U-boats at Rekjavic 1938

Especially fascinating are the old photographs dating from early last century e.g. historical photos of Graf Zeppelin over Reykjavik in 1930 and German U-boats in Reykjavik harbour in 1938.
http://www.kalendra.com/themepacks/themepacksmain.cfm?RSID=0&


A bit of a curio. Wonder what they were there for? Perhaps doing Atlantic training maneuvers & refueling on the way home or? Be nice to see the actual photo-s.

http://www.benjidog.co.uk/battleships/HMS%20Rodney.html


In June 1930 Rodney carried a government delegation to Iceland in celebration of the 1,000th anniversary of their parliament the Althing.

Blucher; On the 6th April 1940 at Swinemunde, she embarked 800 troops, ammunition and supplies for Operation Weserubung

With this in mind it is interesting to note the British only used 746 Marines to take Iceland.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invasion_of_Iceland



http://irdp.co.uk/JohnCrook/iceland.htm

The Icelanders were sharply divided. Some were delighted to see British troops. Others were pro-German and could not stand the sight of them. No lasting friendships were made with Icelanders in this cold and barren terrain

This observation by Brigadier Procter illustrates the tension between many Icelanders and the British troops who were perceived as 'invaders'. Prior to the Second World War Germany had been preparing 'a special relationship' with Iceland because of its strategic importance.

They had a substantial 'diplomatic mission' which included large numbers of military experts and 'a hearts and mind' policy of investing in Iceland's infrastructure.