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Messages Page 3 - Starting Jan.-2003

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Dec. 26

From: Harold K. Gramstad

genealogy search

My father, Ross (Rasmus) Gramstad immigrated to the USA from Sandas, Norway. He landed in Quebec, Canada on the Empress of Ireland. This was sometime between 1895 & 1910. He was 17 yrs old at the time. We can not find any passenger lists of Nowegians that came to Canada on this ship nor any information on the Empress of Ireland.
I have tried various contacts here in the USA. they suggested we check the Canadian records.
Would deeply appreciate any information you can provide us.

Harold

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Dec. 25

From: Paul Arnkvarn

Thank you.....

My father died some years ago and though he was very reluctant to relay to us his wartime experiences he would at times mention a breakout he was part of from Goteborg to the UK. We never got hold of many of the details but we understood enough to know that it was a dramatic and traumatic experience for him. I happened upon your account of the operation and sure enough there listed on the crew of BP Newton is one Bjorn Arnkvaern, galleyboy. Needless to say, it was an emotional discovery for christmas day! I am saving the story for my young son whom will never have the experience of meeting this extraordinary man; but it is my hope that one day he will read this story about his iron-willed grandfather experiences and learn something about his roots and himself.

Tusen takk!

Paul Arnkvarn
Montreal Canada

ps. any other information you might have re. Bjorn Arnkvaern would be greatly appreciated. We know that he joined up with the Norwegian Air Force in Scotland (Squadron 333, i believe)

Paul is referring to the text found in Kvarstad Ships & Men

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Dec. 25

From: Sergei Vonmiglasov

Interesting indeed.

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Dec. 23

From: Michael Remme

Ole Jacob

You asked about information on the crew of the Ole Jacob. My uncle, Ola Remme was an oiler on that ship. He told me that when the crew was brought to Japan, the Japanese, then neutral, gave them the option of returning to occupied Norway or eventually arranging transport to an allied port. Those who opted to return to Norway were instead kept in Japan for the duration of the war. Ola opted for transport to an allied port, but the Germans required him to sign a document stating that he would not take up arms against Germany for the duration of the war. (in other words, he gave his parole). He made it to Hong Kong, then Canada where he joined the Norwegian Navy and was trained at Lunenburg in Nova Scotia. He served in the Norwegian navy until the navy somehow discovered he had given his parole, and told him he had to resign or risk execution should he be captured by the Germans. He then finished the war in the Norwegian merchant marine. He had married a Canadian woman and settled in Canada after the war where he was principally involved in restoring the fortress at Halifax. He died two years ago. My father was Kaare Remme, who was torpedoed on the Skotland on May 17, 4002 by a German submarine (Capt Vogel) outside the bay of Fundy. My uncle, Trygve Remme is one of the two bosun mates piping King Haakon VII off the Stord in a famous photograph taken when he returned to Norway at the end of the war. I had the pleasure of serving in Norway as an officer with the United States Marines and had my photograph in the newspaper standing next to King Olav during Teamwork 80 exercises in the fall of 1980. Your web site is great. Keep up the good work. Ha det bra! Michael Remme

(My question with regard to the prisonrs of Ole Jacob can be found in the text under that ship on the page "Norwegian Victims of Atlantis").

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Dec. 17

From: Dmitri Vagliano (Vallianos)

need your help

Dear Sir!
I found this message in your guestbook:

"Saturday, July 7, 2001.

From: Athanassios Akrivos

Ringulv-Lyngenfjord

Hello Siri, i came by your very interesting site while searching for information on my familys ships. The original owner of the Ringulv, A.S Vagliano was my grandfather, Keramiai is the name of his village of origin in the island of Kefalonia. I contacted mr. Setsaa who was kind enough to send me a clear scan of his picture, but now i see an even better one from the time it was called Lyngenfjord. Could you let me know were you found it?"

My grandfather, S.V. Vallianos (Vagliano) was shipowner from Keramie (Kefalonia) too.
That's why I want to find a contact of Mr. Athanassios Akrivos.
Unfortunately, you cut all e-mails from you guestbook. Please, send me his e-mail if it's possible.

Great thanks!

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Dec. 17

From: John Beaber

Thanks
Message: Thanks for a very well designed website. I really enjoyed my visit. Also thanks for linking to my webpage on your "Life in Imprisonment" page . http://ithascome.bravehost.com/index.html

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Dec. 9

From: Dr. Axel Niestlé

S/S Jamaica sunk by U 221

Dear Mrs Lawson,

While tracking down information on merchant sailors taken POW by German U-boats during WWII I came across the sinking of the Jamaica on 7 March 1943. According to the war diary of U 221, the 4th Engineer was picked up from the sea and taken prisoner after the ship had gone down. No other information about the identity of the prisoner is given. However, the war diary also notes that said prisoner jumped overboard on 21 March 1943 at 2215 while in square BD 3271. The entry on this incident reads as follows (my translation):
2215 General quarters for excercise. The captured Englishman [sic] has the believe that we are actually about to attack a destroyer and jumps into the water after I had him brought up on the bridge to get some fresh air. He had already expressed this intention previously several times.
2231 Crash-diving for excercise
2248 Surfaced.

From your information on the sinking I am aware that the 4th Engineer Officer was obviously rescued together with the other survivors. However, if the person taken aboard U 221 was in fact a British national, he must have been one of the two radio operator mentioned by you which were recorded as lost. I really would like to identify this man positively. Therefore I wonder if you could give me any further advice on this matter.

sincerely yours

Dr. Axel Niestlé

PS: wonderful website

Dr. Niestlé is referring to the info found in my text for Jamaica. This is the first time I've ever heard mention of anyone remaining aboard the U-boat as prisoner. It would be interesting to get this cleared up, and I will try to do so.

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Dec. 5

From: Kathlleen Snider

Convoy HX 223

I found the web site very educational.

My father served aboard the SS Pan Maryland in Convoy HX 223. I remember him talking about seeing the ship, Kollbjorg, as she broke apart in hurricane force winds during Jan. 1942. The SS Pan Maryland picked up some of the survivors. I am interested in finding out anything else about that convoy.

Thanks,

Kathee Snider

Here is my info for Convoy HX 223, on that page there's a link to Kollbjørg, which is listed here. In the text for Kollbjørg there's a link to Eric Bissmire's page about this convoy, which has some more details. This is all I can provide, if I had more, it would already be included in my text. The local library might be able to suggest some books that has info on this convoy (usually, books about the American Navy at war, and books about U-boats have plenty of convoy information).

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Dec. 3

From: Jos Odijk

Ship the "Botne" period 19.8.40 to 14.1.41

Thank you for puting so much info on the internet about the convoy period. It will help me to find more about an uncle of mine who died as a sailor on board of a convoy ship (I'm not sure which ship)
I found out my Uncle N.C. Odijk has sailed on the Botne (in his papers was mentioned Botni) a Norwegian ship in the period 19.8.40 untill 14.1.41.
How can I found out what voyages this ship made in this period (was the ship involved in convoys at that time) and where could I find a picture of the ship.

According to registrations he later (4.2.41)went to the Dutch ship Spar, and left the ship on the 16.3.42 for a ship from Panama, which did the convoy from Halifax to Archangel (Moermansk)
Odijk his corpse washed ashore in Norway and was buried in Tufjord 17.5.42

Greetings Jos Odijk
from the Netherlands.

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Dec. 1

From: Jean Hulbert

T.H. KVILHAUG

THANK YOU FOR GETTING BACK TO ME SO FAST. I HAVE A FRIEND WHO HAS TWO PAINTINGS THAT ARE SIGNED "T.H. KVILHAUG". SHE SAYS THEY ARE ABOUT 200 YEARS OLD. HER MOTHER BROUGHT THEM OVER FROM NORWAY. IS KVILHAUG NORWEGIAN? WE WERE HOPING THAT BECAUSE OF YOUR WEB SIGHT THAT YOUR FAMILY HISTORY MIGHT KNOW OF THIS PAINTER/ARTIST. I AM NEW TO COMPUTERS AND THE INTERNET SO I DON'T HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF HOW TO GO ABOUT LOOKING FOR THIS PERSON. IF HE OR SHE IS NOT FROM NORWAY THEN I WONDER WHERE HE OR SHE IS FROM. THE PAINTINGS ARE IN GOOD SHAPE--ONE IS A SNOW SCENE AND THE OTHER IS A SUMMER SCENE. MY FRIEND IS GETTING ON IN YEARS AND WOULD LIKE TO SELL THESE PAINTINGS. I THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR QUICK REPLY. GRAN

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Nov. 29

From: Jean Hulbert

T. H. KVILHAUG

I HAVE A FRIEND WHO HAS TWO PICTURES PAINTED BY T.H. KVILHAUG THAT ARE SUPPOSE TO BE ABOUT 200 YEARS OLD. THE PICTURES ARE FROM NORWAY AND SHE IS WANTING TO KNOW ANY AND ALL ABOUT THEM. ANYTHING YOU COULD SUPPLY WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

I'm unable to help with this

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Nov. 29

From: Linda

Liberty ships

I am trying to find some information on a Norwegian liberty ship that my father (from St. Cloud, Minnesota) was on during WWII. I have pictures of this ship and shipmates but all he ever wrote on the back was first names or nicknames of these people and then Panama Express. Which I think was just a nick name for it. I am told by my mother that it was a Norwegian liberty ship and that there was only about 4 Americans on this ship and that they were the gunners. It was in the Australian area as he kept a log of the dates and ports that he put in on such as: Milne Bay, Oro Bay, Sidney from April 3rd and on. Any help would be appreciated. I can also scan in the pictures and e-mail them to anybody who can help. My father past away 1 year ago this month and never finished his scrapbook and now I am trying to piece it together so that my 2 daughters can remember him.

(I do have a Panama Express listed on my website, but she was not a former Liberty Ship).

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Nov. 27

From: H Balzac

Great reading

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Nov. 26

From: Kaare Seeberg Sidselrud

Captain on M/V Lidvard

Hello Siri,
It's interesting to see your site develop so I pop in from time to time. Keep up the good work. I have an answer and a question for Greg Fromyhr in Australia.
My father, Kaare Sidselrud, became Captain of M/V Lidvard at New Year time 1941/42 when Captain Nicolai Lindtner went ashore. My father served as captain throughout the war and way into 1946. M/V Lidvard was leased from NORTRASHIP to the Australian Army Transport Corps very soon after the escape from Dakar. He died in 1979 and was awarded The Norwegian War Medal in 1942 and Haakon VII Liberty Medal post mortem in 1988, as well as the 1939-45 Star, Atlantic Star, Pacific Star and War Medal 1939-1945 post mortem from Great Britain in 2002.
I have to check my fathers papers on where Lidvard was in action at the time Thoralf Frømyhr was on board to be able to give an educated guess about the Kings Medal and a possible connection to Lidvard. I know that my father recommended that some of the crew should be awarded medals, but nothing more than that, and of course most of his fellow captains and himself refused to apply for permission to receive medals for themselves.
Back to Thoralf Frømyhr's medal. I need to know whether it is the British og Norwegian Kings Medal, the name of the medal if possible or at least the colours on the medal ribbon in order to give a more complete answer.
Regards,
Kaare Seeberg Sidselrud
Oslo, Norway

Kaare is referring to Greg Fromyhr's message from March 6-2002. See also my page about Lidvard.

