MESSAGES AUGUST 1942.
To: MO.C.1. From: SN/A
5th August 1942.
GROUSE
In reply to your enquiry of this afternoon, the following are the heights of the five Grouse men:
Helberg 6'
Kjelstrup 5'10"
Haugland 5' 9"
Poulsson 6' 2½"
Gjestland 6' 2½"
Please note that Gjestland may not go with the first party, but the second.
5th August 1942.
GROUSE
In reply to your enquiry of this afternoon, the following are the heights of the five Grouse men:
Helberg 6'
Kjelstrup 5'10"
Haugland 5' 9"
Poulsson 6' 2½"
Gjestland 6' 2½"
Please note that Gjestland may not go with the first party, but the second.
To: SN S Sec. From: SN/A
7th August 1942.
GROUSE
Will you please let us have to following passes for Claus Helberg, a member of the Grouse party:
Legitimasjonskort -
Name Sverre HAUGEN
Born: 14-6-18 at Oslo
Present address: Schultzgt. 2, Oslo
Occupation: kontorist
Grenszzonen Ost -
Particulars as above,
but - 1) leave blank date and number
2) leave politidistrikter blank
3) Lensmanndistrikter is "Alle".
7th August 1942.
GROUSE
Will you please let us have to following passes for Claus Helberg, a member of the Grouse party:
Legitimasjonskort -
Name Sverre HAUGEN
Born: 14-6-18 at Oslo
Present address: Schultzgt. 2, Oslo
Occupation: kontorist
Grenszzonen Ost -
Particulars as above,
but - 1) leave blank date and number
2) leave politidistrikter blank
3) Lensmanndistrikter is "Alle".
MPB/505 8-8-42.
To: S/NS From: MBP
I am returning herewith the documents you require. Will you please inform me whether these men are organisers, W/T operators, etc.
Do you require us to engrave the die shown on the small yello Identity Card which we return herewith? This is the first time we have seen the dies on the Norwegian cards.
To: S/NS From: MBP
I am returning herewith the documents you require. Will you please inform me whether these men are organisers, W/T operators, etc.
Do you require us to engrave the die shown on the small yello Identity Card which we return herewith? This is the first time we have seen the dies on the Norwegian cards.
154 Chiltern Court,
Baker Street, N.W.1.
8th August, 1942.
Dear Gjestland,
After considering the new plans for sending an expedition into the TELEMARK area, it is felt very strongly that your specialised knowledge makes it necessary some revision of our original intention. It is now proposed that PAULSEN (Poulsson) will take with him a party consisting of HAUGLAND, KJELSTRUP and HELBERG. Their primary task will be to establish a wireless base and report on the present guerilla organisations which may exist in the area.
As soon as they are in satisfactory communication with HQ in the UK, it is proposed to send yourself and possibly HAUKLID with further stores for the organisation. Your main task would be concerned with propaganda and the gathering of intelligence, as opposed to plain arms instructing, which will be the lot of KJELSTRUP and HELBERG.
As you will remember, your area stretches approximately over the road communication connecting the west and east coast of Southern Norway. Many important strategic points come within this area, amongst others RJUKAN. On the eastern side, your area comes close to the most populated part of Norway, and touches the borders of the Greater Oslo district. In this OSLo district we have as yet, owing to numerous purges and arrests connected with the Central Organisation, not been able to establish satisfactory direct contact. It should be borne in mind, therefore, that if you are able to become efficiently equipped in all matters concerning propaganda, we may have to call upon you to initiate at any rate propaganda work amongst the younger members of the OSLO patriotic group, with special reference to student bodies.
This is also you will understand is necessary subject to chance, dependent upon developments in the field. One thing is certain, however, that the classes of society from which the leaders of the Central Organisation in OSLO have hitherte been drawn appear to be compromised very seriously. these classes are mostly officers and their relatives belonging to the military caste, and there is reason to suppose that many of them will be arrested long before they can take effective action. The students of OSLO may, therefore, be called upon to succeed them.
To begin with, however, on reaching your area you will concentrate on:
The gathering of intelligence indicating the trend of feeling amongst the loyalists round TELEMARK, also amongst QUISLINGS and Germans in your area.
You will prepare an organisation for spreading definite forms of propaganda amongst loyalists and enemies of your area at a later date, preparatory to possible guerilla action.
