TRAGEDY IN ICELAND

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 February 1942, Page 3

TRAGEDY IN ICELAND

EIGHT BRITISH SOLDIERS PERISH OVERCOME BY SUDDEN BLIZZARD. DURING TRAINING MARCH. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, February 14. A War Office statement, issued in London this afternoon, says that about 70 men of the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry were involved in a tragic occurrence on the east coast of Iceland late in January, while on a routine training march over the mountains. Weather conditions were good when the men started, and remained so until they had almost made the last ridge, which would bring them within sight of their village. Suddenly they were overtaken by a severe blizzard, which so delayed them that they could make little further progress before darkness fell. Snow and darkness made it impossible for the men to keep together, and though most of them eventually reached a nearby farm, the company commander and seven others, despite the heroic efforts of their companions, died from exhaustion and exposure. The remaining 60 odd men, after receiving food and medical- attention, were able to return to their billets the next day. An Icelandic farmer and his family worked tirelessly providing shelter, food and clothing, till the rescue party arrived. The generous and unselfish hospitality undoubtedly saved the lives t of many men.