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Norwegian Merchant Fleet
Messages Page 5 - Starting Jan.-2005
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-------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Jostein Hovland The Norwegian sealcatcher "Polaris" Hello Siri! Here's my page about Polaris. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Judy Reveal Oryoku Maru Upon reading your directions above, I'm not sure this is the right place to post this request and I apologize if I am in the wrong spot. I am currently researching information about the Oryoku Maru "hellship" with regard to several specific names. One of them is Arthur C. Peterson. I happened upon your website, and there is this reference: Source: Diary of Major Arthur C. Peterson, who was aboard the Enoura Maru at the time [another ship at Takao] and who specifically mentions the death of Bjarne Asheim. Diary sent to me by a visitor to my website). I am trying to find a copy of this diary(s) online if possible, but have had no luck at all. In particular I am looking for any references to (Lt.) Col. Arthur Shreve {Arthur survived and I am working on a book for his son based on his time as a POW in the Philippines); Major John Neiger (John died on the Oryoku Maru of suffocation and I have found a reference to that fact listing Arthur C. Peterson diary). I am hoping to get more information about either/both of these men from this diary source. Can You help me? Thank you for any direction or assistance you can give me. Judy Reveal (All relevant information has been passed on. The details referred to above can be found in my POW's section) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- This mail from Guayaquil Ecuador South America visit www.hansenvik.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Jay Edwin Niedert Anna Lovise (Holm) Wold My mother is Ann Lea Wald, daughter of Edwin Wald (b. 3 Feb. 1900) who was the son of Anton Wold and Anna Holm. My grandmother (Ethel Arneson) married Edwin in April of 1926. They had three children, (Ann Lea, Eugene and June (who died at birth). They lived in Ellsworth Minnesota for most of their married life. My family has no information regarding Anna's ancestors, so I'm glad to see others are also searching. I'd love to exchange what little information I have if it would be of some help. Sincerely, Jay Niedert This is related to the text in my Genealogy section. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Bonifacius Arbanto Last Information About Wreck Indonor or D/S Astrid Bonifacius Arbanto Here is my page about D/S Astrid. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Clyde Nordan Kosmos I have an 8x10 photo of the crew of the Kosmos that was taken in Norfolk, Virginia somtimes in the '20's I suppose. How can I send a copy to you? -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Sarah Liv McHale Cornelius Arundell Great to read my grandfather's name in ths site ! My father was on the British warship that returned King Olaf to Oslo at the end of the war & I am proud to have the certifcate awarded to him by Olaf, wonder if anyone else has similar ? Cornelius Arundell, captain of D/S Haxby, is mentioned in my text for Tropic Sea on this page. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Laurent d'Entremont M.V. Kron Prinsen (Kronprinsen) Sir: Laurent d'Entremont Here's my page about Kronprinsen, and here's the article mentioned. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Anthony Mundine I had family serve in the Norwegian army in ww2. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- D/S Christian Michelsen Just wanted to thank you for maintaining this very valuable site. My grandfather's older brother, Olav Axelsen, was 2nd engineer on the D/S Christian Michelsen when she was torpedoed in September 1943. It was very interesting to finally locate a picture of his ship. I could post some pictures of other ships mentioned on the site, such as the "Vestmanrød" (ex "Snenut") and the "Vest" if you are interested. Christian Michelsen mentioned in this nbote can be found on this page. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: W. Pop Bjorkhaug July 16th 1943 Dear Sir, In may of this year I published a book with the title "Kapitein B.C. Weltevreden". He was captain of the deepsea going tug "Hudson". On the 16th of July 1943 he towed away the burning "Fort Confidence", the Lady Nelson and the P24. W. Pop Here's my page about Bjørkhaug - see also the Guestbook message under Nov. 9 below. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Christopher F. Nilsen To Veterans and family My grandfather served in the Norwegian navy in ww2. He got 3 Norwegian medals and 4 british...what happend with Irma is sad, but what about ships Mansfield, Lincoln and Stord. Norway should be proud about them.They were the last Vikings. Here's my text for Irma. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Wenche Orbeck Kristiansen Belize Thank you for sharing an interesting site for many of us. My uncle died in Mai this year 2005. He was (as we understand) on the boat Belize during the second war. He did never come back to Norway, he died in San Diego. I thought that I would find some record on this page, or some crewlist somewhere with his name, but I have not found one yet. So nice to see that someone honor the great sailors this way. Wenche's address can be obtained via my contact address provided at the bottom of this page. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Hugh Knox Olaf Hartmann-Johnsen An obituary of Olaf Hartmann-Johnsen, written by Bob Pearson, appeared on the following page: http://f16.parsimony.net/forum28300/messages/11952.htm Olaf had many friends in Australia where he spent his student years and much of his early working life. Would you be able to let me have Bob Pearson's email address? I am putting together a comprehensive obituary for publication in Sydney and Brisbane newspapers, and Mr Pearson is certain to be able to fill some of the gaps. Regards - Hugh Knox I'm not entirely sure why Hugh contacted me about this (possibly because he found Anna is listed on my site), but the address he's seeking can be found via the forum to which he has given a link in his message. