The Faroe Isles Force 1940-45

[Tony Barnes]

I'm researching the Faroe Isles Force (FIF); my interest being that my deceased father served there as a conscript during WW2. It's been quite difficult obtaining details about the formation, mainly due to the fact that it was very much a backwater when compared with other theatres. I'm therefore emailing you in the hope that some of you may have had relatives who served in the Faroe Isles during WW2 with either the Army, RN or RAF. I'm particularly seeking photographs, documents and any personal recollections of service on the islands.

By way of background, the Faroe Isles were occupied by the UK 1940 to prevent the Germans getting there first after the fall of Denmark. (The islands were under Danish sovereignty at that time) At its height the FIF, a full Col's command, consisted of 1 x Inf Bn and 2 x RA Regts (HAA and Coastal) together with the other arms and services, particularly Engrs and Pnr Corps who constructed the RAF airfield, roads etc.

[michaelryland]

Dear Tony,

My grandfather, George W. H. Ryland, served with the Royal Engineers (5 CRE Works) in the Faroe Islands in 1942/3. I am planning to visit the Faroes in late August this year to learn a bit more about his experiences there.

I understand that you have written a book titled The Faroe Islands Force 1940-45 FIF. I would be grateful if you could let me know where or how I could buy a copy.

Thanks
Michael Ryland