MESSAGES MARCH 1942.
11-3-1942
To: M/T From: SN/A
enclosed herewith are W/T.1 and W/T.1A forms for HAUGLAND, M and SOLNORDAL, P.
In case of HAUGLAND, an effort is being made to despatch him as a wireless operator for a party leaving the UK on approximately the 3rd April. HAUGLAND is a trained wireless operator and as such should be good meaterial to work upon.
Could he be provided with:
1 Mark III or Vibrator set.
1 Para set.
Batteries, non spill type, which would be capable of being charged from electric mains.
HAUGLAND would be operating in the neighbourhood of RJUKAN which lies approximately 60o North and 2o West of OSLO.
Would you please let us know how this progresses and how early we should receive his set?
To: M/T From: SN/A
enclosed herewith are W/T.1 and W/T.1A forms for HAUGLAND, M and SOLNORDAL, P.
In case of HAUGLAND, an effort is being made to despatch him as a wireless operator for a party leaving the UK on approximately the 3rd April. HAUGLAND is a trained wireless operator and as such should be good meaterial to work upon.
Could he be provided with:
1 Mark III or Vibrator set.
1 Para set.
Batteries, non spill type, which would be capable of being charged from electric mains.
HAUGLAND would be operating in the neighbourhood of RJUKAN which lies approximately 60o North and 2o West of OSLO.
Would you please let us know how this progresses and how early we should receive his set?
MOC2/233 13-3-1942
To: M.P. From: MOC.2
M.Y.O
SN/A
We have at present, Container Operations for your Section in which containers have been painted white for the purpose of camouflage in snow.
Would you please let me know the approximate date when you wish to change back to normal dark green containers in view of the melting of the snow in the spring.
To: M.P. From: MOC.2
M.Y.O
SN/A
We have at present, Container Operations for your Section in which containers have been painted white for the purpose of camouflage in snow.
Would you please let me know the approximate date when you wish to change back to normal dark green containers in view of the melting of the snow in the spring.
MT.A1/1901 14-3-1942
To: SN/A From: MT/A.1.
HAUGLAND (26).
MT/S has sent the following reply with regard to this student's W/T training.
This man, as the country section stated, has already had some W/T exoerience and had therefore been able to take his place at once in the present school course which began on March 1st.
He will not however, be fully trained on our equipment, codes, etc before the end of May. Having him ready by April 3rd is out of the question.
I am rather at a loss to understand the country Section's request for equipment. Would you please ask them the following questions:
- Can Haugland work off electric mains?
- If so, are they DC or AC ( I think that all Norway is AC)?
- What is the mains voltage (probably 230)?
- If he can not get to mains, what facilities is he likely to have for charging batteries?
- Is there any objection to my questioning him on these points if he is likely to know the answers?
Rjukan would appear to be a difficult position to work from even with a Mark III and mains supply.
Is there any further correspondence on this matter I suggest that you write direct to MT/S through MT in the usual way.
To: SN/A From: MT/A.1.
HAUGLAND (26).
MT/S has sent the following reply with regard to this student's W/T training.
This man, as the country section stated, has already had some W/T exoerience and had therefore been able to take his place at once in the present school course which began on March 1st.
He will not however, be fully trained on our equipment, codes, etc before the end of May. Having him ready by April 3rd is out of the question.
I am rather at a loss to understand the country Section's request for equipment. Would you please ask them the following questions:
- Can Haugland work off electric mains?
- If so, are they DC or AC ( I think that all Norway is AC)?
- What is the mains voltage (probably 230)?
- If he can not get to mains, what facilities is he likely to have for charging batteries?
- Is there any objection to my questioning him on these points if he is likely to know the answers?
Rjukan would appear to be a difficult position to work from even with a Mark III and mains supply.
Is there any further correspondence on this matter I suggest that you write direct to MT/S through MT in the usual way.
To: D/CE.1 From: SN/A
20th March 1942.
Iodoform Grouse
I should be glad if the following story, which contains an important Code message, be transmitted on the BBC Norwegian news at 6.30 p.m. tonight.
"A good illustration of the deerioration of German morale amongst the military may be taken from the following story: - A German officer recently returned from leave in Germany. When he came back to the Hotel Ernst at Kristiansand, where he had lived for many months before his leave, it was noticed that he tore down a large photograph of Hitler which he had hung up in his room before leaving. The hotograph was thrown away on the rubbish dump the following morning".