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Mi J. Trap Geneology Where do you get most of your geneology from? Is there any other place other than the Mormon church? No address was left, so I cannot reply to this message. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Choi Wong Thank you, i am very happy with the content of this website -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Book 'Salt Water Thief I've enjoyed your web site immensly, and have added a message to the Forum regarding a fine book called in English 'Salt Water Thief' about a young radio operator from Farsund where I worked during several summers. If the book is not known, it will make a fine addition to the Shetland Bus library. Original Norweign book from which the English edition was translated, was (I think) 'Mannen som Stjal Galtesund' by Eiliv Odde Hauge, published by J. W. Cappelens Forlag, Oslo 1955. I took my English copy back to Norway in the 1990s and many of the Farsund names were still familier to the locals. I was also pleased to be able to pay my respects to Odd Starheim, a fellow seaman, at his grave in Farsund before I retired in 1999. Regards, -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Harold E. Wright HX 84 Hello, and wow, what an amazing site - congratulations, you are doing all merchant men proud! My dad was a merchant mariner and his vessel, the Anna T, was sunk in the Indian Ocean. He survived to serve in the Canadian Army during the Korean War. I have a question about your convoy list for HX 84. There are some obvious differences between spellings that is found on my heritage resources - Jervis Bay site that you link to. For example, the order of sailing is differnt for several vessels. You also show the Athel Empress twice, in locations 53 and 93. Which is correct? Is the name of the vessel one word or two? I am compiling a DVD with all photos, documents, about the Jervis Bay. This includes both the British & German propaganda films, the Nov 1940 radio interview of the survivors, as well as other television & radio interviews in later years. I am donating all copies of this DVD to local New Brunswick schools as my personal project for the Canadian 2005 Year of the Veteran. For this project I am also seeking images of as many vessels which were in the convoy. I hope you may allow me permission to use those from your site. Hope to hear from you. Harold E. Wright My page on Convoy HX 84 can be found here (to answer some of Harold's questions, the spelling of some ships on the Jervis Bay site is incorrect. Athelempress is not listed twice, the ship in station 93 is another "Athel" ship - spelt in one word. The cruising order on my page about HX 84 is from the original A 1 form). -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Reg Nott Stalheim/Taberg survivor Hi, I posted this in the forum list under "Re: Stalheim" but I thought I would also send it directly to you. "Magnus Indrevold (b.31-May-1919, d.10-Dec-1994), the Mess Boy on the Stalheim, was my father-in-law. I'm sure he was also one of the Taberg survivors along with the other two Norwegians. Having survived two shipwrecks, he decided he had enough of the sea so he served the remainder of the war in the Norwegian Air Force (Rank LAC 1, Service #1505)." Further information: Thanks for a superb Website!! Here's my page about Stalheim. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Phil Sunderland Thanks Siri: Thanks for your website. My son found it today while researching his choice for a new grandson's name, after one of my Norwegian uncles, Nils Sonderland. Two other uncles served in the Norwegian merchant marine during WWII, Johan Filip as Captain of M/S Bajamar, and the youngest was lost as First Officer of M/S Balzac when she was mined off Sunderland England in 1940. I've looked for further details on that loss, as well as for information on Bajamar in convoys. Your site has been most helpful. Thanks very much! Phil Sunderland. For info, here is what I have for Bajamar and here is Balzac. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Gabriel Bouvier Holmtun I suppose I should mention the sale of 'Holmtun' to 'Fredship A/s' of Bergen, so although the site 'holmtun.no' is still up and running, no vessel by that name exists. The name of the vessel has been changed, again to 'Fjelltun'. The purchaser of the vessel was one of the sons of a previous owner, Asbjørn Fredheim. I imagine the reason for my taking this long to bring your attention to this matter has to do with the unpleasantness of the transaction. My apologies for this, but though somewhat delayed, I thought I should bring you up to date. Feel free to contact me if you should desire any further details. You will find other particulars on the Norwegian NOR/NIS Skipsregister. The call sign of the vessel is still LEDW. Best Wishes, -G. This ship is listed as Hølefjord I in the Homfleet section of this site. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Mike Arnott Bjørkhaug I'm doing research into volunteers from Dundee in Scotland who fought in the Spanish Civil War. One of them, Henry Andrew Hepburn, went on to serve in the Merchant Navy in WWII and was killed on the 'SS Fort Confidence' in Algiers on 16 July 1943. The Fort Confidence caught fire after the explosion on the Bjørkhaug and, because it was carrying oil, it had to be towed out of the harbour before it exploded as well. This was done, with great bravery, by the Dutch tug 'Hudson'. Here's my Bjørkhaug page. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Nico good site Very interesting site. Has helped provide worthwhile information. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Rupert Richardson HX 94 Convoy Thanking you for your confirmation on Convoys HX and BHX. Your page for HX94 [part2] was certainly signed by Capt. F.H.Taylor DSC. He was the Capt.