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Nov. 26

From: Catherine Loveday

John P Pedersen HX126
Message: I have just read with interest the information which you have relating to the sinking of the John P Pedersen, my Father was the British Gunner, Stanley Chapman, who died with the ship on May 20 1941. I should greatly appreciate contacting any survivors or relatives of those serving on the John p Pedersen, It was my Father's first voyage at age 28 and I have so little knowledge or information relating to his time spend serving in the war. He was transfedrred from the Ox nad Bucks regiment to the newly formed Maritime Royal Artillery just before the ship sailed with the HX 126 concoy on May 10. The remains on the motley assortment of ships in the HX 126 crossed the path of the Bismark before she was sank on May 27 1941.

If anyone had relatives on John P. Pedersen and would like to contact Catherine, please let me know and I'll put you in touch. See also the Guestbook message from the Radio Operator's son.

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Nov. 24

From: Neill McClarence

SS Deptford

I thank you for the information I have found on the site.

A small correction may be required, I believe the Deptford was sunk by U-38 not U109

"British steamer, 4,101 gross tons, torpedoed off Honningsvaag, N Norway, sunk by German submarine U-38 (commanded by Heinrich Liebe). Attacked around 1528 hours German time on 13th December 1939." ("Axis Submarine Successes of WW2" by Rohwer)

Also this is an extract I found relating the post war Trials.

At all events, such was the pattern laid down by Raeder and followed by Donitz. From the very first the Naval War Staff never had any intention of observing the laws of war at sea. The defence that the sinking of Allied merchant ships without warning was justified by Allied measures is as untenable as the suggestion that the sinking at sight of neutral merchant ships was preceded by warning which complied with the requirements of International Law.

You have seen the very vague and general warnings given to the neutrals and the memorandum of the Naval War Staff revealing that these were deliberately given in the most general terms because Raeder knew that the action he intended against neutrals was utterly illegal. I need not remind you of the document which suggests that orders should be given by word of mouth and a false entry made in the log book, the very practice followed in the case of the Athenia, or of the entries in Raeder's own war diary revealing that carefully selected neutrals should be sunk wherever the use of electric torpedoes might enable the Germans to maintain that the ship had really struck a mine.

You have confirmation in the bland denials prepared by Raeder to answer the protests of the Norwegian and Greek Governments on the sinking of the Thomas Walton and the Garoufalia, and the reluctant admission in the case of the Deptford, all three ships sunk in December, 1939, by the same U-boat.

Nothing reveals more of the cynicism or opportunism with which Raeder and Donitz treated International Law than the contrast between their attitude towards the sinking of a Spanish ship in 1940 and that of September, 1942. In 1940 Spain did not matter to Germany; in 1942 she did.

http://www.nizkor.org/hweb/imt/tgmwc/tgmwc-19/tgmwc-19-188-02.shtml

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Nov. 20

From: Karin Fossum Denton

I live in Denton Texas and was raised as an American but I was born in Sarpsborg in 1952 to Norwegian parents. My father was Erik Fossum. This web site is so neat! I was doing research for my history class when I came upon it. I looked for my cousin's picture in the high school class but she would have been before this class.

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Nov. 18

From: Mary Meester

Wold posting

Greetings!
I am the great-greatgranddaughter of Anna Holm Wold (Oihus). My greatgrandmother was Hilda Wold Judd. My grandmother was Fannie Judd Meester. And my father was Judd Lewis Meester. I recently stumbled upon your request for information about my relatives. I knew my greatgrandmother and her sisters Hattie and Cleo very well.
I have 3 brothers and one sister. You may be interested to know that I am one of a set of triplets. I have a sister and brother the same age. I would be interested to know if you know of any other multiple births in the family.
I look forward to hearing more from you.
Sincerely,
Mary Meester

Anna Holm Wold was my father's aunt - small world!

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Nov. 18

From: James Eastwood

SS Duchess of York

Re: Posting from Molly Dodds on 31st January 1992 - SS Duchess of York.

My father in law (who is now 80) was a survivor of the sinking of the Duchess of York. He would love to hear of any other survivors still alive today. Please could you give me the contact details for Molly (or pass my details to her) in order to establish contact.

Kind regards,

James Eastwood

I have passed James' message on to the lady in question.

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Nov. 16

From: Alan Blyth

SS Induna

I read the message from Gudjon Bjornason posted on Septenmber 29th regarding SS Induna and can provide the information requested. Could you pass my e-mail address to Gudjon please.
Many Thanks
Alan Blyth

This is the second time I've been contacted with regard to Gudjon's query, so he ought to have plenty of info by now!

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Nov. 6

From: LAN

Hi,
I've come to your website because my gr. grandfather was Fredrick Lawson and I've been struggling in finding my own roots.

You have done a wonderful job! I have not read the entire site yet but I already feel as though I've started a novel I can't put down. You gave me the will to continue my own journey and I Thank You.

I will be visiting your site frequently.

Sincerely,
Lan

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Nov. 5

From: Alf

M/T Buesten

My uncle, Anthony Sandberg, born 1896, lived many years in South Shields, died in Dublin 29.4.1954. Was one of 7 survivors from M/T BUESTEN, following bombing by German planes 9.April 1941 off Berry head. Vessel was loaded with petrol and in coastal convoy between Dartmouth and Southampton. 28 men died. Seeking information of vessel and of Anthony Sandberg.
Regards Alf M Sandberg.

If you can help Alf, please contact me for his address. My own text for Buesten can be found here.

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Oct. 30

From: Gabriel Bouvier

D/S Hølefjord I

I was surprised to get an e-mail from a friend in the U.S. containing your article. Though he didn't include any information about your site, it didn't take me long to find it. I noticed that you also have a link to 'holmtun.no'. Thanks for the flowers.

'Holmtun' is being offered for sale, as I can no longer justify our ownership of the vessel. It is my hope that someone who has a heart for this kind of ship, to carry the torch further. One can never hope to realize the investment of dedication to such a task of restoration, but I hope I can have the satisfaction of preserving a piece of Norway's history. There is an ad currently running in 'Båtbørsen'.

It was a pleasant surprise to find us on your web page.

My text for Hølefjord I can be found here.

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Oct. 27

From: Dianne Gowing

My grandfather

I wanted to thank you for the information I found on your website regarding my grandfather, Andrew O'Dea. He served and died aboard the Havtor, which was torpedoed and sunk 6/11/41. My mothers family had no other information/confirmation than this website of any details of his death. I had always heard that he had gottn stuck in a porthole, and went down with his ship. It does not mention his name in the story, but it had to be him. ANY information about him, or the events of that day, would be appreciated. My mother and her remaining family would maybe be able move past the questions they have had all their life regarding their father. Thank you so much.

(Havtor is discussed here).

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Oct. 25

From: Craig Mesman

Hallfried

Dear Siri,
I have met a man named Karl Hansen, who lives in Loleta, California, USA. He is in his 80's and is still a house painter! He told me the other day about his being a sole survivor aboard the Hallfried. He said it was struck by 2 torpedoes on October 31, 1943. He said that all Norwegians are poets, and he recited a lengthy poem that he wrote 5 years after the sinking. It was a great poem! I found your website, and the information about the Hallfried, but it states that there were 3 survivors. I'm pretty sure that Karl made it sound like he was the sole survivor of the incident, but maybe he meant the "sole surviving survivor". I don't know. He also said that it was an Italian U-boat that attacked them. I would appreciate hearing from you, and I would be glad to put you in touch with Karl if you would like.

Thank you, Craig Mesman.

(My info for Hallfried can be found on the Ships starting with H page).

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Oct. 23

From: Eric DUPRE

It is a very important note

Message: Hi,

I am Eric DUPRE and I am studying the Norwegian cargo-boat which had been sank in Atlantic along the south-west coast of France between San Sebastian and Bordeaux during the WW1.

I look for the technic characteristics (length, weight...) and pictures of these boats and their crews. Can you help me please for the Norwegian cargo-boat "Saint-Sunniva" build in Laxevaag in 1912 and sank in front of Saint-Jean-de-Luz (France) in 02 june 1917 by mine or hited by german submarine ?

Thank you very much, best regards,

Eric DUPRE

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Oct. 23

From: Bill Mc Conalogue

Ship the Harpallion.

Great site spent hours reading it not finished yet. Could you help me locate the ship Harpallion. Artic convoy PQ. 2 17 oct 1941. My father was the greaser aboard her but i can not find it His name is Bill Mc Conalogue he also served aboared the OHIO on the Malta convoy and him and his brother John were awarded the DSM. I checked ships starting with H but nothing. Hope you or someone can help . Bill

Norwegian ships only are listed on this website.

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Oct. 13

From: Jeffrey Vest

Clavella

hello

I am looking for any available information about the WW2 ship called "Clavella".
I Believe it stopped in South Africa during the war.

Regards
Jeffrey

I recommended leaving a query on my Ship Forum

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Oct. 11

From: Siri

Names

HI,

My name is Siri as well and I was wondering if you knew where the name comes from. If you can give me an answer I'd appreciate it.

Siri

Siri didn't give me an E-mail address, so I can't mail her. A simple Google search with keywords "meaning of names" will bring up all kinds of sites. Also, see the entry for Aug. 5-2002 towards the end of this page.

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Oct. 8

From: Nikaela

My Grandfather

I don't know much about him. This is kind of sketchy, and based on information with in this letter.

His name was John Francis Boyle but the name was a surname given to him when he joined the Norweigian Merchant Marines at age 14. He was orginally from Spain and rec'vd British Citizenship. He was born Oct 31 1921 or 22.

He worked on tankers and freighters. He was mostly on a German oil tanker named Birkenstock or something. He was sunk several times on other ships, and rec'vd a medal for saving his ship from an incoming torpedo.

He was tried in NY eventually for something relating to mutiny. He was ordered back on a ship and he jumped ship on the way out of port and never went back. He stayed in the US from then on.

I would like to find more info about the ships he was on, the awards he rec'vd, and specifically what he had to do to provide documents to rec'vd British subject status. We have no family history on him and these things might help. Could you point me in the right direction? I was told he contracted Malaria from a tour to Africa. Don't know if that will help any.

Thanks, Nikaela

Please note that, as much as I'd like to help, I'm usually unable to assist with queries such as these. All I can do is suggest misc. archives within the country in question. For instance, if the person served on a Norwegian ship, the National Archives in Norway might be able to help (address is provided at the end of the "front" page of my ship lists). If the person is mentioned in a crew list on this website, he can be found by adding his name to my search engine (it'll be noticed, that O. A Knudsen had a seaman by the name John Boyle).

Also, I very often get requests for help in finding people, but again, I'm simply not able to help with such requests.