You will sudy methods of propaganda (pamphlets, circulars, rumour spreading, etc) which may have been utilised in the area in which you are working. After reporting upon your findings to HQ you will no doubt be able to improve upon the work which has been done locally.
The above, I think may serve to give you in general principles the lines upon which your work in the field may most usefully travel. As far as we are able to see at present the abobe-mentioned work should be able to be accomplished in a matter of two or three months as far as your own TELEMARK area is concerned and after that has been done you may still be in a position to remain in the field and then commence work on the OSLO area as outlined above.
If possible all this work will have been done through a number of cut-outs and you should therefore be in a position to return to the GROUSE area to supervise all matters concerned with the upholding of loyalist morale and depressing enemy morale, which may be necessary in time of action, supposing that to take place some time in the present year.
I hope the above in some manner satisfies your request to me over the telephone.
Much looking forward to seeing you next time you come up to Town, and please write me about any matters which may still be troubling you,
Malcom Munthe
Major
Gordon Highlanders.
Baker Street, N.W.1.
8th August, 1942.
Dear Gjestland,
After considering the new plans for sending an expedition into the TELEMARK area, it is felt very strongly that your specialised knowledge makes it necessary some revision of our original intention. It is now proposed that PAULSEN (Poulsson) will take with him a party consisting of HAUGLAND, KJELSTRUP and HELBERG. Their primary task will be to establish a wireless base and report on the present guerilla organisations which may exist in the area.
As soon as they are in satisfactory communication with HQ in the UK, it is proposed to send yourself and possibly HAUKLID with further stores for the organisation. Your main task would be concerned with propaganda and the gathering of intelligence, as opposed to plain arms instructing, which will be the lot of KJELSTRUP and HELBERG.
As you will remember, your area stretches approximately over the road communication connecting the west and east coast of Southern Norway. Many important strategic points come within this area, amongst others RJUKAN. On the eastern side, your area comes close to the most populated part of Norway, and touches the borders of the Greater Oslo district. In this OSLo district we have as yet, owing to numerous purges and arrests connected with the Central Organisation, not been able to establish satisfactory direct contact. It should be borne in mind, therefore, that if you are able to become efficiently equipped in all matters concerning propaganda, we may have to call upon you to initiate at any rate propaganda work amongst the younger members of the OSLO patriotic group, with special reference to student bodies.
This is also you will understand is necessary subject to chance, dependent upon developments in the field. One thing is certain, however, that the classes of society from which the leaders of the Central Organisation in OSLO have hitherte been drawn appear to be compromised very seriously. these classes are mostly officers and their relatives belonging to the military caste, and there is reason to suppose that many of them will be arrested long before they can take effective action. The students of OSLO may, therefore, be called upon to succeed them.
To begin with, however, on reaching your area you will concentrate on:
The gathering of intelligence indicating the trend of feeling amongst the loyalists round TELEMARK, also amongst QUISLINGS and Germans in your area.
You will prepare an organisation for spreading definite forms of propaganda amongst loyalists and enemies of your area at a later date, preparatory to possible guerilla action.
You will sudy methods of propaganda (pamphlets, circulars, rumour spreading, etc) which may have been utilised in the area in which you are working. After reporting upon your findings to HQ you will no doubt be able to improve upon the work which has been done locally.
The above, I think may serve to give you in general principles the lines upon which your work in the field may most usefully travel. As far as we are able to see at present the abobe-mentioned work should be able to be accomplished in a matter of two or three months as far as your own TELEMARK area is concerned and after that has been done you may still be in a position to remain in the field and then commence work on the OSLO area as outlined above.
If possible all this work will have been done through a number of cut-outs and you should therefore be in a position to return to the GROUSE area to supervise all matters concerned with the upholding of loyalist morale and depressing enemy morale, which may be necessary in time of action, supposing that to take place some time in the present year.
I hope the above in some manner satisfies your request to me over the telephone.
Much looking forward to seeing you next time you come up to Town, and please write me about any matters which may still be troubling you,
Malcom Munthe
Major
Gordon Highlanders.
