MESSAGES MAY 1942.
To: MO/B From: SN/A
5th May 1942
Operation Grouse
With reference to our memorandum of 15th April concerning this Operation, every effort is now being made to get these men ready to be dropped from the 9th May onwards.
It would be appriciated if we could be given an idea as to whether a Halifax or Whitley will be used, since this will effect the method of packing the stores to be dropped.
On the 16th April, in conversation with MO/B.1. it was stated that the Operation would be prepared by the 15th May. It will be seen therefore that the 9th is a considerable advance on this and is the best we can do.
5th May 1942
Operation Grouse
With reference to our memorandum of 15th April concerning this Operation, every effort is now being made to get these men ready to be dropped from the 9th May onwards.
It would be appriciated if we could be given an idea as to whether a Halifax or Whitley will be used, since this will effect the method of packing the stores to be dropped.
On the 16th April, in conversation with MO/B.1. it was stated that the Operation would be prepared by the 15th May. It will be seen therefore that the 9th is a considerable advance on this and is the best we can do.
To: SN From: SN/A
6th May 1942
Operation Grouse
MO/B.1. has just informed me that the Air Ministry have returned to their original plan of closing down from the 5th May onwards in respect of this Operation.
It will be remembered that at the Conference at Station XVII between the air Air Squadron and SOE, the point as to operation dates in Southern Norway was gone into at some length between Wing Cdr. FARLEY, Flight Lieut. GIBSON and SN/A.
It was agreed that north of the Oslo/Bergen line it would be unwise to carry out air operations inland in Norway after the early days of May. Below this line it was agreed that the nights would be too light for operations after the last days in May, until the latter half of August. It was felt however, that as low as RJUKAN it would be reasonable to carry on with parachute operations at least until 15th May, especially in view of the fact that the moon period would be over at this date and that conditions should be in many ways more favourable than at other times of the year.
It is suggested therefore that Squadron Leader BROOKS be reminded of this discussion, with a view to getting the Air Ministry authorities to reconsider their rulling, in view of the fact that Grouse Organizer has made all preparations for receiving the second GROUSE party and the difficulty in operating in that area from the Agent's point of view, unless they can have the summer months to get settled in.
The Operation is ready to start from the 9th May onwards, by which time the brightest nights will be over.
6th May 1942
Operation Grouse
MO/B.1. has just informed me that the Air Ministry have returned to their original plan of closing down from the 5th May onwards in respect of this Operation.
It will be remembered that at the Conference at Station XVII between the air Air Squadron and SOE, the point as to operation dates in Southern Norway was gone into at some length between Wing Cdr. FARLEY, Flight Lieut. GIBSON and SN/A.
It was agreed that north of the Oslo/Bergen line it would be unwise to carry out air operations inland in Norway after the early days of May. Below this line it was agreed that the nights would be too light for operations after the last days in May, until the latter half of August. It was felt however, that as low as RJUKAN it would be reasonable to carry on with parachute operations at least until 15th May, especially in view of the fact that the moon period would be over at this date and that conditions should be in many ways more favourable than at other times of the year.
It is suggested therefore that Squadron Leader BROOKS be reminded of this discussion, with a view to getting the Air Ministry authorities to reconsider their rulling, in view of the fact that Grouse Organizer has made all preparations for receiving the second GROUSE party and the difficulty in operating in that area from the Agent's point of view, unless they can have the summer months to get settled in.
The Operation is ready to start from the 9th May onwards, by which time the brightest nights will be over.
MO/NO/1200. 7th May, 1942
To: S/N From: MO
Reference attached note regarding OPERATION GROUSE. I have gone into this question in some detail with D.D.I.2 and have also spoken to SN/A.1. on the subject.
I am afraid that there is no doubt that this operation will not be feasible as late as 9th May. Figures at the disposal of the Air Ministry show that in the area concerned there is now normally 18 hrs of actual sunlight. To his must be added al least 1½ hrs. at either end to allow for the twilight period and a further 40 minutes for height. It will therefore be seen that for practical purposes there will only be some 2½ hrs of darkness available for the operation. The pin point is approximately 150 miles from the coast and to this must be added a further 50 miles in order to allow the aircraft to get out of the area in which Fighter interception is likely. For practical purposes therefore the aircraft has to cover 400 miles over enemy territory. This is considered impracticable in 2½ hrs of darkness when it is remembered that time must be allowed for finding the pin point and losing and gaining height before and after the operation. All this is assuming that the flight can be so timed that the aircraft can cross and re-cross the 50 mile line exactly at the moment required.