Please confirm by telephone whether this message can be sent off, as proposed.
20th March 1942.
Iodoform Grouse
I should be glad if the following story, which contains an important Code message, be transmitted on the BBC Norwegian news at 6.30 p.m. tonight.
"A good illustration of the deerioration of German morale amongst the military may be taken from the following story: - A German officer recently returned from leave in Germany. When he came back to the Hotel Ernst at Kristiansand, where he had lived for many months before his leave, it was noticed that he tore down a large photograph of Hitler which he had hung up in his room before leaving. The hotograph was thrown away on the rubbish dump the following morning".
Please confirm by telephone whether this message can be sent off, as proposed.
To: MTS From: SN/A
21st March 1942.
Many thanks for arranging the test for SKINNARLAND yesterday afternoon. I understand from AD/S that his rate of sending is approximately sixteen w.p.m. and that he would not be able to be trained to the requisite speed in the short period before his return to his country.
You will note that this man omes from the area covered by "GROUSE", who is undergoing training with you now, It is very much desired to send SKINNARLAND back by air within a fortnight and if possible equiping him with the simplest type of set, code procedure, etc which he could hand over to the two trained wireless men who are working for him in his home area, so that he could instruct themsufficiently at any rate for them to be able to operate the set with a view to guiding the aircraft which would be sent at the end of April. This aircraft would carry the full equipment etc, which you are trying to get ready for GROUSE. Thus the enormous risk which we would otherwise have to undertake of getting in GROUSE and his set from the west coast (possibly losing the set as in case of ANCHOR) would be obviated.
It is very much hoped therefore that even though it may not be possible for him to be returned as a fully trained wireless agent in the short period, he could at any rate return equipped for this minor role. I find that when CHEESE, the best agent we ever had, was sent out, he was given only three hours training and instruction in his set, codes and procedure and was sent back to the field with full instructions in writting. Could something in that line be done for this man, so as not to waste his particularly useful opportunity of having an agent who can live in the open and is not suspected of having been to England.
This Section would be glad to know as soon as possible how much of the above mentioned plan can be brought into effect, so as to make preparations for the dropping by parachute.
21st March 1942.
Many thanks for arranging the test for SKINNARLAND yesterday afternoon. I understand from AD/S that his rate of sending is approximately sixteen w.p.m. and that he would not be able to be trained to the requisite speed in the short period before his return to his country.
You will note that this man omes from the area covered by "GROUSE", who is undergoing training with you now, It is very much desired to send SKINNARLAND back by air within a fortnight and if possible equiping him with the simplest type of set, code procedure, etc which he could hand over to the two trained wireless men who are working for him in his home area, so that he could instruct themsufficiently at any rate for them to be able to operate the set with a view to guiding the aircraft which would be sent at the end of April. This aircraft would carry the full equipment etc, which you are trying to get ready for GROUSE. Thus the enormous risk which we would otherwise have to undertake of getting in GROUSE and his set from the west coast (possibly losing the set as in case of ANCHOR) would be obviated.
It is very much hoped therefore that even though it may not be possible for him to be returned as a fully trained wireless agent in the short period, he could at any rate return equipped for this minor role. I find that when CHEESE, the best agent we ever had, was sent out, he was given only three hours training and instruction in his set, codes and procedure and was sent back to the field with full instructions in writting. Could something in that line be done for this man, so as not to waste his particularly useful opportunity of having an agent who can live in the open and is not suspected of having been to England.
This Section would be glad to know as soon as possible how much of the above mentioned plan can be brought into effect, so as to make preparations for the dropping by parachute.
To: MO/B From: SN/A
22nd March 1942.
Grouse
It is desired to drop the organiser for the above mentioned wireless operator by parachute in the close neighbourhood of RJUKAN, approximately 69o30' and 10o east.
This operation would have to be completed before the 9th April. The agent has never jumped before, but is an extremely healthy athlete and owing to the very special circumstances concerning his work, he asked to be dropped as stated above. He will take with him one small wireless set and a suitcase of clothing.
Would you please inform me as soon as possible whether you consider it possible to carry out this operation.
22nd March 1942.
Grouse
It is desired to drop the organiser for the above mentioned wireless operator by parachute in the close neighbourhood of RJUKAN, approximately 69o30' and 10o east.
This operation would have to be completed before the 9th April. The agent has never jumped before, but is an extremely healthy athlete and owing to the very special circumstances concerning his work, he asked to be dropped as stated above. He will take with him one small wireless set and a suitcase of clothing.