Arne Gjestland
Born: 9 November 1918
Place of birth: Flekkefjord
Died: 8 November 1944
Cause of death: Missing aircraft
Place/Ship: En route to Norway
GJESTLAND, ARNE, student of economics, Tinn. Born 9 November 1918 in Flekkefjord, son of Chief Physician Sigmund Gjestland, born 1878 in Haugesund, and Thorborg, née Vonen, born 1890 in Trondheim. Married in 1944 in London to Eva Faye Bergh, born 1919 in Oslo. Took part in the fighting around Rjukan during the war in Norway in 1940. Was actively involved in the Norwegian resistance (Hjemmefronten) until he fled to England in September 1941 in a small motorboat. Joined Company Linge and died on 8 November 1944 when an aircraft went missing while en route to Norway. Mentioned in The Linge Company Roll of Honour 1941–1945. From “Våre falne” (“Our Fallen”).
Source: https://www.vg.no/spesial/2015/vaare_falne/
Born: 9 November 1918
Place of birth: Flekkefjord
Died: 8 November 1944
Cause of death: Missing aircraft
Place/Ship: En route to Norway
GJESTLAND, ARNE, student of economics, Tinn. Born 9 November 1918 in Flekkefjord, son of Chief Physician Sigmund Gjestland, born 1878 in Haugesund, and Thorborg, née Vonen, born 1890 in Trondheim. Married in 1944 in London to Eva Faye Bergh, born 1919 in Oslo. Took part in the fighting around Rjukan during the war in Norway in 1940. Was actively involved in the Norwegian resistance (Hjemmefronten) until he fled to England in September 1941 in a small motorboat. Joined Company Linge and died on 8 November 1944 when an aircraft went missing while en route to Norway. Mentioned in The Linge Company Roll of Honour 1941–1945. From “Våre falne” (“Our Fallen”).
Source: https://www.vg.no/spesial/2015/vaare_falne/
To: SN/A From: MS/O. Sec
11-8-42.
Reference my memo of 11-8-42 concerning GROUSE, will you please make the following alteration to the GROUSE ALPHA plan:
Home frequency: in place of 3630 D. insert 4060 D.
11-8-42.
Reference my memo of 11-8-42 concerning GROUSE, will you please make the following alteration to the GROUSE ALPHA plan:
Home frequency: in place of 3630 D. insert 4060 D.
15-8-42.
To: MPB From: SN/S
Your MPB/505 OF AUGUST 8th.
We do not wish dye engraving on the small yellow Oslo identity card which you sent us. So far as we can trace, this dye is seldom used. I have seen a pass both the day before and the day after the one which we discussed and neither of them have the indent stamp.
To: MPB From: SN/S
Your MPB/505 OF AUGUST 8th.
We do not wish dye engraving on the small yellow Oslo identity card which you sent us. So far as we can trace, this dye is seldom used. I have seen a pass both the day before and the day after the one which we discussed and neither of them have the indent stamp.
15th August 1942.
SN
GROUSE FOUR
Haugland 5' 9"
Kjelstrup 5' 10"
Poulsson 6' 2½
Helberg 6'
21st August 1942.
near Rjukan, approx. 17 kms WN.W. of Rjukan, and 3 kms S.W. of Langes Lake. 59o 55' 00"" north,
8o 16' 00" east. 500,000 Sheet N.E. 58/4 STAVANGER.
Two W/T sets.
Personal equipment and food.
London
It will be noted that on the original A.T.F.1. form dated 15-4-42 Gjestland was mentioned as being one of the party. It has now been decided to replace him by Helberg and Gjestland will be sent with a second party in October or November.
SN
GROUSE FOUR
Haugland 5' 9"
Kjelstrup 5' 10"
Poulsson 6' 2½
Helberg 6'
21st August 1942.
near Rjukan, approx. 17 kms WN.W. of Rjukan, and 3 kms S.W. of Langes Lake. 59o 55' 00"" north,
8o 16' 00" east. 500,000 Sheet N.E. 58/4 STAVANGER.
Two W/T sets.
Personal equipment and food.
London
It will be noted that on the original A.T.F.1. form dated 15-4-42 Gjestland was mentioned as being one of the party. It has now been decided to replace him by Helberg and Gjestland will be sent with a second party in October or November.
To: MO From SN/A
for MO/B.1. 19th August 1942.
