the Faroe islands

Discussion in 'General' started by raf, Nov 19, 2006.

  1. raf

    raf Senior Member

  2. spidge

    spidge RAAF RESEARCHER

    Another strategic island such as Gib, Malta, Shetland, Ireland and the Azores that played its part in wwII

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_British_occupation_of_the_Faroe_Islands_1940-1945


    dont seem to here much on the Faroes but must have been very important in the battle of the atlantic...
    :cheers:

    Well done RAF.

    These are the sort of happenings that I have been introducing to the
    "Would You Believe or Did You Know" thread in "The Barracks".

    There are many events that are either not well known or never discussed.
     
  3. Tony BARNES

    Tony BARNES Member

    Hi, I'm a new member who specializes in researching the British occupation of the Faroe Islands in WW2. In 2012, I completed a book on the Army's presence on the islands 'The Faroe Islands Force, 1940-45'. If any member would like a free copy in Adobe Reader (.pdf) format, please email me at ajdlbarnes@btinternet.com and I'll send details. I'm currently researching the presence of the RN and RM on the islands in WW2 and would be pleased to hear from any member who has anything to offer on the subject.
     
    smdarby and Owen like this.
  4. Tony BARNES

    Tony BARNES Member

    The RN on the Faroes in WW2. In a report about planned anti-submarine defences for a deep water fjord in the Faroes, the abbreviation 'HDPC' is used and qualified by a statement that '....4 of which will be needed, preferably drifters'. So it appears that an 'HDPC' was a type on naval armed trawler. In addition, the term 'AT Baffle' is also used and it appears to be a type of anti-submarine measure in that it needs to be '....about 600 yds in length and in an easterly direction'. Does anyone know what the abbreviation 'HDPC' stood for and what an 'AT Baffle' was?
     
  5. Vintage Wargaming

    Vintage Wargaming Well-Known Member

    Don't know but could HDPC be Harbour Defence Patrol Craft?
     
  6. Tricky Dicky

    Tricky Dicky Don'tre member

  7. Tony BARNES

    Tony BARNES Member

    Hi Guys,
    Many thanks.
    Both meanings fit in well with the substance of the Admiralty report.
     
  8. Tony BARNES

    Tony BARNES Member

    The RN in the Faroes Area/The Northern Barrage. I'm trying to find the locations of the Northern Barrage minefields which were laid on minelaying operations SN7A, SN7B and SN68A in Feb 1941. As you'll note from Northern Barrage - Wikipedia the locations are missing! Does any one know the locations or where I might find them?
     
  9. Tricky Dicky

    Tricky Dicky Don'tre member

  10. Tricky Dicky

    Tricky Dicky Don'tre member

  11. Tony BARNES

    Tony BARNES Member

    Thanks TD. I'm sure I'll find what I'm looking for in at least one of the references you've sent.
    Regards, TB
     
  12. Tony BARNES

    Tony BARNES Member

    In an article about the RN on the Faroes in WW2, I've come across the abbreviation 'OD'. It appears in a statement about a Motor Launch crew at sea having revolver practice as follows: "...We threw a tin over the side to shoot at and all went well until one OD fired and then, with his finger still on the trigger, waved the revolver vigorously up and down. There was a bang and......" Does any member know what 'OD' might stand for?
     
  13. RCG

    RCG Senior Member, Deceased

    Might have been a typo and should be OR other ranks, that's assuming "we" were officers.
     
  14. Tony BARNES

    Tony BARNES Member

    Can any member explain to me the difference in WW2 between an RN Telegraphist and a Signalman?
     
  15. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

    I'm sure Hugh MacLean can , he's our resident Naval type.
     
  16. RCG

    RCG Senior Member, Deceased

    Just a guess but would a Telegraphist be the chap operating the telegraph morse code and all that.
    Signalman the chap who operated the Aldis Lamp ran up the flags, Semaphore etc.
     
  17. Tony BARNES

    Tony BARNES Member

    Was the qualifying period for RN Good Conduct Badges in WW2 3, 8 & 13 years and the badges were worn on the upper left sleeve of ratings up to and including POs?
     
  18. cate_x

    cate_x Member

    Hello! I no this is a long shot, but my Grandad was in The Faroe Islands during World War 2, in the Royal Engineers, 125 Quarrying Company (we think) he helped built the runway, he died in 2014 at the age of 93, but now i have a million questions i wished i had asked him. I am just looking for any information on what else he would have done! Thanks for reading :)
     
  19. Tony BARNES

    Tony BARNES Member

    Hi, Yes,125 Quarrying Coy was part of the force ('Burglar Force') on the Faroes constructing the RAF airfield and flying boat base on the island of Vágar. They were part of No 5 Command Royal Engineers Works (Aerodromes). There were a total of five RE companies in the unit, two of which -125 and 856 - were quarrying companies, as well as three special RE detachments; its total strength in June 1943 was approximately 1,200 all ranks. The other major Burglar Force unit was No 30 Group Pioneer Corps which provided the labour for the REs. The REs operated up to seven quarries on Vágar to provide stone for the construction units. 125 Quarrying Coy arrived on the Faroes on 13 May 1942 and left on 2 Sept 1943 on completion of their tasks.

    Did you know that, as your grandfather is deceased, you can now get a copy of his record of service from the Army Personnel Centre? It's quite a complicated process but if you're interested, email me on ajdlbarnes@btinternet.com and I'll advise you. Likewise, if you're interested in a copy of my book 'The Faroe Islands Force, 1940-45' email me and I'll arrange to send you a copy. Regards, Tony Barnes.
     
    dbf likes this.
  20. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

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