A CONVOY has set sail for Shetland to honour the merchant sailors and special forces during the Second World War.
The Liberation Convoy, made up four fishing boats which carried refugees from Nazi-occupied Norway to the UK during the war, departed from Bergen, Norway at 5am and are set to arrive at Lerwick at 6pm today. The event is taking place as part of VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations.
During the war the small fleet was known as the Shetland Bus. The boats helped people escape before returning with Norwegian special forces personnel trained by the British, and equipment to sabotage the Nazis.
Hallvard Klungtveit, captain of the Hestmanden (Image: Liberation Convoy) Morten Neset, captain of Arnefjord, which was assigned to transport duties in the Shetland Bus fleet, said: “The importance of the war sailors and the Shetland Bus to the Allies’ war effort cannot be exaggerated.
“Their targeted actions helped unnerve Hitler, who kept more than 300,000 soldiers stationed in Norway, fearing an allied invasion. We are forever grateful for their sacrifice, and for the UK’s unwavering support and friendship.”
Morton Neset, captain of the Arnefjord (Image: Liberation Convoy) The convoy of vessels will be led by a historic merchant ship, which is now a floating museum, to represent the fallen sailors. The Hestmanden was one of 1000 Norwegian merchant ships that brought food, medicine, fuel and arms to the Allies.
Historians, volunteers, museums and other organisations informally put the convoy together, while the Norwegian Navy, Ministry of Defense, Chamber of Commerce and charitable organisations funded the event.