Shetland

Shetland.  What is the first thing that comes to mind? The Shetland Pony? (The little long-haired pony has been there for 4000 years!)  "Shetland", the TV series that is filmed there based on the books by Ann Cleeves?  After reading my post, I hope that you will also think of "Shetland Bus" whenever you hear "Shetland".  (And Shetland is situated in the North Atlantic between Scotland, Norway and the Faroe Islands.)

After Norway was invaded in 1940 by Nazi Germany, some 300 boats filled with refugees left Norwegian shores by heading west. The majority of these went to the islands of Shetland. If these boats could get to Shetland, then they should be able to return, it was reasoned. Those who returned could execute clandestine missions. This became known as the "Shetland Bus.".

So, the Shetland bus- not really a bus, but a wartime resistance movement using boats between Norway and Shetland.
"It was a dark and stormy night"...that is a phrase that should come to mind when you read of this because the most favorable conditions for entering Norwegian waters were on the darkest, stormiest nights, so that put the boats in danger not only from the Germans but also from severe weather. (However, such was the skill of those involved, I think I've read that no boats were lost.)  It soon became apparent that bigger, faster boats were needed. The U.S. Navy donated three American sub-chasers.  I found a video of the sub-chaser and it is much larger and I assume faster than the fishing boats that were used. I can't get that same video on here but I do have another one...

And please look at this link...Shetland. It is an excellent source of information.  While there, pay attention to the map showing the location of the Shetland Islands and that will help you understand the importance of the islands in relation to Norway during World War II.

Like many people, I used to only think of Shetland ponies when I heard the word "Shetland" but years ago, I read a book called "We Die Alone: A WWII Epic of Escape and Endurance" by David Howarth. The book is an amazing true story of Jan Baalsrud and his escape from Nazi occupied Norway. It is one of my favorite books of all time. It became a film in 1957, "Ni Liv", which means Nine Lives" in Norwegian. The author, David Howarth helped to set up the Shetland Bus and was second in command at the Naval base in Shetland. When he died in 1991, he asked that his ashes were to be scattered over the waters of Lunna Voe, Shetland  which was the first base of the Shetland Bus. His request was honoured.   


Why am I telling you about Shetland? Have I ever been there? No! It is because we recently discovered that Bill, Richard's father was stationed there in World War II.  Some 20,000 British troops were stationed there during the war and that number was greater than the residents. It was very much feared that Germany could invade Britain beginning with the Shetland Islands. (Therefore, the reason for all those British troops.)  There was a very large Nazi occupying force in Norway.  If you draw a straight line around the coastline of Norway, it would measure about 1,650 miles. However, with all the islands, fjords and bays, it measures over 15,000 miles. The Germans thought (incorrectly!) that the Allies might have their landings in the North Atlantic.


Apparently, from what I have read, the people of Shetland were very welcoming to the troops. Just as I hope Bill was able to hear the lady sing in South Africa,  I also hope that he was able to enjoy some of the local entertainment on Shetland. 

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I hope my research has been accurate. Please forgive any mistakes that I have made.  All respect and honor to all the brave men and women in the "Shetland Bus" and to all who served on Shetland.