History / Norwegian liberation convoy arrives in Lerwick
A FLOTILLA of Norwegian vessels has arrived in Lerwick as part of celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
The ‘liberation convoy’ was sailing towards Lerwick Harbour on Tuesday afternoon having left Bergen early on Monday morning.
They were joined on their arrival into the town by other vessels including the RNLI Lerwick lifeboat and Viking longship replica Dim Riv.
It marks the first time some of the Norwegian vessels have crossed the North Sea since World War Two.
The convoy is significant in that it mirrors the movements of vessels between Norway and Shetland during the renowned World War Two Shetland Bus operation, which saw resistance fighters, agents and refugees transported between the two.
Some of the boats involved in the convoy took part in the Shetland Bus operation. One of the boats, Andholmen, features on the top of the Shetland Bus memorial in Scalloway.
Councillor Stephen Leask, trustee of the Shetland Bus Friendship Society, said all involved were “very excited” to welcome friends from Norway to the isles.
Photo: Malcolm Younger/Millgaet Media
“This indeed is a memorable occasion,” he told Shetland News.
“We share so much history, but in these days, as we reminisce together, we look to our future of maintaining these bonds of friendship.
“The fight for freedom against tyranny by all involved shows not only true bravery but also the resolve, resourcefulness, and resilience of humanity.”
The boats will be open to the public to view in Lerwick over the coming days – including the largest ship in the convoy, the 60-metre S/S Hestmanden.
The cargo ship is known as the “Norwegian war sailor museum”.
All five ships will be open to the public from 11am to 5pm on the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
It comes amid a week of celebrations and commemorative events to mark the end of World War Two, including a procession through Lerwick, civic reception and wreath laying ceremonies.
The vessels are expected to start to depart Lerwick on Saturday, with some returning to Norway and others visiting Shetland ports like Scalloway and Baltasound.
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