The occupation of Iceland by British troops between 1940 and 1943 Cover Image

Zajęcie i okupacja Islandii przez wojska brytyjskie 1940–1943
The occupation of Iceland by British troops between 1940 and 1943

Author(s): Krzysztof Kubiak
Subject(s): Military history, WW II and following years (1940 - 1949)
Published by: Uniwersytet Gdański
Keywords: Second World Word; United Kingdom; Iceland; occupation

Summary/Abstract: After the German invasion of Denmark, Winston Churchill, then forming a new cabinet, de-cided to occupy Iceland. According to the British Prime Minister, this was an operation to prevent the Germans from establishing themselves on the island. According to Churchill, the Germans – who had been successful in Norway – had not only the opportunity and the right forces, but also the strategic motivation to capture Iceland. It should be underlined that, at the time, Iceland, which since 1918 had been an independent state in a personal union with Den-mark, declared the will to be strictly neutral. However, Iceland was not able to defend itself. Apart from about 150 policemen and Coast Guards, there were no Icelandic armed forces. The article presents the circumstances and conditions of the British “invasion” of Iceland and the course of the occupation.

  • Issue Year: 22/2018
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 135-151
  • Page Count: 17
  • Language: Polish