Would you please inform me as soon as possible whether you consider it possible to carry out this operation.
To: SN/A DCE.5/KV/729
From: D/CE.5 27th March 1942
I have been in touch with the BBC and I find that they are agreeable to alter the introduction to the 06.30 Norwegian News to, "This is the latest news from London". I have told the BBC that we will let them know when we wish this alteration to be made. I presume that you will let this Section know when you wish the BBC to make the announcement.
From: D/CE.5 27th March 1942
I have been in touch with the BBC and I find that they are agreeable to alter the introduction to the 06.30 Norwegian News to, "This is the latest news from London". I have told the BBC that we will let them know when we wish this alteration to be made. I presume that you will let this Section know when you wish the BBC to make the announcement.
28th March, 1942
OPERATION "GROUSE"
Instructions
SKINNARLAND will report to PALMSTROM in OSLO, who originally sent him over and hand over the arms.
SKINNARLAND will inform him that the RJUKAN area of TELEMARK is to be provided with wireless communication direct to England and that an organisation is to be built up, if possible, entirely independent of other organisations in Norway.
He is to explain that this decision has been taken solely on the grounds of security.
SKINNARLAND will expect the remainder of "GROUSE" arms instructors, wireless operator and set to be dropped approximately at the end of April near LANGSJØ, or to be landed on the west coast. In either event, SKINNARLAND will be warned of their impending arrival by Iodo Form in the following manner:
The announcer on the Norwegian News at 06.30 p.m. will say on the night that the operation may be expected "This is the latest news from London" instead of the usual opening announcement "This is the news from London".
The party going to join "GROUSE" are to report to him at a hut known to Haugland at LANGSJØ, or if they do not meet there, they are to send a message to TORSTEIN SKINNARLAND, at MosVANN, who will expect them to use the following pass-word, they will ask: "Do you know Aunt Kjersti?" to which Torstein Skinnarland will reply: "No, but I know her brother".
OPERATION "GROUSE"
Instructions
SKINNARLAND will report to PALMSTROM in OSLO, who originally sent him over and hand over the arms.
SKINNARLAND will inform him that the RJUKAN area of TELEMARK is to be provided with wireless communication direct to England and that an organisation is to be built up, if possible, entirely independent of other organisations in Norway.
He is to explain that this decision has been taken solely on the grounds of security.
SKINNARLAND will expect the remainder of "GROUSE" arms instructors, wireless operator and set to be dropped approximately at the end of April near LANGSJØ, or to be landed on the west coast. In either event, SKINNARLAND will be warned of their impending arrival by Iodo Form in the following manner:
The announcer on the Norwegian News at 06.30 p.m. will say on the night that the operation may be expected "This is the latest news from London" instead of the usual opening announcement "This is the news from London".
The party going to join "GROUSE" are to report to him at a hut known to Haugland at LANGSJØ, or if they do not meet there, they are to send a message to TORSTEIN SKINNARLAND, at MosVANN, who will expect them to use the following pass-word, they will ask: "Do you know Aunt Kjersti?" to which Torstein Skinnarland will reply: "No, but I know her brother".
Date: 29th March 1942 MOST SECRET
Copy no: 1/3
REPORT ON OPERATION UNDERTAKEN BY 138 SQUADRON ON NIGHT:
Name of Operation: GROUSE.
Result: Completed.
Aircraft: Whitley No: 9287
Crew: 1st Pilot: P/O Smith F/Gunner:
2nd Pilot: P/O Tinley R/Gunner: F/Sgt. Bruxton.
Observer: P/O McFadden Despatcher: Sgt. Fox.
W/Operator: F/Sgt Bramlet F/Engineer:
Personnel & Equipment carried:
Personnel:
Statichutes: TypeA/Lge: Type A/Sm:
Packages: 1 Pigeons: - Containers: 1
Leaflets: Bombs: -
Instructions to Despatcher: Drop passenger with containers and packages at dropping point.
Instructions to Captain of A/c:
Area: Norway
Pin Point: 59o 55' 00" N
08o 16' 00" E
Alternative pin point: None.
Action if pinpoint not located: Any suitable point within 20km of point.
Reception arrangement: None.
Times:
Arrival of containers at Aerodrome:
Arrival of personnel att Aerodrome:
Take-off: Kinloss 2110 hrs.
Over target: 2344/0012 hrs.
Landing: Acklington 0422 hrs
Action taken on landing away from base: Phone result from Acklington to base.