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Oct. 7

From:: Jack Stapleton

I am an old sailor sailed on Can. ships 2nd world war

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Oct. 6

From: Annetta C. Watsono

Golar Patrica

I was trying to find a man-Uffe Brendevitt.I met him in Astoria in 1969-70. He was an officer on the ship. We wrote to each other. He was from Denmark. I might have spelled the last name wrong. I would like to locate him. Could you help me? Thank you. He had asked my hand in marriage.

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Oct. 6

From: Harry Collings

M/S Montevideo

I was assigned to this ship in Liverpool in March 1943 as 2nd. Radio Officer and crossed the Atlantic two or three times in convoy. If you have any details of crew memebers and what eventually happened to the ship, it would be appreciated.

Best regards

Harry Collings

What I have on Montevideo can be found on my M-page.

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Oct. 1

From: Finn Hjelmstrom

Small correction

Hello!
Please note that the correct name of the captain on S/S Austri, being sunk by RAF in 1945 is Adolf Christiansen. He was a brother of my grandfather

This actually refers to the spelling of the name at the Minnehallen website, see link at the end of my text for Austri.

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Sept. 29

From: John F. Gronstal

relatives

I am trying to locate relatives in the farm land area of Bergin. How do i go about finding them. The family farms name is Gronstal as far as I know. Thank you for any help you can give me. My Grandfathers name was Knute.The original family name was Christianson but they changed it when they came to America. John Gronstal.

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From: Gudjon Bjarnason

S.S.Induna

I am searching for a information about the merchant vessel SS Induna a British vessel (5086BRT) who vas in convoy PQ-13, who left Iceland in march 1942 and was torpedoed and sunk by submarine ( U 376) 29-30 / march. I did not know until few months ago that me father was aboard that ship, I had been told that he was lost by a British vessel, who came to Iceland late 1941-early 1942, no one know the name of the skip at that time.

Can you please give me information, where I can get a information about the vessel ? I am looking for a picture of it and if I can get a list of the crew members

I have visited your webside, and enjoed it very much.

I have found some details on the internet, article in Magazine (Sea Breezes) a book, Convoy PQ-13 by Morris O Mills, but nothing about the ship itself or the crew.

I would be very grateful if you of some way can help me

With my best regards

Gudjon Bjarnason, Iceland

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Sept. 26

From: Tia Clarice Hetland Steele

Hetland
Did a Google search on my father's name: Ralph Hetland, and came up with his first marriage: to Beate (Bertha) Haugstad.

Am curious as to the link.........

(Ralph Hetland was my 2nd cousin, twice removed, through my grandmother's relatives. Ralph's grandfather and my grandmother's grandfather were brothers).

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Sept. 26

From: Frank McNabola

Hello Sir,
I've just found your wonderful site,and I wondered whether you could help me. From July 1966 to March 1967 I served on board the M.T. Tore Knudsen which was registered in Haugesund. Do you have any knowledge of her after this time. I would dearly love a photo of her,as I have so many good memories of my time on board.I have tried contacting the owners Knut Knutsen on a few occasions but alas, my requests remain unanswered.

Yours sincerely
Frank McNabola
Tyne&Wear (U.K.)

This ship was sold in Apr.-1974 to Lefkaritis Brothers Marine Ltd., Limassol and renamed Petrolina I. Broken up around 1983.

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Sept. 23

From: Alexander Ellinson

Grandfather search

My grandfather was a merchant mariner lost at sea, Chief Steward with the Bateau on the Murmansk run, 3/29/42. His name was Alexander Ellinson (the same as me). There were five survivors out of a crew of forty. I know the Bateau was sunk by a destroyer Z-26. I would appreciate any information/pictures/of the time. I understand there was a survivor from Montreal - a Mr. Edward Suchanko - do you have any information regarding this gentleman or his whereabouts.
With thanks
Alexander Ellinson

I suggested looking through my Guestbook where there are several messages from the descendants of another crew member of this ship. Also, Bateau came up on my Ship Forum http://warsailors.com/forum/list.php?1 at some point, there was information on a book written about this ship, and a couple of very useful links. Use the search feature on the forum to find it, with Bateau as keyword. I also suggested leaving a message on my Find Old Shipmates forum or contacting Maureen Venzi at http://members.tripod.com/%7emerchantships/index.html. Bateau is also mentioned on my Arctic Convoys page http://www.warsailors.com/convoys/arctic.html

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Sept. 23

From: Staffan Storteir

OLYMPIA ex PRIMO

There is an image of S/S OLYMPIA at ´m/aux GUSTAF the 3-m iron-hulled barque ELISSA under the Finnish Flag´ http://sydaby.eget.net/swe/elissa.htm. There was information about this ship in the unpublished manuscripts compiled by Pehr Molander which I read some years ago, but the interest was focused on Gustaf ex Elissa so I don't remember more about this vessel than the short note that can be read at the web page.

Regards,
Staffan
http://sydaby.eget.net/swe/emi_intro.htm

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Sept. 20

From: Tim Hillier

Thanks

Hi Siri,

I just wanted to express my personal thanks to you for setting up your website - it has proved absolutely invaluable to me in my researches regarding the ships my dear and sadly missed Father served on during WW2. I don't know where else I could have found out so much information so quickly to help me along, from such a wonderful knowledgeable bunch of people - superb!

I have a lot more research to carry out and I know I can always rely on gleaning a lot of information from here...re other ships that Dad served with, such as convoy details and really just about anything. I have been in touch with the old owners of a Norwegian ship that Dad served on and they sent me a copy of their history which has various references to it, thanks to you!! Keep up the good work - it is much appreciated!

Kindest Regards
Tim Hillier
England

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Sept. 19

From: Jennifer

NYLEN

Hello. I am sorry to bother you. I am looking to locate family in Norway. My Great Grandfather came to America on a boat his Family sent him on because it was said they wanted to protect him- and send him to America. The family owned many boats in Norway- The name was NYLEN, Harald / HARRY Nylen. If anyone has any info, on what sound very common- please email me. I do have more info but would need to speak with my mother. I feel a need to try and locate family in Norway- pieces are missing in my life without knowing my full roots.

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Sept. 16

From: Chris Seymour

Pegagus and your web page.

You have provided a terrific site that is very informative. My father was in the Australian Merchant Navy in WW2. I have only just come across information that he served on a ship called Pegasus that was torpedoed and he was picked up by a Dutch submarine, he was one of only 3 survivors in a lifeboat and had been adrift for about 24 days or so. I can not find the name of the ship or any details about where, when, or how he came to be on this ship.

His name was 'Leslie James Seymour' but he was always called 'Lars' and that is my middle name, and he could speak Norweign but he died in 1958.

If you or anyone is able to able to help me on this matter please let me know.

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Sept. 11

From: Richard Goold

Norwegian voting

This isn't a Warsailors subject but I have tried everything I know for the information but come up with nothing. Norway has a system of proportional representation in electing the Storting. As we in British Columbia are presently considering a change to our system of voting, I would like to find out how the Norwegian system works. I cannot find a detailed explanation on the Norwegian govt. websites. If you could help me on this I would greatly apreciate it.

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Sept. 11

From: Claire

Very interesting site

This is a really interesting site. Your son Konrad told me about it. I've recently set up a homepage for people who like the 17th century on www.17th-century.info and I've met Konrad through his East Asia History forum.

Here are my son's forums mentioned in the text above.

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Sept. 7

From: bokorm

M/S Vinni

Hei, The diary of the first mate on Ms Vinni (Aslak Jensen) is printed in "Mindrealv", Fredrikstad Museums Årbok 1996-1997. I belive it is his daughter (Inger Jensen) that had it printed. The book is sold out from the museum, but can be lent from a library.

Thank you for letting me know!

(I have a separate page about the fate of this ship at Vinni's Story).

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Sept. 7

From: Gerald Reminick

Krigsseileren No. 1/1992
Message: O.C.: Am looking for an English translation (if possible) of Toralf J. Gundersen article appearing in above issue regarding battle between Stephen Hopkins and German raider - Stiers ocurring on 9/27/42. Or any possible information from survivors taken aboard the Tannenfels or the other ships involved that became POWs. Gundersen was a POW on board the Tannenfels and this is what the article is about? I write about the U.S. Merchant Marine of WW II.

Thank you. Gerald Reminick

Gerald is referring to one of the the sources used for some of my text under D/T Madrono on my page "Victims of Thor".

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Sept. 4

From: Mr D R Steele

Uncle

Dear Sir
I am in the middle of doing a family tree and my Uncle served on a mine sweeper the ship sank and he was taken prisoner by the Italians his name was Cheif petty officer Rudd, i am not sure but i think the ship was called the (TALMA)
Yours truly Mr D R Steele

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Sept. 1

From: Croco Dylan

Re: All water-lovers, help and info needed

Dearest Siri
As in the mail, compliments to you and your son for such a nice website. Now not just for you, but for all visitors here to read.

As to the subject as stated above.
I am planning to launch a water-related website. This will contain mainly pages about naval history, (world) explorations, sailing and so on, since I'm quite a passionate sailor myself. Other topics might be everything from Atlantis to Waterfalls, as long as it's got something to do with the theme 'Water'.

So here's my cry for help. I'm doing (amongst others) a page on Colin Archer. A name which is probably well-known to the majority of visitors here. Well at the least the Norwegian ones. I was able to find some Colin Archer info on the web, but these pages all seem to state the same things and talk about the same boats. The Venus, the Fram (of course), the Minnie, the Thor and the RS-1.

What I want to do is put up whatever I can find on OTHER Colin Archer boats, such as the Heijmen (sailed by Connie van Rietschoten) or the Storegut (Wilhelm Wolf). All information and pictures (if free to use) on ALL Colin Archer boats is welcome.

For those of you who got curious about my website, the url is http://www.croco.nl/ but beware, there'll be (hardly) anything there untill October 15th.

All of you who might have any info, you can always contact me through my website. For future references, my site will include a search box so if the Colin Archer story is online, you can always find it through my search page.

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Aug. 30

From: Mogens Rasmussen

M/V Primo/Oslo

Hej Siri
I´m Danish and now retired, what gives me time to enter my old things im my trunks. I´ve found some pictures from 1955/56. I´ve found out, that a picture of a steamer named OLYMPIA is the former PRIMO. Looking at your always facinating forum for the WW2 questions, I can se you have only a litte about that ship. I have a LR from 1944/45 saying that the ship was built 1930 at Smith´s Dock, Middelsbro´, 1840 BRT, 265,4 feet and homeport Oslo. Manager was A/S Pavo - Kjell Brunsgaard. I found the steamer again in Norske Veritas 1956 named OLYMPIA, where it has nearly the same data. There must have been some kind of rebuilding in the years between. Same page said that the engine only vas NHK 181. It must have been a very hazard job to enter ports in bad weather. In my time at sea we found that 1 HP for 1 TDW was suitable. The owner was now O/Y Thelmia A/B, Sideby (P. Molander, Bjørneborg). I dont know how to put -.JPG files in to this form, so let me know if you are interested in 2 pics from my young days (15 years old) in the town of Rønne in Bornholm. Today we make sharper pictures, but they have a reasonable standard. I can also give you scans of LR and Veritas if interested. And besides: I also don´t know if this is the right way to give this informations. Anyway: I run over your site several times every week, because it have a high standard.

