WWII E111 Northern Watch: Marines and the Iceland Mission
Most people don’t think of Iceland when they think about Marines in World War II. No battles, no amphibious landings, no dramatic last stands. Just a wind-battered volcanic island, frozen mud, sideways rain, and Marines pulling security in a place where the sun never set—and nothing ever happened.
This episode dives into the forgotten deployment that tested morale more than marksmanship. We’ll talk about the midnight sun landings, the endless working parties, and how Marines turned an unglamorous garrison mission into a blueprint for readiness. There were no medals for standing watch on a glacial ridge—but the small-unit leadership, the discipline, and the quiet grit these Marines showed laid the foundation for what came next in the Pacific.
*************
Visit HistoryoftheMarineCorps.com to subscribe to our newsletter, explore episode notes and images, and see our references. Follow us on social media for updates and bonus content: Facebook and Twitter (@marinehistory) and Instagram (@historyofthemarines).
Visit AudibleTrial.com/marinehistory for a free audiobook and a 30-day trial.
Thanks to Audible, we can give you a free audiobook! I have included my book recommendation at the end of each episode, but don’t feel obligated to select my suggestion. This offer is available to any of the tens of thousands of audiobooks offered by Audible. Regardless if you decide to continue your membership with audible, this book is yours to keep forever.
References
Bars in downtown Reykjavík ran out of beer serving thirsty US sailors and marines. (n.d.). Icelandmag. https://icelandmag.is/article/bars-downtown-reykjavik-ran-out-beer-serving-thirsty-us-sailors-and-marines?fbclid=IwAR0WclNelg-s7MtW8hti4zbQvKg7iUcds_wq_T4hXGOz58-GqzCLmtOti_Q
Bittner, D. F. (1983). The Lion and the White Falcon: Britain and Iceland in the World War II Era. United States: Archon Books.
Clifford, K. J. (1970). The United States Marines in Iceland, 1941-1942. United States: Historical Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.
Fairchild, B. (1960). Decision to Land United States Forces in Iceland, 1941. United States: Center of Military History, U.S. Army.
Forestry in a treeless land: Trees now cover nearly 2 percent of the country. (n.d.). Icelandmag. https://icelandmag.is/article/forestry-a-treeless-land-trees-now-cover-nearly-2-percent-country
G. J. G. (2021). Iceland in World War II: A Blessed War. Iceland: Sæmundur.
Kluger, M., Evans, R. J. (2021). Roosevelt and Churchill: the Atlantic Charter: A Risky Meeting at Sea That Saved Democracy. United Kingdom: Pen & Sword Books Limited.
Matloff, M., Snell, E. M. (1953). Strategic Planning for Coalition Warfare, 1941-1942. United States: Office of the Chief of Military History, Department of the Army. https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Grand_Alliance/tuHNCBDpQSQC?hl=en&gbpv=1&printsec=frontcover
Milestones: 1937–1945 - Office of the Historian. (n.d.). https://history.state.gov/milestones/1937-1945/atlantic-conf#:~:text=The%20Atlantic%20Charter%20was%20a,U.S.%20and%20British%20war%20aims.
Selective Training and Service Act of 1940, as Amended [1942].. (1942). United States: U.S. Government Printing Office.
Wren, G. R. (1996). Iceland in World War Two: A G.I.'s Memoirs. United States: G.R. Wren.