AMERICANS IN ICELAND

Grey River Argus, 18 November 1941, Page 6

AMERICANS IN ICELAND

arrival at dawn. CO-OPERATION WITH BRITISH. LONDON, October 21. Just as the British Army arrived in Iceland at dawn more than a year ago, the first American Army has come to Reykjavik at sunrise, cables Montague Lacy from Reykjavik, Iceland, to the “Daily Express. The Stars and Stripes flew gaily from the armada of dull grey transports and warships, but there were few people on the quay—only some American marines and British soldiers on guard. The vessels had dropped anchor by the time the inhabitants of Reykjavik, after an early breakfast, crowded down to the front. They saw Major-General H. O. Curtis, the British officer in command of the Iceland Force, set out from the quay with his staff to greet the army. He went aboard one of the big transports to the cabin of Major-General J G. Bonesteel, who is commanding the United States troops The generals „ stayed talking for hours and had breakfast together. This newly-equipped force which will protect Iceland against German invasion comprises some of the U.S.A.’s finest troops. There are infantry, artillerymen and pilots and ground crews of the Air Corps. They have brought aeroplanes, tanks, guns of al] descriptions, and long lines of transport vehicles. The advance contingents came ashore in fast naval launches, clad in fur caps and coats with big fur collars. Then started some typical Afnerican hustle. Berthing of Transports Quays were commandeered, and the first transports were tied alongside. Hatches opened up, steam winches creaked as heavy loads were lifted overboard. London dockers who are working here rolled up their sleeves and helped the Americans The visitors were in such a hurry to get unloaded that several bales of foodstuffs fell into the dock and sank before they could be fished out. While this went on, Major-Gen-eral Bonesteel came ashore with his Staff. As his launch tied up a band played “Over the Waves,” and a guard of honour of the Durham Light Infantry stood to attention. General Curtis welcomed the Americans ashore as United States fighter aeroplanes droned overhead. The command of the Anglo-Ameri-can Army here will be on a basis of mutual co-operation, with Britain as predominant partner. The Americans have brought quantities of building materials, beautiful cooking ovens, and every kind of provision and soft drink. They will go into camp in Nissen huts already erected by British troops and American marines.

Last War Veteran The convoy had an uneventful voyage, surrounded all the way by large flotillas of warships. “It’s great to be here,” said a sergeant from the Middle West. “We are looking forward to this.” General Bonesteel, aged 56, veteran of the last war in France, has already banned a dance his Air Force wanted to give for the U.S. nurses. “We are here for business. Pleasure can come afterwards,” he said. Grey-haired, tall, outspoken, he received me aboard a transport. “Let’s hear you spell my name,” he said. I spelt it out. • “Correct,” he said. “We are all here together,” he went on. “This isn’t a question of an American or a British Army, and we have nof come for pageantry. We shall be short on ceremony, long on results. This is no time for fooling. As soon as my troops are settled in camp we shall have combined exercises with the British and

our marines. The morale of my men is fine. “They are all equipped with the Garand semi-automatic rifle, which develops firepower very quickly. The men had no idea when they left America where they were going, but they may have guessed it was somewhere pretty cold, as they were all issued with Arctic kit. We have snowshoes and skis.” In a message welcoming the Americans Major-General Curtis said that as a result of their landing, the (British were “enjoying the feeling of absolute confidence in final victory.” <

General Bonesteel replied, “Such a gesture of comradeship and goodwill from the veterans who have blazed the trail of Icelandic defence is a spur to our finest effort.” In the streets of the town now the white hats of the American sailors bob side by side with the redbanded caps of British staff officers. One of these was vastly amused when an American Army lorrydriver sang out “Watch it brother.” as the front wheels headed for the mud.