Best regards
Mogens

Primo can be found here.

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Aug. 25

From: Bjorn

Ravnanger

I'm trying to find out about my grandfather Oscar Larsen who might have been serving on this ship and others during WWII. He was born on June the 20th 1905 and emigrated from Norway in May/June 1923. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

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Aug. 24

From: Gabe Thomas

Milag

Delighted to see you making use of any information I have available. Especially pleased that you are able to correct some mistakes. Our book is now out of print but I can email extracts if anyone wants information.

Gabe must be referring to some details I've added to the 2nd page of my Kvarstad Ships & Men section, with regard to those who were taken prisoners. He sent me some information a while back.

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Aug. 24

From: Geoff Collier

Russian Convoy Medal British Sailors.

My brother-in-law, Petty Officer Albert Eaves, No.JX142448 was serving on the minesweeper HMS Bramble when it was sunk on 31st.December 1942 whilst escorting Convoy JW-518 taking supplies to Russia. The vessel was sunk by the German cruiser 'Admiral Hipper' in the Berents Sea. I understand there is a medal issued by Russia to which he is entitled and I would like to apply for same on behalf of his son and grandchildren. Can you please inform me how to go about it, and oblige.

Kind Regards, Geoff Collier.
(ex-RAF Bomber Command WW11)

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Aug. 19

From: Asbjørn Olsen Kårvik

Picture of M/T Norsol

I have a picture of m/t Norsol and m/t America which I have found in my fathers photoalbum. Do you have any interest of these for your picture arcive?

Thank you so much - yes, I'd be very interested, but when I tried to tell you so by using the E-mail address you have given, my mail came back as undeliverable.

If you see this Asbjørn, please contact me again.

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Aug 18

From: Donald Lowe

Seeking info

I am looking for a Merchant marine lost on a ship out of Halifax N.S. His name is Roger Gallaway Smith of Necum Teuch Hfx. Co. N.S. Don't know the name of the ship he was on but think it was about 1944. Where could I find information on this?
Thank you,

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Aug. 18

From: Paul Giltz

Photos, Norwegian,WW2

I visited you site and enjoyed it very much, I've started an interest in steamships and freighters of the interwar era. I found an interesting web site run by the University of Virginia. They hold a collection of over 3,000 photos that were taken by the US Army Signal Corps at Norfolk Virginia during WW2.These photos show an amazing variety of ships being loaded for the invasions of Africa and Europe.

I ran a search for "Norwegian" and came up with 4 listings.

2 photos of loading activity on the deck of the SS BRAGA
1 photo of Captain Erling Kristensen on the bridge of the Norwegian tanker THORSHOLM.
1 photo of a "no smoking" sign on the THORSHOLM.

The site has many photos showing how cargo was loaded and stowed, both on deck and in the holds. I myself had no idea how complicated it was back then.

Take a look at- www.lva.lib.usa/whoweare/exhibits/treasures/arts/art-m12.htm

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Aug. 16-2003

From: Ernest Gay

Ships & Mariners

Siri, this is the second time I have visited your site today. There is still a lot of day left and I may well visit it another 2 times. But I will certainly keep on visiting it until I have seen everything it has to offer, more than once. You are a man after my own heart, except, as much as I would like to do what you are doing, I lack the ability. Full marks to you for acquiring that ability and using it, selflessly, to create such an informative and considerate rendezvous for information seekers. You must have devoted a lot of time and love in creating this site and, even if it does seem unappreciated by some, at times, the vast majority of visitors owe you a debt of gratitude for all the trouble you have gone to on their behalf.

Until next time, "bon voyage".

Ernie Gay.

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Aug. 3-2003

From Frank H Muirhead

S S Bosphorus

In 1948 the Cromer Lifeboat launched on service to the above vessel off the Norfolk Coast. I have had an enquiry regarding the vessel which was carrying a cargo of Oranges, the first I believe to be imported after the War. If any one can supply me with any details of the vessel, crew or any other interesting items I would be grateful.

Frank H Muirhead, Cromer Lifeboat Historian and Hon Curator, Henry Blogg Museum.

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Aug. 2

From: David Winterbottom

HMS Hardy

I am researching the details of a friends Uncle who died on 30/1/44 on the Destroyer R08 HMS Hardy. His Uncle was one of the ship telegraphists and the ship was escorting convoy JW 56B. I notice there are no details of this on the Arctic Convoy list and would be grateful if you could advise any information please.

Many thanks

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July 23-2003

From Andy Skarstein

Hi Siri

What a site ! It's impressive what you have put together, and thanks for doing so much in English for us (inc those of Norwegian descent like me) who don't speak Norwegian.

Perhaps my father knew yours ? His name is EILIV, he is originally from Harstad, later Bergen. He was at the London Radio School at about the same time, not sure exactly when. He always referred to the location as Atkins Road (which is just around the corner from Clarence Avenue).

I can't ask him for more details at the moment as he is somewhere in Norway, not sure where, for a few weeks visiting family and friends, driving himself around at the ripe old age of 82!

I believe he was on the first ship into Kirkenes after the end of the war, I think on "Kronprinsen". I will try to get some more info from him when he comes back and send it to you. Keep up the great work ...

Andy Skarstein (West Sussex, UK)

Andy's father escaped from Norway on Laugen in 1941.

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July 4-2003

From: Marek Twardowski

Convoy HX-174

Hello,

I am just thumbing through your convoy list and perhaps it mauy be of interest that Polish LECHISTAN was late for convoy HX-174. She left Halifax on 7.02 at 1035 hrs and had to chase the convoy and joined it only on 11.02.

Convoy HX-203 ran into thick fog and some ships were lost on 17.08; they joined the convoy only on 19.08.

STALOWA WOLA did not sail in ON-92 due to engine trouble. Please note you have her listed as STALOWA POLA (incorrectly).

Polish ship in SC-67 could possibly be WISLA - the departure and arrival dates agree.

Best wishes,
Marek

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July 2-2003

From: Mae

MV- Ora

Hi, I work for the royal Norwegian Consulate in Brisbane. I was contacted for information regarding a Nortraship called the MV Ora. During the period 1943-1944. I would really appreciate some assistance in finding information and a picture. The person who contacted me was a worker on the ship and would really love a picture. If you could forward me to any relevant websites that would be appreciated.Regards, Mae

Ora can be found on my O-page.

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June 1-2003

From: Tuomo Paasi

s.s. Haraldsvang

Dear sir,
My late uncle Urho Paasi served as mate (as far as I know) on board S.S. Haraldsvang (later Toryu Maru, Japanese) in 1942 from St. Thomas, the Karibbeans to Far East, and finally in Hong Kong, where the ship was interned in December 1942. I know quite much of my uncle´s later history, but I´d like to write the story of this seafarer for my family, and for that purpose it could be very interesting to have of a picture of this vessel. Do you have any possibility to find the picture?
S.S Haraldsvang was owned by H.M. Wrangell & co A/S Haugesund.
Please answer, and I hope, send the picture,
to
Tuomo Paasi

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June 27

From: Wes Injerd

Fukuoka POW Camp #1

Hi!

I've visited your site before and note that my website info needs updated. The link you give is just fine and works OK. You can correct the spelling of the camp that Karl Hjalmar Hansen was in as Fukuoka. Same goes for info re the M/T Scotia.

It's great to know more about this Norwegian who was in Fukuoka. Would you have any contact info in Norway on him? I am half-Norwegian.

Thanks.
Wes
http://www2.gol.com/users/winjerd/Pwcmp1_a.htm

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June 25

From: Michael Russo

Just to say hello.

I was born after the War so I have no stories to tell. I have been "abord ship" and have an oilers rateing. So you can guess that I've heard a few war tails, since they are not my own I'll not repete them. I could only do an injustice to them if I tried.

I will mention one man's name with whom I worked Mr. Milton Hymes. He ran away from home to go to sea when he was fifteen but later came home finished school and as agreed with his Father joined the U.S. Navy. He later found his way into the newly formed Submarine branch and was told that..." it wouldn't last long but to give it a try." It lasted more than a while and thirty five years later he retired and came back to N.Y. to work on the Staten Island Ferries.

There's lots more but what I really have to say is how wonderful your site is and how important also. Today dedication and entegrity have become dirty words to a lot of people. Your respect as shown here demands respect from any who come to this site. It is a fine memorial for Merchant Seaman and all Seaman.
Great work!

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June 22

From: Astrid Stephen

Hoegh Silverdawn

I was Amazed to see Picture of the survivors of the Hoegh Silverdawn and recognised my Father Rolf Anker Guldberg.
I knew he had served on a merchant ship that was sunk but did not know the name of the ship or the location of the incident,
anyway thanks.

Astrid

Høegh Silverdawn and the picture referred to here can be found on my page Norwegian Victims of Michel

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June 22

From: Bob Irvine

ON-62

Hello,

I was trying to find out more about convoy ON-62. My grandfather was Chief Steward on board the Biela when she was torpedoed and sunk by U-98 on Feb, 15, 1942. She was attached to ON-62, but sailing independently from Liverpool to Buenos Aires with general cargo. She was dispersed from the convoy and turned south at about 200 miles SE of Cape Race. 400 Miles SW of Cape Race at position 42.55N 45.40W she was attacked and lost with all hands (U-98-Robert Gysae)

Regards
Bob Irvine

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June 21-2003

From: Frank James

Sinking of the Vardaas

Hi ! Just been looking at your site with interest. What an immense amount of research !

Would you like more on the sinking of the `Vardaas` in WW2 ? I`ve been researching U564 and Teddy Suhren, and can let you have a transcript and/or English translation of U564`s original log of the event (which includes details of the final sinking) - and I could even let you have a scan of a photocopy of the ship on fire, from a photo in the late Leading Engineer`s (Gabler - U564) photo-album.

Best regards

PS. I would be interested to learn a little more about the period at and immediately after the end of the war in Norway as a whole. (Suhren was i/c Norwegian U-boats for the latter part of the war, and was interned at the end.). Any links to sites would be welcome.

Vardaas can be found here.

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June 20

From: Ralph Arnesen

My father was a krigseiler and is still alive at 94. I am sure he will appreciate your efforts.

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June 17

From: Cyril Lofthus
E-mail: clofthus@lineone.net

My grandfather
This story hardly comes into the realms of sailors at sea during the wars, but nevertheless may be worthy of inclusion. I am descended from a Norwegian family who came from the village of Lofthus in Hardanger Fjord. Although they left there about 1900, I still have a relative living in Lofthus, he and I share the same great great great grandfather. Purely by chance, another member of the family who lives in BC Canada has discovered my existence and we have started a flurry of communication uncovering the family history. He and I share the same great grandfather, who came to England. He was a marine engineer, and worked on the trawler fleet. His son was Harold Lofthus, my grandfather who by about 1910 had moved to Aberdeen Scotland. Harold badly wanted to join the Royal Navy when WW1 started but was unable to do so because of his nationality. He did the next best thing and followed in his father's footsteps by becoming an engineer on trawlers. At one time their trawler was sunk and they took to the lifeboats, but were rescued. However, in October 1917 their trawler appeared in Peterhead Harbour Scotland with an unexploded German mine in tow, a rather reckless act. It is perhaps significant to learn that the skipper was known in the fleet as "Mad Dog Noble". They were ordered out of the harbour, and the vessel and crew were never seen again. The losses of East Coast trawlers at sea during and between both wars has been very extensively documented. However, I can find no trace of any record referring to this particular trawler. I of course never knew Harold, he exists only in stories which I have heard over the years, but my father and his brother were deeply shocked by the loss of their father, and never talked of him. They not surprisingly were also left with an abhorrence of war and everything to do with it.

