10th DLI to Borganes commenced. It is estimated that it will take until 26 September before move is completed owing to limited accommodation available on the only ship capable of entering the harbour available.
(3) Instructions for Force Conference issued. Copy attached to War Diary as Appendix 25.
22 September 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) H M T “ULSTER MONARCH” returned to Reykjavik from Bordeyri having established the two posts there.
(2) S S “TORDENSKOLD” returned from VESTMANNAEYJAR with Platoon of Royal Regiment of Canada, C.A.S.F. after relief by Platoon of 1/ 5 West Yorks.
(3) Force Intelligence Summary No. 18 issued. Copy filed with War Diary as Appendix 26.
23 September 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) H M T “ULSTER MONARCH” left Reykjavik with various details for UK on board.
(2) S S “TRENTINO” arrived Reykjavik with stores from UK.
(3) Orders were issued as to the role of the NORWEGIAN Platoon now under training providing for their division between the four Sectors when their training was complete and that they should proceed to SEYDISFJORDUR after 1 October to complete their training under 1/ 4 KOYLI.
(4) Proposals containing the terms on which the Icelandic civil aircraft would be permitted to fly were sent to the manager of the proprietary company (W.A.A.C.U.).
24 September 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Orders were issued to Commander 146 Infantry Brigade as to the ground party of 98 Squadron, RAF at MELGERDI landing ground, providing that the ground should be kept open as long as possible and all stores and equipment left at AKUREYRI to provide for a speedy re-opening in the spring.
(2) The following were issued :-
a. Operation Order No. 4 on the subject of coast-watching reports. Copy attached to War Diary as Appendix No. 27.
b. Revised appendix “A” to Operation Instruction No. 8. Copy attached to War Diary as Appendix No. 28.
25 September 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) S S “BRUARFOSS” arrived at 08:30 hours from UK with reinforcements and reliefs for R.N. and R.A.F. establishments and in addition 9 E.N.S.A. artistes and two representatives each from Y.M.C.A. and Toc H.
(2) Force Intelligence Summary No. 19 issued. Copy attached to War Diary as Appendix No. 29.
26 September 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) The move of 10th DLI to Western Sector was completed today and their disposition is as follows :-
10th DLI (less two Companies and one Carrier Platoon) Borganes
One Company 10th DLI Akranes
One Company 10th DLI (less one Platoon) Blonduos
One Platoon 10th DLI Bordeyri
One Carrier Platoon 10th DLI (less one Section) Blonduos
One Carrier Section 10th DLI Bordeyri
(2) One Section 273 Field Battery, Royal Artillery, at AUDSHOLT (Kaldadarnes area) moved in to Hafnafjordur.
(3) Force Operation Instruction No. 24 on the distribution and use of Anti-Tank Mines was issued. Copy attached to War Diary as Appendix No. 30.
27 September 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Preliminary Conference held on the Force Field Firing Exercise proposed for 30th September and 1st October in the BREIDDALUR valley, North East of Kleifervatn lake. Notification also given to the Sherriff of the district that the area and the road from Hafnafjordur to it would be closed during the days in question.
(2) This valley was also recce’d by the G.O.C. and C.R.A. with a view to the choice there of a possible permanent firing and bombing range.
(3) Instructions given to formations and units concerned in manning road blocks for a re-consideration of the siting of road blocks and for their better marking during the hours of darkness in the winter.
(4) S S “ADJUTANT” sailed from Reykjavik to AKUREYRI with stores.
28 September 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) S S “KOHISTAN” sailed with personnel, equipment and stores for Coastal Defence Batteries in the North East Sector.
(2) Instructions issued to Commander, 146 Infantry Brigade on the orders to be given to the “V” and “W” Coastal Defence Batteries when established at SEYDISFJORDUR and REYDARFJORDUR pending the establishment of a naval interception or examination service. These orders are to follow the order issued to the Coastal Defence Battery in EYJAFJORDUR.
(3) Arrangements made for Force HQ to take over from 69 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, the responsibility for securing the Power House at ARTUN in the event of an emergency.
(4) Instructions given as to the construction of permanent “pill-box” defensive strong points in the Reykjavik and Hafnafjordur area, at Akranes and Brautarholt and at Kaldadarnes aerodrome during the winter. An experimental point is to be constructed first and approved before the remainder are made.
(5) Scheme for Force Field Firing Exercise on 30th September and 1st October in KLEIFARVATN area issued. Copy attached to War Diary as Appendix No. 31.
29 September 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) Certain proposals were made by F.O.I.C. with regard to the action to be taken by vessels in the event of an emergency, and a reply was made that while no objection could be seen to them and they could be adopted by the Force it was advisable that they should be put forward to the Icelandic Government through H B M Minister.
30 September 1940 – Artun, Iceland.
(1) The Force Field Firing Exercise was held in the Kleifervatn area as arranged and the G.O.C. and some 60 spectators attended. The narrative issued by HQ “Z” Force and a sketch map are attached. The weather was cold and there were some heavy showers of rain, not sufficient to interfere with the movement of Motor Transport. Copy narrative attached to War Diary as Appendix No. 32 and sketch map as Appendix No. 33.
(2) The Finnish steamer S S “FRITZ” en route from MURMANSK to NEW YORK has been detained in Reykjavik.
(3) S S “ZANALEX”, “NARVA”, “LESTO”, “CISCAR” and “EGRET” left Reykjavik in convoy for the UK.
(4) A draft regulation for vessels and aircraft clearance at Icelandic ports prepared by the Icelandic Government was submitted by the F.O.I.C. Iceland with his amendments. He was informed that it was not desired to make any further amendments with one exception, viz, that Icelandic Customs Officers should not give clearance at British occupied ports unless authorised by the appropriate British authority, but that the procedure laid down in Force Operation Instruction No. 5 would be maintained in operation.
(5) Force Intelligence Summary No. 20 issued. Copy attached to War Diary as Appendix No. 34. Appendices attached to the September 1940 War Diary of G Branch, Iceland Force.
None of the Appendices referred to in the text above are available – either because they had been “weeded” from the file at The National Archives or, due to their volume, had not been photographed. It is hoped that this is not too serious an omission.
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