Operation Grouse
Alternative Dropping Point
The latest information received from the field makes us consider that in the event of reception committee lights not being visible at the dropping place originally planned, it will be justified to make the drop at the point given below, without any reception committee lights.
Løkjesmyrene, approx. 35 Km. west of Hamrefjellet, which forms the promontary in Mosvannet.
Løkjesmyrene is approximately 50o 55' north 7o 25' east.
It is suggested, therefore, that the plane visits the original dropping place first and if it fails to see reception committee lights, it should proceed to the above mentioned point.
for MO/B.1. 19th August 1942.
Operation Grouse
Alternative Dropping Point
The latest information received from the field makes us consider that in the event of reception committee lights not being visible at the dropping place originally planned, it will be justified to make the drop at the point given below, without any reception committee lights.
Løkjesmyrene, approx. 35 Km. west of Hamrefjellet, which forms the promontary in Mosvannet.
Løkjesmyrene is approximately 50o 55' north 7o 25' east.
It is suggested, therefore, that the plane visits the original dropping place first and if it fails to see reception committee lights, it should proceed to the above mentioned point.
Grouse
To: Capt. H.L. Lassen R.A 20th August 1942.
Adjudant, STS-26
Thank you for the two Mount Everest tents sent to Capt. P.F.S. Douglas, which were safely received on
August 17th.
Secretary to Major M. Munthe.
To: Capt. H.L. Lassen R.A 20th August 1942.
Adjudant, STS-26
Thank you for the two Mount Everest tents sent to Capt. P.F.S. Douglas, which were safely received on
August 17th.
Secretary to Major M. Munthe.
NOTE FOR GROUSE AND GROUSE MESSAGES FILE
22nd August 1942.
Broadway, telephoned and asked if the word "GROUSE" meant anything to us.
Broadway have had the following message from one of their Stations:
"Grouse is in need of an ultra-short wave, and give further instructions. BAMSE".
SN/A SEC.
22nd August 1942.
Broadway, telephoned and asked if the word "GROUSE" meant anything to us.
Broadway have had the following message from one of their Stations:
"Grouse is in need of an ultra-short wave, and give further instructions. BAMSE".
SN/A SEC.
JRC/2 26th August 1942.
To: A.I.2.(c) From: G/Capt. G. Grierson
GROUSE 2.
We confirm the following suggested points for this operation:
SN/26
18 kms W.NW. of Rjukein Cat. B
3 kms South of Langesjaa.
59o 55' 00" North
08o 16' 00" East
Map Europa (air) 1/500.000 Sheet N.E. 58/4
SN/33
46 kms East of Late
28 kms South of Sandhaug
50o 56' 00" North
07o 26' 00" East
Map Europa (air) 1/500.000 Sheet N.E. 58/4
It is hoped that reception will be found at the first of these points, SN/26, but should this not be the case, party is to be dropped at the second point; although it is realised that the latter point is bad flying country it is the only safe district in which the operation could take place without reception.
for G/Capt. G. Grierson.
To: A.I.2.(c) From: G/Capt. G. Grierson
GROUSE 2.
We confirm the following suggested points for this operation:
SN/26
18 kms W.NW. of Rjukein Cat. B
3 kms South of Langesjaa.
59o 55' 00" North
08o 16' 00" East
Map Europa (air) 1/500.000 Sheet N.E. 58/4
SN/33
46 kms East of Late
28 kms South of Sandhaug
50o 56' 00" North
07o 26' 00" East
Map Europa (air) 1/500.000 Sheet N.E. 58/4
It is hoped that reception will be found at the first of these points, SN/26, but should this not be the case, party is to be dropped at the second point; although it is realised that the latter point is bad flying country it is the only safe district in which the operation could take place without reception.
for G/Capt. G. Grierson.
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR GROUSE.
31st August 1942.
Following upon the sending of Sergt. Skinnarland with a few arms and messages to the Signal Chief in Oslo on 28th March 1942, the second phase of this operation will now be attempted.
Intention.
Three men under the leadership of Sergt. Poulsson and a wireless operator, 2nd Lieut. Haugland, will establish a guerilla organisation in the Telemark mountains in wireless contact with U.K.
Method.
The aircraft will drop the party near Langesjaa, as follows:
18 kms W.NW. of Rjukein Cat. B
3 kms South of Langesjaa.