I have Cyril's E-mail address in my files.

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June 14

From: Laurence J Downey

future discussion

Dear Siri Holm Lawson,
You are to be congratulated for the exceptionally fine work you have achieved in posting the details of the Norwegian Merchant Marine and the story of your father. During WWII I sailed on six Norwegian vessels, "Anna Odland" "Marathon" "Panama Express" "Vito" "China" (Panamanian reg. Norwegian crew. "Tai Ping Yang" It was on the "Marathon" that I sailed in convoys JW 61 and RA 62 to Russia through the Arctic Cirle. Currently I am a member of the Russian Convoy Club in the U.K. (Member No 407) This Club is closing down because of the declining rate of "old age" members. I have a proposal in mind regarding the formation of Peace Time Convoys to war torn and depressed regions of the world calling on veteran MN personnel to support this project. I would very much like to provide you with more detailed information if you so desire.

Yours sincerely, Laurence Downey.

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June 14

From: Dee Zamolo

Troya - Norwegian cargo vessel

Could you please help me find some information or pictures on the Norweigian Vessel Troya. My father was a crew member during World War 2 and would love some information on this ship.

Troja is listed here.

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June 14

From: Richard Batley, Thornhill, Dumfriesshire,Scotland

Reference Silvaplana

Hi - I have found your website purely by chance when I entered Silvaplana and HMS Adventure into a Google search. I did this purely out of curiosity having just read an account of the sinking in a newspaper dated May 18 1943. This differs somewhat from what is now known to be the true story you relate (the newspaper report states that the Silvaplana was a German ship with no mention of her being a captured vessel).
I have scanned the article, which takes up most of the depth of a column, and it has come out very well. I wondered whether you would like the scans sent to you for reference. If so I would be very pleased to do so.
I prefer not to send attachments without warning the recipient and having their permission (I am protected by Norton by the way).
Your site rather absorbed me and I have just realised that it is rather later than I thought!
Best wishes-
Richard Batley

The newspaper article has been added to my Norwegian Victims of Atlantis page, in the text for Silvaplana. Richard also sent me an article detailing the sinking of Atlantis, which has also been added.

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June 12

From: Barry

Scandinavian merchant ships ww1

Hello
This is a very comprehensive and interesting site for ww2 norwegian merchant ships but I am writing to ask if you can clear up a mystery for me of ww1. On the 17th oct 1917 the royal navy destroyers Mary Rose and Strongbow whilst escorting a convoy of 12 Norwegian merchant ships were sunk by two German cruisers, nine of these merchant ships were also sunk. Is there any chance that you know the names of these merchant ships please?
On another occasion 12 dec 1917 the royal navy destroyer Partridge whilst escorting a convoy of six Norwegian ships was sunk by four German destroyers, all of the merchant ships were also sunk. Is there any chance you also know the names of these ships please?

I referred Barry to my Ship Forum.

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June 11

From: Lorraine Linton

Trying to find ship name

MY NAME IS LORRAINE LINTON MY FATHER WAS A MERCHANT MARINE IN WAR 11 HIS WAS JOSEPH BENJAMIN VOLIVA FROM LOWLAND NORTH CAROLIN. HE WAS ON A SHIP THAT GOT TORPEDO, HE WAS ONE OF 6-7 TO SURVIVE I;M NOT SURE WHAT YEAR BUT I THINK IT WAS 1942 HOW CAN I FIND THE NAME OF THE SHIP, AND RECORDS ON THE SINKING. THANKS FOR ANY HELP YOU CAN GIVE ME

Faulty E-mail address - could not help

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June 9

From: Cindy Clara Lapierre

Search for my father

I have been searching for my father for several years. All I know is that his name is Jan, he worked for the Thors River or Thors Hope Boat Line (he sent me a picture of a boat called the S.S. Bosphorus in the 1960's), he was born in Norway (about 60 years old), his friend on the boat at the time (Terence Dunn) said my father left in 1966 to go back to school to be a captain. I was born in May 1964. My mother left me in 1966 and thereafter I was adopted by my grandmother. (Because I was adopted he would not be able to find me) I was wondering if you could find any information on this boat (names of men that were aboard) or where my father would have gone to school at the time. Any information would be a great help.
Thanking you in advance.
Sincerely Cindy Clara
P.S. I do have an old picture of him.

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June 3

From: Hendrik Ernst

Belpamela ship wreck 1947

I have mode private researches about French railways fo a long time now and also found the following information about the "Belpamela" :

During the last voyage, from North America to France,the ship transportated 17 steam engines, SNCF-type 141-R (German scheme : 1-D-1, English scheme : 2-8-2), multifunctional engine (passenger and freight trains); standard steam engine of the SNCF after world war II.

Totally, France had ordered 1140 locomotives of this type, but finally they only got 1123 ones in cause of the Belpamela wreck.

Hendrik Ernst

Belpamela is listed in the Homefleet.

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June 1

From: John Findahl Bankowitz

Odd Findahl

I would like to learn more about researching my grandfather, Odd Findahl. I think he was from Bergen or Oslo. He died in 1954. My mother, who would know more about him, died in 1980. He is in your log of ships, Hoegh Slivercloud. I have his ships log from 1939 on and a watch the crew gave him.
Any help would be appreciated.

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June 1

From: Tricia Cook-Bosnell

Ex-whalers associations or clubs?

Could anyone tell me if there are any ex-whalers associations/clubs in Britain or Norway? I have attempted to look up Norway newspapers to enquire about this but haven't found any that are engish websites that I can understand. Thanks for any information.

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May 28

From: Gaynor

Gudvang-Frederick C. Lewis English merchant navy

dear sir,
your site is great and i have learned much about my grandfathers time on Gudvang when it was sunk and his time in Milag Nord.

Do you have any information about him or can you advise me who I can contact in England to find out more.

I would like to find out how he came to be on Gudvang, and whether he was held up in the frozen port or whether he joined her after the thaw before she sailed.
regards,
Gaynor, a proud grandaughter.

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May 26

From: Tricia Cook-Bosnell

Southern Venturer whaling ship

Anyone that sailed on this ship in the early 1950's remember my father, Thomas Cook, from Dundee Scotland ? He often speaks of his whaling days and the men he sailed with. I have many photos of his time on this ship and the men he worked with. Does anyone remember a gentleman known as "Chunky"? Or does anyone know the whereabouts of a gentleman that my father became good friends with named Olof Kirkaberg from Tonsberg? Any information would be appreciated. Thank You very much.

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May 26

From: John Findahl Bankowitz

Odd Findahl

My grandfather was a sea captain during the war. I have some information on him but would like to find out more. Also, what medals he was awarded. He died in 1954, when I was very young.
Can anyone help me in my quest?

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May 19

From: Tricia Cook-Bosnell

Southern Venturer whaling ship

If anyone remembers my father Thomas Cook (often called "Scottie") from the early 1950's on the Southern Venturer please contact me. My father has often talked about a gentleman referred to as "Chunky" (he would eat tins of pineapple chunks) and also a gentleman that took him home to Norway to visit his family. The man's name was Olav Kirkaberg (I'm sure I am spelling this wrong..sorry) He lived near Oslo and I beleive his father was a politician of some sort (mayor?). Anyone with any info on these men please contact me. Thank you.

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May 18

From: Linda Harvey

S.S.Coronda

I am looking for information on the ship S.S.Coronda. When I went into a search engine this site came up for s.s.Coronda.

My late grandfather was killed on this ship along with 20 other seamen and I would really love to know about this ship that was torpedoed off the Irish Coast and what happened to it. A picture of it would really be good.

Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

thanks,

Linda

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May 17

From: George Edwin Midgley

M.T. Norsol

Dear Guestbook.

As a boy I served on the Norwegian Tanker M.T.Norsol from December 15-1942 to April 1944 and the M.S Fernplant to the end of 1944 After which time I was in the Canadian Army. Can anyone out there tell me if the M.T. Norsol made to the end of the war? She was a great ship, I would just like to know.
Thanks for your help
George Midgley

Both these ships are listed on my website.

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May 16

From: Astrid Stephen

Survivors

sir
have you heard a story about a mearchant ship that was sunk by an enemy attack, there were only a few survivors they were adrift for 33 days before being picked up the Americans, any Idea what the name of that ship which was sunk, perhaps some of the survivors have told their story to other parties, wish I knew the full story?

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May 14

From: John Holden

This was a very nice find. As a young boy beginning at 3 I went to sea with my Dad the Chief Engineer on the Ravnanger. This was in
1947. The Ravnanger you have a sunk was certainly not the ship we were on. So I will have to check on myself. But this was a great site. Perhaps I will be able to find records of the others on the same ship who sailed on her during the war. A good source for your inquiries would be Westfal-Larson in Bergen.
Regards
John

There was another Ravnanger after the war. This site has a a few details http://www.maritime.lv/BMJE/dbases/ships/sh_gen1.sql?n=550

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May 13

From: Tuomo Paasi

D/S Haraldsvang

Dear Sir,
I´d like to know where I could get the picture of D/S Haraldsvang. My uncle Urho Paasi was the only finnish crew member aboard mentioned on your sites www. warsailors concerning the fates of the ship in China during the World War II. After the war my uncle lived a short time in Shanghai and returned back home in late forties. He continued studying in maritime school and became sea captain.

Could anyone know what was my uncle´s task on Haraldsvang? Before the war he had passed one class (=third mate class) in maritime school.

Best Regards,
Tuomo Paasi, Kaarina, Finland

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May 12

From: Archie Gilbert

Salvestria - Salveson factory ship
Message: I was born in 1937 in Bathgate, Scotland. My mother played piano at concerts in Bangour Hospital. She met there Hans Kristofferson who was a whaler on "Salvestria" when she struck a mine almost underneath the Forth Bridge on 27 July 1940. When he recovered Hans came to our house and met and married a friend of our family. He gave me a book called "Snow Treasure" by Marie McSwigan which told the story of how the Norwegian gold was smuggled out of Norway from the Germans by children putting the gold bars on their sledges and taken to a trawler hidden in a fiord. I do not know how true the story is but it is still my favourite book ! If anybody can tell me more about Salvestria or the book I would be very plased to hear from them. By the way, I have read the book to two of my grandchildren and the other two will soon be old enough to listen.
Mymwife and I visited Telemark 3 years ago and had wonderful walking in the forest along the ski trails. I could just imagine the children sledging down with the gold under the noses of the Germans.

Archie Gilbert, Kinross - Scotland.

The book Snow Treasures is fictional.