Captain's Report:
Was exact pin point found: Yes.
Estimated dropping point: Container at pinpoint, passenger as des-
Description by Capt. of target pin point: Easily recognisable again by moonlight.
Recommended for further use.
Category recommended( A. B or C) B
Reception lights: Report by Capt. indicating suggested improvements, if necessary: -
Report by Despatcher: Our receving green light, tried to get passenger to jump, but at first he refused and made several counter suggestions, all contradictory. He did not want to put his legs down the hole and showed very little
taste for his job, Aircraft flew backwards and forwards for twenty minutes before he was induced to jump, on being told that the a/c could not fly about any longer.
Number of chutes seen by R/Gunner to open: Estimated that he landed finally about 2/4 miles S.W. of container.
Bombs/Leaflets dropped at: -
Enemy opposition: Nil.
Meteological conditions: No cloud, visibility excellent.
Report by Captain: Made landfall between SOLE and STAVANGER. Meeting no opposition, at 8000' and proceed overland to ARAKS FJORD and from there straight to pinpoint, map-reading all the way. Container dropped on pinpoint, but trouble experienced with passenger, as described above by despatcher. He kept aircraft flying up and down over pinpoint about half an hour before deciding to "play". He finally jumped when aircraft at an estimated distance of between 2 and 4 miles S.W. of pinpoint. About a mile to North and also a mile to South, there were clusters of three lights, apparently from cottages. Then proceeded to Acklington, leaving Norwegian coast at EGERTON ISLAND.
Signed R.C. HOCKEY S/Ldr.
Copy no: 1/3
REPORT ON OPERATION UNDERTAKEN BY 138 SQUADRON ON NIGHT:
Name of Operation: GROUSE.
Result: Completed.
Aircraft: Whitley No: 9287
Crew: 1st Pilot: P/O Smith F/Gunner:
2nd Pilot: P/O Tinley R/Gunner: F/Sgt. Bruxton.
Observer: P/O McFadden Despatcher: Sgt. Fox.
W/Operator: F/Sgt Bramlet F/Engineer:
Personnel & Equipment carried:
Personnel:
Statichutes: TypeA/Lge: Type A/Sm:
Packages: 1 Pigeons: - Containers: 1
Leaflets: Bombs: -
Instructions to Despatcher: Drop passenger with containers and packages at dropping point.
Instructions to Captain of A/c:
Area: Norway
Pin Point: 59o 55' 00" N
08o 16' 00" E
Alternative pin point: None.
Action if pinpoint not located: Any suitable point within 20km of point.
Reception arrangement: None.
Times:
Arrival of containers at Aerodrome:
Arrival of personnel att Aerodrome:
Take-off: Kinloss 2110 hrs.
Over target: 2344/0012 hrs.
Landing: Acklington 0422 hrs
Action taken on landing away from base: Phone result from Acklington to base.
Captain's Report:
Was exact pin point found: Yes.
Estimated dropping point: Container at pinpoint, passenger as des-
Description by Capt. of target pin point: Easily recognisable again by moonlight.
Recommended for further use.
Category recommended( A. B or C) B
Reception lights: Report by Capt. indicating suggested improvements, if necessary: -
Report by Despatcher: Our receving green light, tried to get passenger to jump, but at first he refused and made several counter suggestions, all contradictory. He did not want to put his legs down the hole and showed very little
taste for his job, Aircraft flew backwards and forwards for twenty minutes before he was induced to jump, on being told that the a/c could not fly about any longer.
Number of chutes seen by R/Gunner to open: Estimated that he landed finally about 2/4 miles S.W. of container.
Bombs/Leaflets dropped at: -
Enemy opposition: Nil.
Meteological conditions: No cloud, visibility excellent.
Report by Captain: Made landfall between SOLE and STAVANGER. Meeting no opposition, at 8000' and proceed overland to ARAKS FJORD and from there straight to pinpoint, map-reading all the way. Container dropped on pinpoint, but trouble experienced with passenger, as described above by despatcher. He kept aircraft flying up and down over pinpoint about half an hour before deciding to "play". He finally jumped when aircraft at an estimated distance of between 2 and 4 miles S.W. of pinpoint. About a mile to North and also a mile to South, there were clusters of three lights, apparently from cottages. Then proceeded to Acklington, leaving Norwegian coast at EGERTON ISLAND.
Signed R.C. HOCKEY S/Ldr.
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