It was unfornunate that SN/A should have gone ahead on this operation on the basis of a conversation with Wing Commander FARLEY at Station XVII. Informal conferences such as these very often produce the wrong answer since the RAF officers concerned cannot have at their disposal all the information they should have and are therefore sometimes apt to say 'YES' rather light heartedly. It is for this reason that we have to put all pin points through the machinery of approval by Air Ministry.
I am afraid, however, that we were to blame in allowing the planning to go as far as it has and I am going into the question of why the closing date for this area was not given to you earlier.
To: S/N From: MO
Reference attached note regarding OPERATION GROUSE. I have gone into this question in some detail with D.D.I.2 and have also spoken to SN/A.1. on the subject.
I am afraid that there is no doubt that this operation will not be feasible as late as 9th May. Figures at the disposal of the Air Ministry show that in the area concerned there is now normally 18 hrs of actual sunlight. To his must be added al least 1½ hrs. at either end to allow for the twilight period and a further 40 minutes for height. It will therefore be seen that for practical purposes there will only be some 2½ hrs of darkness available for the operation. The pin point is approximately 150 miles from the coast and to this must be added a further 50 miles in order to allow the aircraft to get out of the area in which Fighter interception is likely. For practical purposes therefore the aircraft has to cover 400 miles over enemy territory. This is considered impracticable in 2½ hrs of darkness when it is remembered that time must be allowed for finding the pin point and losing and gaining height before and after the operation. All this is assuming that the flight can be so timed that the aircraft can cross and re-cross the 50 mile line exactly at the moment required.
It was unfornunate that SN/A should have gone ahead on this operation on the basis of a conversation with Wing Commander FARLEY at Station XVII. Informal conferences such as these very often produce the wrong answer since the RAF officers concerned cannot have at their disposal all the information they should have and are therefore sometimes apt to say 'YES' rather light heartedly. It is for this reason that we have to put all pin points through the machinery of approval by Air Ministry.
I am afraid, however, that we were to blame in allowing the planning to go as far as it has and I am going into the question of why the closing date for this area was not given to you earlier.
20th May, 1942.
Dear Mr. Tritton,
I wonder if you could possibly help me in arranging for some training in photographic and miniature camera work for a young Norwegian named Arne Gjestland who will shortly be attached as an official photographer to a branch of the Royal Norwegian Armed Forces.
Gjestland ia a well educated young man who has had certain experience as an amature photographer but is not up to professional standard. It would be most helpful if he could serve an apprenticeship of two or three weeks under an experienced professional photographer in circumstances where speed and accuracy are essential.
What I would suggest is that Gjestland should be attached to one of your official photographers and should go round with him using his own camera. He will develop his own work and shew his negatives for criticism to the official photographer, after which they can be destroyed.
I will be responsible for all questions of maintenance and travelling expenses so that he will only be attached to the official photographer for duty and no administrative complications need arise.
This man at present holds the rank of Corporal in the Norwegian Army, which means that he wears battledress with a green tab on the cuff with collar and tie. He would carry a D.R.10 A pass (issued normally to Allied Officers) and I could arrange for him to carry any other pass which you think is necessary.
I should be very grateful indeed if you could make enquiries in the appropriate quarter and let me know if there is any chance of being able to arrange this.
Corporal Gjestland is now in London and is available as soon as training can be arranged for him.
Yours sincerely,
Dear Mr. Tritton,
I wonder if you could possibly help me in arranging for some training in photographic and miniature camera work for a young Norwegian named Arne Gjestland who will shortly be attached as an official photographer to a branch of the Royal Norwegian Armed Forces.
Gjestland ia a well educated young man who has had certain experience as an amature photographer but is not up to professional standard. It would be most helpful if he could serve an apprenticeship of two or three weeks under an experienced professional photographer in circumstances where speed and accuracy are essential.
What I would suggest is that Gjestland should be attached to one of your official photographers and should go round with him using his own camera. He will develop his own work and shew his negatives for criticism to the official photographer, after which they can be destroyed.
I will be responsible for all questions of maintenance and travelling expenses so that he will only be attached to the official photographer for duty and no administrative complications need arise.
This man at present holds the rank of Corporal in the Norwegian Army, which means that he wears battledress with a green tab on the cuff with collar and tie. He would carry a D.R.10 A pass (issued normally to Allied Officers) and I could arrange for him to carry any other pass which you think is necessary.