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May 12

From: Mike Smith

The Royal Navy in 1940

Sir
My fathers brother was one of the hundreds of British servicemen who were killed when the HMS Glorious was sunk off Norway in early 1940, he was a CPO Gunnery.

I have just been taking a look about your pages on WW2 medals and awards, and I noted that with several you mention that they were awardable to allies. I have heard persistant rumours over the last few years that Norway issued a war medal to all those allied soldiers, sailors, and airman that assisted in the Liberation of Norway. Are you able to shed any light on this rumour, and what the next step would be.

This is a question I get very often, and I'm not entirely sure what to answer. I've heard that it's now too late to apply for these medals, then others again say they are still awarded. If you know exactly who to contact on this matter, please let me know, so that I can better help others.

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May 2-3003

From: Carleen Lawson

Same-names

Greetings - I was simply spending a little bit of time looking at the computer during my lunch hour and I happened to see your webpage. A friend was telling me to put my last name in the computer and go searching. We live in Santa Rosa, California USA. My father's name is Carl Lawson and my name is Carleen Lawson, my married name is Clawson, not much of a change. I just noticed that your husband is Carl and your daughter is Carleen, even spelled the same way..... When I have more time I will read more about your family. Thanks. Carleen

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Apr. 29

From: Bruce Robinson

Santo Tomas

I am currently researching the use of money and canteen vouchers in the prisoner of war camps and internment camps run by the Japanese during the second world war. I had read in an article that food vouchers had been used in San Tomas, but could only find references to clothing vouchers in the book I had read about the camp. I therefore was very interested when I saw the pictures of the coupons. Have you any further information how they were used, by whom they were issued etc. Also I note that you say the pictures are reduced in size, can you tell me the actual size. I would be pleased to hear from anyone who can help in respect of this camp or any other camp for money and coupons etc.

What Bruce is referring to is the pictures found on my Santo Tomas pages.

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Apr. 27

From: FRANK ARMSTRONG

MEDALS WW2

HI SIRI.
I SERVED ON THE NORWEGIAN TANKER KAIA -KNUDSEN FROM AUG TO DEC 1944. I WROTE TO THE NORWEGIAN DIRECTORATE OF SEAMAN OSLO ENQUIRING IF I WAS ENTITLED TO
ANY MEDALS IT WAS AFFIRMED I WAS TO THE PARTICIPATION MEDAL BUT THE BRITISH GOV WONT ALLOW IT . ANY IDEAS. PLEAS EMAIL ME
AT ARMSTRNG6@AOL.COM

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Apr. 25

From: T. Masters

R.A.F. members serving in Takoradi West Africa

I am trying to trace my father-in-law who served in Takoradi during Apr 1942 until Sept 1943 with the R.A.F his name is Frank Cooke he came fron Lancashire the City of Salford hopeing that you can assist me.

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Apr. 24

From: Charles Millner L.I.,N.Y. (WW2 US Navy)

US medals to Norwegian merchant seamen

During WW2 the U.S. gave medals to Norwegian merchant seamen for their heroic contributions to the war. Who in U.S gave those medals?? I will try to get them for my wife's Norwegian Uncles who were torpedoed and killed. Do you have any information about this? I am trying the U.S Gov't but with the current war it certainly is not a priority!

Thank you for your response
Mange takk meget mye !!! Charles Millner

I'm afraid I don't know much about this - can anyone else help?

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Apr. 24

From: David Ellis

Siri

My wife's name is Siri and I was attempting to find out additional information regarding her name. Any assistance you might give me would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Dave Ellis

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Apr. 22

From: Richard Goold

Gudveig

In Feb. 1961 Gudveig [ formerly M/S Nordnes] was towed into Immingham by a sister ship [ I believe Gudvor ] she was taken into the pool where her cargo was discharged as water was poured into her engine room. She sank in the pool and was later refloated. This was related to me by " Monty" Gjerpin, master of another sister ship Gudvang on which I was a crew member at the time.

Thanks! Much appreciated!

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Apr. 20

From: Richard Goold

Gudvang

I sailed aboard the M/S Gudvang owned by H.Gjerpin Co. between Dec.1960 & Aug.1961. On your website there is an S/S Gudvang sunk trying to escape from the Baltic during the war. Could this be a result of renaming ? The Gudvang I sailed on had a B&W diesel open cylinder, and was built I believe in the 20,s. During the war she was obviously an armed merchantman as she had a gun deck and gun crews quarters. She also had an extra auxilliary generater and about a 4 inch copper cable around her holds. The purpose of these was to expell magnetic mines. I would very much like to know the history of this ship as I have some good memories. I would like to hear from ex crew.

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Apr. 19

From: E Siteman

Wrong last name

My brother Robert (Bobbie) Siteman was on the SS Blink a Norwegion ship which was torpedoed by a German submirine during World War II. The details is posted in this site. Wrong name Siterman. Right name Siteman. He was a mess boy.

My mother met one of the survivers in Halifax.N.S. after the tradgety. To read this detailed result, of how it ended, has shoke me up . and brings it back to life, although I was only age 11 0r 12 at the time. And to read how many ships on this side was lost, is shocking to see how unprepared the rest of the world was. to allow one contry to do all that distruction to the world. I say go for it USA. Stop it now, before it happens again. Could you please tell me how, and why a Canadian boy as young as my brother would be allowed to work on a Norwegion Ship.? Was it legal?. Someone had to sign for someone as young as him. Where was Canada's Laws.?

Peace for all.

The harrowing account of the days in the Blink lifeboats, written by Birger Lunde can be found on an individual page. Birger Lunde's son has told me that his father made a point of visiting the families of every one of the casualties from Blink afterwards, so this is probably the survivor Robert Siteman's mother met in Halifax.

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Apr. 18

From: Clifford Mombourquette
E-mail: The e-mail address was faulty - my reply was returned to me as undeliverable, so there's no way I can help with this.

Medals

This inquiry is on behalf of my father, Clifford Mombourquette. He is Canadian and served aboard two (2) Norway vessels as a Seaman during the second world war, they are:

Solsten, 28 October 1940-27 March 1941
Inneroy, 14 april 1941-09 May 1941

I am in possesion of a letter from National Archives of Norway stating the above information. My question, is he entitled to any medals and if so how does he apply for them?. Thanking you in advance.

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Apr. 16

From: Bryan Burg

Komet

Hello, I have been looking at your website. It is quite well done.

We have a common interest, which is the German raider Komet. I am in contact with a couple of crewmen and have many items from the estates of the admiral in command and his adjutant. I also have crew photo albums, newspapers, intelligence reports, etc.

I am trying to write a book on that subject, so any matters that relate to prisoners/survivors, personal stories, memories of events, etc. are worthwhile and of interest to me.

Please send me an email when it is convenient for you.

Thank you, B. Burg

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Apr. 11

From: Margaret Parker

Gripsholm

Hi-I arrived in Halifax on the Gripsholm with my family in Mar. 1951.
I would appreciate it if someone could guide me to a ships passenger list for this arrival.

Thanks--Margaret

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Apr. 10

From: Bill McKeich

Hoegh Giant and Robert McKeich

With refrence to my message of 26 February and your reply I would be very happy to let you have a copy of the letter my Uncle Bob wrote to my father explaining how he fixed the electrical system on the Hoegh Giant.

If you could reply to me by email I will attend to it within a few days.

Bill McKeich

This letters has been added to the Warsailor Stories section of this site.

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March 12

From: Michael Chappell

Sommerstad

From HMS Jervis Bay Assoc.

I note your website states that this ship was part of convoy HX84. I have cecked with the Admiralty, Lloyds and George Pollock's research for his book, The Jervis Bay and cannot find any reference to this ship being part of HX 84. Maybe she was part of another J.B.convoy????

Regards Mike Chappell (son of commander (E) J.H.G.Chappell - chief engineer of HMS Jervis Bay).

Sommerstad can be found on my page Ships starting with S.

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March 11

From: Marta Gomez

Looking for Gretta Gundersen
I am traing to contact for months with my good friend Gretta Gundersen. The last time I heard from her, she was married to a Faculty professor (drama por teather) at Cornell University. No matter what I have been doing doesn´t work. Could you help me? Thank you in adavance. Marta Gomez from Bogota, Colombia

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March 11

From: Charles E. Helton

Info. for Transport ship USS Dodge

I was with the 244th port co.of the 495th port btn. We were sailing from Milne Bay New Guinea, to Ora Bay. Our ship,USS Dodge ran up on Collingwood Reef. We were transported to our escort Destroyer USS Smith and sailed on to Ora bay. Any Info. with a picture of the ships if possible.

Thank you. Charles

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March 7

From: Jens Lassen Ugland
E-mail: Jens, please note that the E-mail address you gave me doesn't work - my mail to you was returned.

D/S Christian Michelsen

I can confirm that Jens Lassen Ugland, captain on D/S Christian Michelsen, is the same one as mentioned in the book "Englandsfarten". During the war he was also captain on the vessels MOSFRUIT and MOSDALE and another 3 vessels, but for these I have no name.

Best regards,
Jens L. Ugland

Christian Michelsen can be found on my "Ships starting with C" page.

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March 6

From: Timothy Hillier

SS Isbjorn

Hello,

I stumbled across your site today, while doing a search for this ship, that my dear recently departed Father served aboard in 1942 as a DEMS Gunner in the 5th Regiment of the Maritime Royal Artillery (MRA). Isbjorn was just one of fifteen ships he sailed on during WWII.

So to find a little information about her at last is great as -like you- I am endeavouring to put together as full a picture of my Father's WWII service as I can; so any more information you may have or could point me in the direction of about the Isbjorn would be much appreciated.

I hope to eventually get something published about my Father's service and the MRA, as it is a sadly neglected story of WWII.

Thanks
Kind Regards
Tim Hillier

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March 4

From: ex matros Les Johnson

Old shipmates and photo of old ship s/s Bygdøy Oslo

I am ex matros sailed for Norway from 1956 / 1969 I am an English seaman I have sailed on s.s Bygdøy 1956 / mt Synia mv Leeward Islands Swedish..mv Livanita..mv Janus..mv Benwell..mv Widan..mv Hilda Knudsen..ms Marius Nielsen Danish..mv Ek..mv Lind..mv Hegg. I am interested in obtaining a photo of s/s Bygdøy, L.Lorentzens Rederi Storgaten Oslo. If there is any old sailors who have sailed on above ships then i would love to hear from you.

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March 4

From: Espen Falch Johansson

M/S Ravnaas

Hello Siri !
I have been in contact with you before, I just got email from my local museum, and have now got the "paper" and pictures I have been telling you about. I would like to send you some of this,but it is rather a big file so I need a adress I can send it to.

Espen.

The results of what Espen sent me can be found on my page Santo Tomas Documents.

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March 3

From: Hazel Jackson

S/S North Britain, May 1943

Dear Siri,

A while ago you very kindly sent me some information on the S/S North Britain which was attacked on the 5th May 1943 in the Convoy ONS-5. I believe it was somewhere off Greenland that U-boat 707 attacked the North Britain but unfortunately the e-mail was lost in a computer upgrade. I would be very grateful if you could send me the information again. My uncle was a 20 year old gunner aboard this ship and sadly did not survive. I am trying to find out as much about him and what happened to him as possible.

regards,

Hazel Jackson.

