Iceland 1941

[Robert Bonner]

I have been watching & enjoying the BBC4 recently acquired Icelandic drama -TRAPPED. It s based around a remote and rather depressing small Icelandic township and it occurs to me that many of our Forum members will probably be unaware that 9th Manchesters spent several months there in 1941 between April and November.
Headquarters and B Company were stationed south of Reykjarvik with the remaining three companies stationed in the north, east & south of the island.  Lieut Colonel Bill Usher made the 350 mile trip to visit C Company three times.  The first by coastal steamer, the second courtesy of Iceland Buses and the third in a Ford truck.  The latter was a hazardous three day  journey having to cross fjords and lava beds.  The return journey was made by boat as the raised dirt road had been washed away

[Scottie3]

Hi Robert I am new to this forum but noted the Iceland connection to my dad’s story but he was in the 7th Manchester’s - could more than one Battalion have been in Iceland building airstrips etc???

Thank you.

[Scottie3]

Actually doing some more homework I find that my dad was first of all in the 1/9th Battalion before being transferred into the 7th so sorry Robert I have now answered my own question.

I’m enjoying reading the forum and when the MOD office in Glasgow is open again I will apply for my dad’s records.

[PhilipG]

Scottie3,

Good hunting.   PhilipG.

[Bradley]

My Grandfather was in Iceland.  I have photos of him and some of his comrades whilst there.
Are there any good records / diaries of the units time there?

Kelvin