I should be very grateful indeed if you could make enquiries in the appropriate quarter and let me know if there is any chance of being able to arrange this.
Corporal Gjestland is now in London and is available as soon as training can be arranged for him.
Yours sincerely,
154 Chiltern Court,
Baker Street W.1.
22nd May 1942.
Dear Arne,
Thank you for your letter. I am afraid it will be difficult to get you into the Befalskurser, but I will put the matter up to redacted SN.
Meanwhile, redacted SN/A is arranging the special training which we discussed when we last met and you will hear from him very soon as to what has been done.
I shall be away for a few days, so if you want to get in touch you should ring up redacted SN/A at Welbeck 5082.
Yours sincerely,
Major, Gordon Highlanders.
Hr, A. Kjelstrup,
Strand Palace Hotel,
Strand, W.C.
Baker Street W.1.
22nd May 1942.
Dear Arne,
Thank you for your letter. I am afraid it will be difficult to get you into the Befalskurser, but I will put the matter up to redacted SN.
Meanwhile, redacted SN/A is arranging the special training which we discussed when we last met and you will hear from him very soon as to what has been done.
I shall be away for a few days, so if you want to get in touch you should ring up redacted SN/A at Welbeck 5082.
Yours sincerely,
Major, Gordon Highlanders.
Hr, A. Kjelstrup,
Strand Palace Hotel,
Strand, W.C.
Befalskurser = Officer Courses.
To: SN From: SN/A
22nd May 1942.
Re Arne Kjelstrup
(Grouse Arms Instructor)
This man, an ex-scout and well tried Agent, asks in the attached letter whether he may fill in the intervening period before his departure into the field in August by receiving special training in Hjelle's Officers' Training Course, which he has heard lasts two months. He would also like to be sent to the Finishing School.
Considering that he has had rather a long stay at Aviemore, I feel rather loath to send him back there at once, unless we can give him someprospect of further training.
Do you think this could be arranged?
Hjelles 2 months Course has been cut down to 2 weeks and is now half finished.
He could go to Branbi but must get back at ... and not hang about doing nothing.
22nd May 1942.
Re Arne Kjelstrup
(Grouse Arms Instructor)
This man, an ex-scout and well tried Agent, asks in the attached letter whether he may fill in the intervening period before his departure into the field in August by receiving special training in Hjelle's Officers' Training Course, which he has heard lasts two months. He would also like to be sent to the Finishing School.
Considering that he has had rather a long stay at Aviemore, I feel rather loath to send him back there at once, unless we can give him someprospect of further training.
Do you think this could be arranged?
Hjelles 2 months Course has been cut down to 2 weeks and is now half finished.
He could go to Branbi but must get back at ... and not hang about doing nothing.
To: SN From: SN/A.1.
27th May 1942.
GROUSE
I have just arranged with SN/T that the two Grouse Arms Instructors (Kjelstrup and Poulsson), be sent up to STS-26 on the 1st June.
SN/T has agreed that they shall be trained in the 2 inch mortar, Vickers machine gun and anti-tank mines.
With regard to the 3 inch mortar, as i feel very strongly that some experience of this weapon may be of great help in the future and as the Training Section can do nothing about it, may I please send a 3 inch mortar that I have up to STS-26 for the boys to get used to? There are up there I believe several Fenriks, including Fasting, who have been trained in this weapon before.
Would M/T section have any objection to this? If necessary I can also produce some bombs.
It would be very good if your two men could get the impression that they were being specially trained, rather than just being sent back to cool their heels until they were wanted.
27th May 1942.
GROUSE
I have just arranged with SN/T that the two Grouse Arms Instructors (Kjelstrup and Poulsson), be sent up to STS-26 on the 1st June.
SN/T has agreed that they shall be trained in the 2 inch mortar, Vickers machine gun and anti-tank mines.
With regard to the 3 inch mortar, as i feel very strongly that some experience of this weapon may be of great help in the future and as the Training Section can do nothing about it, may I please send a 3 inch mortar that I have up to STS-26 for the boys to get used to? There are up there I believe several Fenriks, including Fasting, who have been trained in this weapon before.
Would M/T section have any objection to this? If necessary I can also produce some bombs.
It would be very good if your two men could get the impression that they were being specially trained, rather than just being sent back to cool their heels until they were wanted.
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