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March 3

From: Jean Lassaque

Norw shipping France WW2

Hello from Paris, France
Congratulations, your site is superb and I had much pleasure with it although my interest is in naval subject. I dared to gather available material about norvegian shipping during WW2 in my files. I hope it'd be of some interest to you. Should you wish me to, I'd work on. Please tell me.
Sincerely
J. Lassaque

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March 3

From: Ian Spokes

Great Storm 1901
This is a slim chance, but i am researching a huge storm which hit North East England in November 1901. I am especially interested in a Norwegian Ship called the Inga which was lost and which i found the wreck 2 years ago. There was only 1 survivor a man called Andreas Birkland (Barkland or Burkland is also given by some sources). I wondered if in your researches into later Norwegian shipwrecks you had come across anyone that might have information on this ship?
There were 4 other Norwegian ships also lost on our coast in that storm, the Christiane, congo, Erato and Haabet. If you are interested i can send you ship files that i have compiled on these wrecks and a data base on 1901, i also have a database on North East Shipwrekcs which include a lot of vessels through the ages for Norway that were lost. I have done quite a bit of research for Ron Young who gives you a nice mention at the beginning of his new book!

regards
IAN

I'm looking into this for Ian

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March 3

From: Joe Brennan

Interesting ?

An interesting history site in Norway & her ships in the past. Obviously a lot of research work has been added & others not so? However still a sort of historial site with famliy members added here & there on her this offical website.!!! Unfortunately, I did experinece some difference in opinion from this site owner from another forum of WWII. Probably a misunderstanding from an amateur & sensitive historian...?

Thanks Joe - as you can see from this Guestbook, not everyone agrees with you, and that includes real historians, many authors etc. etc. so I shall continue to pour my heart and soul into this site, in my own special amateur and sensitive way. It has helped a lot of people, and this is my reward.

You insist on twisting everything I say, and giving it a meaning of your own choosing, but there's nothing I can do about that, and I have more important things to do with my time than involve myself any further in childish rhetoric. Enough time has been waisted already.

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Febr. 27

From: Jeff Robinson

Wreck diving in Norway

Dear Sir,

I am organising an expidition to Norway this year to do some deep trimix dives. I am also writting an artical for a couple of UK dive magazines about the trip.

Firstly to re-assure you we are passionate about wreck presevation and look but do not touch.

I am keen to see if you have any historical information on the following wrecks or might know where I can find some.

DS Lynx
Dora Fritzen
Weilheim

I know these are not Norwegian wrecks, but you do seem to be a wealth of information on maritime history and I thought you may be able to give me some help.

Kindest Regards

Jeff Robinson.

PS I am very impressed with your site, and will have many a happy hour navigating my way around it.

(Lynx can be found on my L-page in the Homefleet section. There's also a link under Lynx to a website for divers in Norway. Also, my Ship Forum is a good place for obtaining information on ships).

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Febr. 26

Irvingbrook

Bitte senden sie mir Informationen über den Verbleib des Tankers TMS "IRVINGBROOK". Reederei c/o Kent Line St.Johns Canada

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Febr. 26

From: Bill McKeich

Robert McKeich

My father's youngest brother Robert was trained by my father to be an electrician. He was the Electrical Engineer on board the Hoegh Giant when it was torpedoed. Actually Uncle Bob survived two other torpedoeings and eventually settled in USA and rose to highest Non Comissioned Officer status in the US Army.

I can give an account of his career and a text of a letter he sent to his brother outlining the difficulties he faced when confronted with repairing the ship's electrical system which had broken down and caused the ship to go around in circles.

Bill McKeich

I'm ALWAYS interested in such documents - these stories need to be told before it's too late! Robert's story has been includen in my "Warsailors Stories" section.

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Febr. 23

From: Leo Dagenais

Ships at Sea

Is it possible to E-mail ships at sea?

(Yes, I think this is possible).

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Febr. 18

From: Annelise Lunde

Birger Lunde

I really enjoy this site! My grandfather was Birger Lunde. I have so many fond memories of him, and it is wonderful to see such a wonderful portrayal of him. He was a great man. He used to tell me some of his stories, but he never spoke about the horrible ordeals he went through. I can remember how he used to try to teach me Morse code, and how we used to play with boats in the pool. He taught me how to fish, row, and how to appreciate life. Although he has been gone for almost 7 years now, his legacy still remains. Not a day goes by that I don't think about him, and it was wonderful to have found your site. Thank you.

Annelise Lunde

There's a link to information on Blink in the message below.

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Febr. 14

From: Tony Price

D/S Blink

Please would you update your records by including the first name of my uncle who was killed when the Blink was torpedoed. Your records show him as Gunner ? Lewis. His real name was Gunner William Lewis.

It has been a privilege to browse your website. Thank you so much for ensuring that the memory of all these brave people will live on.

Blink's story can be found on my page D/S Blink.

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Febr. 11

From: ROHAUT Ludovic

Have you an e-mail i am a FRENCH student and i want to give you a questioannaire on your web site .... This is a good website on POW and moreover on Norwegian POW. I want to speak with you. The subject of my master's degree thesis is : POW websites on Internet 1939-1945. Thank you

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Febr. 10

From: Knut Kleve

Stuert Aasmund Kleve

Hi Siri,
I have just found your site and and am really impressed with all the work you and your family have done.

My father was killed on 26 Feb 1941 while serving as Stuert aboard Solferino (Fred Olsen).

I have recieved, from an uncle, several letters that was written by my father, in the last 2 months of his life.

I will, after the letters are written into my computer, send you EMail copies. Hope you can post them so others can read "how it was," from his perspective.

Med vennlig hilsen
Knut Kleve

These letters have now been added to my Warsailor Stories page.

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Febr. 9

NORMANDY MERCHANT NAVY MEMORIAL FUND

I have received the following from Don Hunter, Founder of the Normandy Merchant Navy Memorial Fund.

"I thought that you would like to know Siri, that at last after great effort and countless (lost count) hours of work I am at last very pleased and honoured to report that our Normandy Merchant Navy Memorial will be in position on the seafront at Arromanches, Normandy and there will an Inauguration Service held on June 6th this year (the 59th Anniversary of D-Day). Dignitaries from both Britain and France will be in attendance at this Civic Ceremony.

The Memorial Plaque will be in polished black granite inscribed in Gilt lettering facing the remains of the famous Mulberry Harbour (Churchill's project). It is to all Merchant Seamen who lost their lives in the "Liberation of Europe" 1944-45.

The inscription on the stone will be headed:

"TO THE MEMORY OF MERCHANT NAVY SEAMEN who lost their lives in the Naval 'Operation Neptune' June 6th - September 1944. Also to the memory of the Merchant Navy Seamen who lost their lives in European Coastal Waters until Europe was finally Liberated in May 1945".

Over 300,000 people visit this site annually, so many people will read of the sacrifice made by those men so Europe could be free".

Additional funds are still needed, so if anyone would care to send a donation, or if you would like to attend the ceremony on June 6 you can contact Don at Nmnmf@aol.com or go to www.mna.org.uk for more information.

Siri (warsailors.com)

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Febr. 7

From: Roger Mansell

Norwegian sailors who died at Ofuna

I received a request to identify and provide information regarding two Norwegian sailors who perished at Ofuna POW Camp. A Japanese Society want to build a Memorial to them at the site of the camp

I've told them to check your site but prefer you make contact directly. Please contact us and we will forward the request.

You have an absolutely fantastic reference site. The world is in your debt.

With warm regards,
Roger Mansell
Director
Center for Research
Allied POWS Under The Japanese
199 First St
Los Altos CA 94022 USA
www.mansell.com/pow-index.html
650-941-2037

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Febr. 4

From: Arjen Klein

Oranje Lijn

Excellent site. Really nice. Enjoyed reading it. Also thanks fot the link to my Oranje Line website.

Arjen Klein

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Febr. 3

From: Jim Fowkes

TM 1

Hello I hope you can help me I am looking for as much information as possible on South Atantic convoy t.m.1 which sailed between Trinidad and Gibralter. It was attacked in 1943 and two ship survived. I need to know the names of these two and any other info you might have
thank you

jim.

Typing "Convoy TM 1" into the search field on my "Search Warsailors.com" page, will bring up what I have for this convoy (including links to other sites)..

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Febr. 3

From: Jim Hankins

My uncle was in Fukucko, Japan incamp name 3rd Branch camp Fukuoka Japan his name was Rabie Grant Nationality American, Rank Civilian he made it back home and moved to Port Arthur,Texas . I have not heared from him in 10 years or longer. Please email me.

thanks Jim

I'm unable to help with this. I suggested some other websites, for instance http://www.mansell.com/pow-index.html

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Febr. 2
From: Constantino Ianni Lugo

Felicitaciones.
Tengo el honor de dirigirme a Ustedes, en la oportunidad de hacerles llegar mi mas sincera palabra de FELICITACION, por tener una gran pagina, en la cual se aprende mucho.

Soy Oficial de la Guardia Nacional de la Republica Bolivariana de Venezuela, en grado de Teniente.

Espero seguir contando con Ustedes!

Favor responder este mensaje.

Atentamente: Teniente(GN)Constantino Ianni.

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Jan. 25

From: Wil Gibson

Long Lost Relative

Dearest Siri:

I hope you remember me. I am your long lost "cousin" by marriage. We met at the Jane Phillips hospital when I did your heart test (Echocardiogram).

I apologize for being such a poor correspondent. Life has been extremely busy. Buying a house, moving, crazy at work, etc,, etc.......

Anyway, GENEALOGY has taken a backseat to daily life for the moment.

Rest assured that I will keep in touch and get back to you as soon as I can.

Take Care,

Wil

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Jan. 22-2003

From: Laurent Rizzotti

Norwegian lifes lost in WWII

Hi Siri,

I'm a regular reader of your site and the ship form, that I enjoyed greatly but I'm not spezialised enough to ask or reply questions here.

Today I arrived on your statistics page (for the first time certainly) and saw the table 'Loss of Norwegian Lives WW II'.

I have data to complete this table :

Total Norwegian losses trough ww2: 10262

Merchant fleet: 3638

Military forces during 1940 campaign: 853 (Army: 566, Navy: 283, Airforce: 4)
Military forces rest of ww2: 1147 (Army: 199, Navy: 640, Airforce: 308)
Total military : 2000 (Army 765; Navy 923; Airforce 312)

Civil population: 1779-1799 (185 civilians as a result of the campaign in 1940, 752 Norwegians killed during allied bombing raids after 1940, 700 people mainly civilians where killed on coastal steamers)
Holocaust : 610-670
Political and resistance: 1481-1483 (366 executed in Norway, 162 in "home front" related activities, 92 died while trying to escape to England, 130 died in imprisonment in Norway, around 730 died in imprisonment in Germany)

It seems important to me to distinguish people killed for underground participation and people killed for racists reasons, ie Jews.
Also your table may confuse some people as the 1400 people that died in deportation (either political or racial) are included in the underground total.