59o 55' 00" North
08o 16' 00" East
or
46 kms East of Late
28 kms South of Sandhaug
50o 56' 00" North
07o 26' 00" East
An iodoform message will warn Skinnarland of their arrival, by a signal in the Norwegian News. The announcer will say "Dette er siste nyheterne ifra London", instead of his usual opening announcement. If Possible Skinnarland will show lights at the first mentioned dropping place, to guide the aeroplane.
If this is not possible on account of too many persons being in the neighbourhood, berry-picking, no lights will be shown and the alternative place will be used for dropping. here, however, no lights can be shown.
The party should get in touch on landing with Torstein Skinnarland, Damvokter, at Morsvann.
Password: "Kjenner dere Tante Kjersli?"
Reply: "Nej men jeg kjenner Bror til henne."
On landing the party will store their containers as quickly as possible and make arrangements to show reception committee lights at the same landing place for the following night and successive nights up till the 4th/5th September. It is hoped to send a plane with supplies directly after the Grouse party has been successfully landed. the lights should be attanged as follows:
Thee red lights in a triangle, with the apex poiting downwind.
A flashing while light should be shown at the apex.
There should be approximately 100 metres between each light in the triangle.
Objectives.
The formation of small independent groups which are capable of attacking given objectives within the area bounded approximately by Haukelid in the West and Rjukan in the East.
These groups are to take as objectives only the following:
German telegraph and telephone communications.
Bridges and road passes along the road system connecting easter and western Telemark.
Prominent Hirdmen or denouncers working secretly for the Germans in the neighbourhood.
It should be made clear to the local guerilla leaders that they must not attempt to act in any larger formations than is necessary for the tackling of the above mentioned objectives. That is to say, no individual group should be bigger than about ten men and in certain cases where more than one group should act together, only the leaders of each group should if possible know one another.
The first objective will therefore be to train the leaders of various groups which may already exist in the type of arms and explosives we are able to send over from the UK. These leaders should then train their sunordinates. In doing this training, it should be made quite clear that this is not a sign of immediate invasion. On the contrary it should be pointed out that action may de deferred for considerable time.
The next step should be to send over by wireless details of suitable dropping points to the various objectives where arms will be required, and where facilities for conceeling the exist. All details concerning the number and stength of groups, the objectives they may themselves have thought out and the local arms they may possess for carrying out their plans, should be regularly transmitted by wireless. As soon as the Grouse party have established themselves and have contacts to the local leaders they should try their utmost to see that persons having connection with the Telemark Organization henceforth sever all connection with other Organizations in Norway. This is merely a matter of security and is to be taken as a guiding rule for all Organizations sent into the country.
On recept of satisfactory intelligence by wireless it is hoped to send two further Agents into the field.
Equipment.
K.M. Haugland will have: Legitimasjonskort and Grenzzone Ost in the name of
Knut Strand
No. 50163
Date 26-3-1941
Issued in Oslo
Occupn. Student
Address: Øvrefoss 8, Oslo
Born in Oslo 23-9-1917
J.A. Poulsson will have: Legitimasjonskort and Grenzzone Ost in the name of
Jens Dale
No. 50145
Date 26-3-1941
Issued in Oslo
Occupn. Mekaniker
Address: Keysersgt. 1, Oslo
Born in Oslo 27-10-1918
Arne Kjelstrup will have: Legitimasjonskort and Grenzzone Ost in the name of
Arne Kristoffersen
No. 9591
date 8-1-1941
Issued in Oslo
Occupn. Roilegger
Address: Kirkeveinen 21
Born 30-10-1913 in Asker
Claus U Helberg will have: Legitimasjonskort in the name of Grenssone Ost in the name of
Sverre Haugen
No. 83669
Issued in Oslo
Date 31-3-1941
Occupn. Kontorist
Address: Schultsgt. 2
Born in Oslo 14-6-1918
It is very strange that the sabotage action in the Heavy Water Plant is not even mentioned.
31st August 1942.
Following upon the sending of Sergt. Skinnarland with a few arms and messages to the Signal Chief in Oslo on 28th March 1942, the second phase of this operation will now be attempted.
Intention.
