The Norwegian War Sailor Museum docked in Leith last Saturday and is set to open its doors to the public on Monday morning. Stian Lunde, Museum Mediator, S/S Hestmanden, along with a team of volunteers, will be giving visitors a tour of the ship. One intriguing tale shared is that of a young teenager who initially planned to spend only two weeks on the ship but found himself stranded for six years due to Germany’s invasion of Norway. Many other sailors have similar stories of being separated from their homeland, making the museum a treasure trove of fascinating narratives. The vessel, which has transitioned from being coal-fired to diesel-powered, can be spotted from Ocean Terminal, positioned in front of Britannia. The Norwegian War Sailor Museum proudly stands as the sole surviving ship from Nortraship’s extensive fleet.
Onboard the ship, visitors can expect guided tours and exhibitions, including film screenings in two audiovisual areas below deck. The schedule for the coming days is as follows: Monday 26 from 11am to 5am, Tuesday 27 from 11am to 5am, Wednesday 28 from 11am to 5am, and Thursday 29 from 11am to 5am. S/S Hestmanden holds the distinction of being the only ship to endure both World Wars in the 20th century. A recent highlight was the arrival of a flotilla of ships commemorating the bravery of merchant war sailors and secret special forces as part of a Liberation Convoy. This convoy, which includes historic vessels that once participated in the daring ‘Shetland Bus’ during WWII, made a grand entrance at Lerwick just in time for the 80th anniversary of VE Day. The celebration of peace takes on added significance in light of current tensions in Europe, underscoring the importance of honoring the past.
The convoy consists of various wartime fishing boats, such as S/S Hestmanden, M/K Erkna, M/K Andholmen, M/K Heland, and M/B Arnefjord, which played crucial roles in ferrying refugees from Norway to the UK. These vessels would then return with essential supplies and trained Norwegian special forces soldiers prepared to sabotage the occupying Nazi regime. The convoy’s journey continued from Shetland to Stromness in Orkney, Aberdeen, and onwards to Edinburgh. Following stops in Newcastle, the ship will make its way back to Norway, marking a poignant tribute to the heroic war sailors who risked their lives during WWII. The close relationship between the UK and Norway is also celebrated through this convoy, supported by various organizations, including the Norwegian Ministry of Defence and the Norwegian Navy.
In a touching gesture, Norwegian and British dignitaries laid wreaths at The Shetland Bus Memorial in Scalloway to honor the brave efforts of the British-Norwegian resistance during World War II. The memorial, featuring a metal sculpture representing one of the fishing boats used in the Shetland Bus operation, serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the 44 Norwegian crew members who perished during the mission. The historical significance of Scalloway is further underscored by the presence of the memorial, paying tribute to the enduring legacy of the wartime heroes.