Nazi`s and collaboteurs: 65 (killed by Norwegians)
Front fighters: 689 ("Front fighters" are volunteers engaged in the Axis forces. Not all were reported to SSB, numbers probably higher, 3 volunteers killed with Finland in Winter War probably included here)

Source :
Statistisk Sentralbyrå (SSB).
Internet forums.
Books on 1940 campain I found in a library and forgot to quote the title.. giving the numbers for 1940 (military and civilian).
Number combination (example following)

Note that your second row of numbers (death by cause) gave a total of 4384.
3688 merchant men lost + 700 people lost on coastal steamers = 4388.

1485 merchant men died in accidents of from diseases, 40% of losses of the war were "not really war related".... Count here is like for the military forces of all countries, a person dead between the beginning and the end of the war is counted as a war victim.

Regards

Laurent

Laurent is referring to the numbers found on my Statistics & Misc. page.

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Jan. 20

From: Ron Myhre

New E-Mail Address

Hello Siri,Godt Nytt AAr!! Just wanted to touch base and give you my new e-mail address. We are planning a trip to europe this summer, hoping to see relatives in Norge! Hope all is well with you and yours. Do keep in touch.hilsen, Ron

P.S.could you change my e-mail address on your guest book site, on my original e-mail in 2001. Thank You Siri!

Ron is the son of one of the crew members of Ravnaas.

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Jan. 19

From: Marcus Binney

Operation Performance
Have just chanced on your brilliant website. My Dad was George Binney - Operation Performance, Rubble etc and I grew up hearing stories about the Norwegian ships, crews, blockade running etc. Recently I have written a book on SOE 'The women who lived for Danger' on SOE women agents and am now doing some research on my Dad.

Somewhat separately I am researching the SOE training schools in the Uk. Many Norwegian agents were trained - especially at Aviemore in Scotland - where it was felt they would feel more at home.

Can you suggest any way of contacting survivors? a website eg.

best wishes

Marcus Binney

My text about Operation Performance tc. can be found on the page Kvarstad Ships & Men

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Jan. 14

From: Robert Brewer

D/S Torny

My uncle rescued survivors of the Norwegian freighter D/S Torny on May 8, 1942, following attack by U-507 in the Caribbean at 26 N 86 W. He was in a PBY, and flew the survivors to Pensacola (Florida) Naval Air Station.

I wish to share information about this event with those survivors, and others who may have information and knowledge about the submarine attack, and the rescue.

Robert Brewer
Texas, USA

My text for D/S Torny can be found here.

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Jan. 14

From: Roger

A new link for you?

Hello Siri,
As I said on the Book Forum, you have great site. Check out www.navyphotos.co.uk A collection of over 1000 Photographs of Royal Navy ships from the 1800's to the 21st Century rescued from a rubbish tip! Also a link on the site to another in Plymouth UK with lots of other RN pictures.
Regards Roger.

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Jan. 13

From: Cyril Lofthus

Belpamela

I am putting together a short article about a class of SNCF railway locomotive, known as the 141R. These were built in USA and Canada and shipped across to various French ports from 1945 on, and one of the ships used was the Belpamela. However, she went down with 16 locomomotives on board off Newfoundland in 1946, and I am trying to find any details about her sinking. She was used before the war to take a Pacific locomotive from England to USA for an exhibition, so obviously she was suited to this sort of cargo. In fact the photograph on your site shows her loaded with either buses or railcars or something of that nature. Although I am Scottish my forefathers came from the village of Lofthus in Hardanger Fjord, leaving there for Canada in 1900. I still have a very distant relative in Lofthus and I correspond with his wife who is English. Although I do not have seafaring blood in my veins, my grandfather, who I never knew, was an Aberdeen trawler skipper, and was lost at sea, believed as a result of a mine, near the end of WW1. As to the Belpamela, I suppose you already know this, but I have been reading a site which mentions that Mosquitos from The Banff Strike Wing in Scotland attacked the Belpamela in 1945, which presumably was at this time in German hands. She must have survived this attack in good enough shape to go back to her Norwegian owners in 1945.

Cyril Lofthus

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Jan. 12-2003

From: Frank H Muirhead

FOSNA

I do not know the name of the sick man but if known I would like details and also Master and crew.

20th MARCH 1939 LIFEBOAT, "THE HARRIOT DIXON" MOTOR VESSEL, "FOSNA" OF BERGEN
At 1.55 p.m., the Coxswain received a message from the Coastguard that Maplethorpe had picked up a radio message from the Motor Vessel Fosna that she would be off Cromer at 3 p.m., and wished to land a sick man. The Coxswain informed the E.D.I. who was in Cromer, and he communicated with the Hon. Secretary. It was decided to launch the No. 2 Life-boat as it was uncertain how ill the man was, and it was thought best to take a doctor, Ambulance men and stretcher. Dr. Vaughan consented to accompany the Boat. The Life-boat was launched at about 2.55 p.m., with the E.D.J. and Hon. Secretary on board, the Vessel having been sighted a few minute earlier approaching from the North. The Vessel hove-to about 3 miles North of Cromer, and the Life-boat reached her about 3.15 p.m. The man was found to be capable of boarding the Life-boat without assistance. The Life-boat returned to shore with the sick man, who was taken to Cromer and District Hospital.

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Jan. 12-2003

From: Frank H Muirhead

NESTTUN

Any details of Master and crew would be welcome.

S.S. "NESTTUN" OF TRIDESTRAND (this should be Tvedestrand).
The No. 1 Life-boat was launched at 11.12 am., on the 16th of November and proceeded towards the casualty reported by Haisborough Light Vessel. (Wireless communication was installed with the Light Vessel). She arrived around 12.55 p.m. and found the S.S. 'Nesttun' flying distress signals and aground. The Coxswain went on board and offered assistance to the Captain, which he accepted. Two Tugs were sent for from Yarmouth, and on arrival were connected by the Life-boat, but failed to re-float the Vessel at first tide. The Life-boat continued to stand-by, and two more tugs arrived during the night, and were also connected by the Life-boat. Further attempts to re-float the Vessel on the morning tide were unsuccessful. At 6.45 p.m., on the 17th the Vessel was re-floated and was towed by the Tugs round Haisborough Light Vessel. At the Captains request the Life-boat transferred 6 Salvage men from the Vessel to the German Tug 'Simson'. The time was then about 9.30 p.m. The wind had freshened considerably from W.N.W., but the Coxswain decided that it was best to try to return back to his Station. When off Mundesley he tried to establish wireless communication with Cromer Coastguard for instructions, but was unsuccessful. The Life-boat at the Slipway about mid-night, but found conditions too bad for re-housing. He decided to wait for low water, but at 2.30 am., further waiting being useless, he started for Wells, his petrol supply being low. At 3 a.m. he met the full force of the gale, and knowing that it would be difficult to make Wells Harbour, he turned back towards Gorleston. The Mechanic ran the engines at half speed to save petrol, and the Life-boat reached Gorleston Harbour at 8 am. with only 3 gallons of petrol left in the tanks. Just before day-break, on arrival at Gorleston, the whole of the Crew, many of them, including the Mechanic, having been wet through for nearly two days, returned to Cromer for change of clothing and rest.

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Jan. 12-2003

From: Frank H Muirhead

Motor Tanker REALF

An extract from the records of the CROMER Lifeboat during WWII. I would appreciate any details of Master and crew if known.

1st DECEMBER 1939 LIFEBOAT, "THE H. F. BAILEY" TANKER, "REALF"
Shortly after 7 p.m., on the 1st December the Coxswain received information from the Coastguard at Cromer that a vessel 2 '/2 miles North of the Station wished to land a crew which had been rescued. Upon arrival at the Vessel, which proved to be the "Santa Gata" of Napoli, the Coxswain was informed that 32 men of the Norwegian Tanker "Realf" wished to be landed, also 10 Naval Ratings (2 officers and 8 men) of Kirkwall who had been on board the "Realf" when she was mined. They were taken on board as soon as possible and landed at the Slipway about 10 p.m. It is believed that the men had been picked up by the 'Santa Gata' near Flamborough Head.

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Jan. 10

From: John N. Powers

Pow camps and rosters

You have a B.A. Olsen (civilian seamen) listed as being interned at Shanghai. You question in your info if he (they) left Shangahi May of 1944 or 1945. The Shangahi camp at Woosung held about 1500 prisoners, military and civilian. Dec 42 Woosung was closed and all POWs moved to nearby Kiangwan. May of 1945 Kiangwan was closed down and almost all POWs taken by train to Fengtai, near Peking. A month later they were moved to Pusan in Korea, then sent across to Japan. Do you have any rosters of any POW camps in Japan for this group sent in summer of 1945? I am researching a group called North China Marines. Held at Woosung and Kiangwan, some sent to Japan in Nov 42, Aug 43, Nov 43, and then the final group in May of 1945. Would appreciate any names of people in specific camps. My info is on site at www.northchinamarines.com.

Thanks. John Powers

B. A. Olsen can be found listed on my POWs page.

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Jan. 8-2003

From: Lou Costello

Surface Raiders

Greetings to all,

By way of introduction I am a wreck diving charter boat Captain (east coast USA) and wreck diver and researcher of over more than 30 years.

I am researching some incidents involving merchant vessels and commerce raiders and am in search of information and pictures, especially of Michel and her victims, and also possibly video transcripts of wartime film.

If anyone can help me or send me on the right course it would be greatly appreciated.

The warsailors website has been most informative in itself and is very impressively done.

Thank you,

Capt. M. L. Costello

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Jan. 4-3003

From: Lola Clegg

compensation

My grandfather fought in ww2. I was wondering if I gave you his full name if you could possibly send some information about him. His name is Arthur Nodeen Anderson. He lived in Wataga Illinois. I am not sure what he did but I do know he drove through the black out if that is what it is called. If you need more information i can probably give it too you.

Thank you
sincerly
Lola Clegg

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Jan. 3-2003

From: Annetta C. Watson

Golar Patricia
I dated an officer from the ship in 1967-68. I met him in Astoria,Oregon. He was the purser and radio man. His name is Uffe Brendevit- I actually can't remember how to spell his last name. He was Danish. Maybe you could help me find him? A really great person. Tall, dark, and handsome. He asked my hand in marriage. I was so sorry to see the ship had been destroyed. I spent the night on the Golar Patricia and was treated like a queen. My girl friend and I were given a room to spend the night in. The food was excellent. The chef fixed us the most delicious dishes I have ever eaten.

Those were the days................... FUN_FUN_FUN. Uffe was a genuine gentleman with great respect for a woman.

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Jan 1-2003

From: Dennis Peacock

Ravnanger
Message: In 1949 I served as a mess boy on this ship for 4 months or so, as it delivered and picked up freight in South America. I recall that I returned to San Pedro, California, USA harbor on Thanksgiving day in 1949. Could you direct me to where I might obtain information about the ship? I believe it was built in the US as a transport ship at the end of the war. It was then sold to a Norwegian company and renamed. The American shipping agent was the General Steamship company, I think. Any help would be greatly appriciated.
I enjoyed viewing your site. You have done a remarkable job.
Thank you, Dennis

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