Three men under the leadership of Sergt. Poulsson and a wireless operator, 2nd Lieut. Haugland, will establish a guerilla organisation in the Telemark mountains in wireless contact with U.K.
Method.
The aircraft will drop the party near Langesjaa, as follows:
18 kms W.NW. of Rjukein Cat. B
3 kms South of Langesjaa.
59o 55' 00" North
08o 16' 00" East
or
46 kms East of Late
28 kms South of Sandhaug
50o 56' 00" North
07o 26' 00" East
An iodoform message will warn Skinnarland of their arrival, by a signal in the Norwegian News. The announcer will say "Dette er siste nyheterne ifra London", instead of his usual opening announcement. If Possible Skinnarland will show lights at the first mentioned dropping place, to guide the aeroplane.
If this is not possible on account of too many persons being in the neighbourhood, berry-picking, no lights will be shown and the alternative place will be used for dropping. here, however, no lights can be shown.
The party should get in touch on landing with Torstein Skinnarland, Damvokter, at Morsvann.
Password: "Kjenner dere Tante Kjersli?"
Reply: "Nej men jeg kjenner Bror til henne."
On landing the party will store their containers as quickly as possible and make arrangements to show reception committee lights at the same landing place for the following night and successive nights up till the 4th/5th September. It is hoped to send a plane with supplies directly after the Grouse party has been successfully landed. the lights should be attanged as follows:
Thee red lights in a triangle, with the apex poiting downwind.
A flashing while light should be shown at the apex.
There should be approximately 100 metres between each light in the triangle.
Objectives.
The formation of small independent groups which are capable of attacking given objectives within the area bounded approximately by Haukelid in the West and Rjukan in the East.
These groups are to take as objectives only the following:
German telegraph and telephone communications.
Bridges and road passes along the road system connecting easter and western Telemark.
Prominent Hirdmen or denouncers working secretly for the Germans in the neighbourhood.
It should be made clear to the local guerilla leaders that they must not attempt to act in any larger formations than is necessary for the tackling of the above mentioned objectives. That is to say, no individual group should be bigger than about ten men and in certain cases where more than one group should act together, only the leaders of each group should if possible know one another.
The first objective will therefore be to train the leaders of various groups which may already exist in the type of arms and explosives we are able to send over from the UK. These leaders should then train their sunordinates. In doing this training, it should be made quite clear that this is not a sign of immediate invasion. On the contrary it should be pointed out that action may de deferred for considerable time.
The next step should be to send over by wireless details of suitable dropping points to the various objectives where arms will be required, and where facilities for conceeling the exist. All details concerning the number and stength of groups, the objectives they may themselves have thought out and the local arms they may possess for carrying out their plans, should be regularly transmitted by wireless. As soon as the Grouse party have established themselves and have contacts to the local leaders they should try their utmost to see that persons having connection with the Telemark Organization henceforth sever all connection with other Organizations in Norway. This is merely a matter of security and is to be taken as a guiding rule for all Organizations sent into the country.
On recept of satisfactory intelligence by wireless it is hoped to send two further Agents into the field.
Equipment.
K.M. Haugland will have: Legitimasjonskort and Grenzzone Ost in the name of
Knut Strand
No. 50163
Date 26-3-1941
Issued in Oslo
Occupn. Student
Address: Øvrefoss 8, Oslo
Born in Oslo 23-9-1917
J.A. Poulsson will have: Legitimasjonskort and Grenzzone Ost in the name of
Jens Dale
No. 50145
Date 26-3-1941
Issued in Oslo
Occupn. Mekaniker
Address: Keysersgt. 1, Oslo
Born in Oslo 27-10-1918
Arne Kjelstrup will have: Legitimasjonskort and Grenzzone Ost in the name of
Arne Kristoffersen
No. 9591
date 8-1-1941
Issued in Oslo
Occupn. Roilegger
Address: Kirkeveinen 21
Born 30-10-1913 in Asker
Claus U Helberg will have: Legitimasjonskort in the name of Grenssone Ost in the name of
Sverre Haugen
No. 83669
Issued in Oslo
Date 31-3-1941
Occupn. Kontorist
Address: Schultsgt. 2
Born in Oslo 14-6-1918
It is very strange that the sabotage action in the Heavy Water Plant is not even mentioned.
weggum.com