(RN) for the 'Rajputana' for her Wartime service. Cdr. C.T.O. Richardson was her navigator for the same period. Rajputana arrived 28 Nov 40 in Halifax and left 6 Dec. '40. Naval Museum Alberta has all Canadian sailing dates for HX convoys also SHX and BHX. One of the Canadian veterans of that time Adm. Desmond Piers, died at his home in Chester N.S. Nov 4th. He was Capt. of the HMCS Algonquin and Restigouche. He was the youngest Canadian to take command in 1941 at the age of 28. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Rupert Richardson HMS Rajputana Your convoy numerical listings from Hx and Bhx have been invaluable on tracing my Father's voyages from Bermuda/Halifax/St. John and Reykjavik. My Father Cdr. C.T.O. Richardson was Capt. of SS Rajputana at outbreak of WWII, and delivered ship to Esquimalt. At that point Capt. Taylor R.N. was in command. The cross references provided by Naval Museum Alberta, have shown up some errors, which can now be corrected. I spent a short time in Bermuda Sept/Oct 1940. Then Halifax and remained in Canada since Cdr Richardson (Navigator) was lost when ship sunk off Iceland. The lifeboat turned over at launching. Thanking you for making this all possible 60 years later Rupert is referring to my Convoys section, which can be found here. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Wayne Phillips Tordenskjold Hello, I found your website while searching for information about my grandfather William Christensen. I have an old photograph with the name Tordenskjold written on the back. It took me a while to figure out that it was a ship. Great website and very interesting. Kindest regards, Wayne -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Trond Myrvang M/T LISE Hi, Now I know what happened to M/T LISE and her crew....and now I will go and tell my mother (83) what happened to her boyfriend on 22.May 1942. Thank you. Trond Here is my page about Lise. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Rodger Thomas hey I absolutely loved your website. There was a lot of excellent information. I look forward to stopping in again. Thanks. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Oct. 21 From: Robby Castro Hames My dad My father served in the Pacific during the war as a merchant seaman. He passed away when I was 8 but I still remember some of the stories that he told. I would be interested in reading more info about the Pacific seamen during that time. If anyone has any suggestions let me know. I've always been proud that my Dad was that strong of a man. Also of my Mom who told him to go back to sea because that's were he was happiest. His name was Frank A Castro. Thanks Robby (his address can be supplied) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Aron Sloly Hector Sloly My farther was in the Royal Navy from 1943 - 1945, then merchant seaman 1946 - 1953. He would love for anyone who served with him or related to someone who did, to get in touch. Some of the ships he served on were He is now 82 and not well, but a spritley old boatswain. His name is HECTOR SLOLY. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Steve Jones (Reg Jones Son of Mari) My dads story on the Mari Posted, I have alittle more. Hello, As you are aware, my dad passed away on 2-5-04. I am now going through all my correspondence with my Dad on the Mari, and how proud he was on receiving the Norweigian recognisance, and found a good sized letter to me about the Mari that may be of interest to you. It contains nothing personal to me, its all about the Mari, because at the time I was trying to get my Dad to "write it all down". Its pretty neat stuff, and Im sure the families of sailors of the Mari would enjoy it. As stated, it's to me, but nothing personal, just all Mari information, really a great letter. Please let me know if you would like to read it. Sincerely, Steve Jones - My Moms in Canada, but I live in FL - my mom gave me my Dads entire folder on the Mari when I was in Canada at the time of my Dads death. Let me know, STEVE Steve's father's story can be found in my Warsailor Stories section. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Louise Captain Charlie Pedersen Hi My g g Grandfather John Carl(karl) was a Capt on a Norwegian ship +-1890, I am currently trying to get some info what happend to him. Your site reffered is very helpful, was just wondering if you might have something of the early years. many thanks Louise Louise did not leave an E-mail address so I have no way of contacting her. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Andy Skarstein KRONPRINSEN Hi Siri ... Many apologioes for the long silence, I know it's some time since we exchanged emails, and I promised you more info about KRONPRINSEN when I had 'extracted' it from my Father, Eiliv Skarstein. I finally managed to sit down with him over the last weekend on his return from Norway. Amongst other things, I believe I have clarified the convoy issues of 1945 referred to in your entry for 'KRONPRINSEN' He was Radio Officer on board KP from May 1943 to August 1946. Both KP and Kong Haakon 7 were in the last but one convoy from the Clyde to Murmansk, as you correctly deduce was JW66, not JW67. Before arrival at Murmansk, the two ships were detailed to proceed independently to Kirkenes, where they were berthed for 8th May 1945. As there was only one berth, KP was alongside, with KH7 tied up on her seaward side. Following discharge she then sailed for Murmansk, where she joined the final convoy back to the Clyde (RA67). KH7 after discharge sailed down the coast for further discharge at various locations. Incidentally, KH7 was commaned by Captain Karl Jensen, an ex Wilhelmen's master apparently known on board as 'King Karl' ! I am getting a lot more from him about the wartime and post war voyages of KP, when I have it clearly recorded I'll pass it on. Keep up your fantastic work on the wonderful site .... Cheers Andy Here's my page about Kronprinsen. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Erik B P Newton My grandfarther was Eivind Veiersted, who was one of the passengers on BP Newton; after arriving in England he was shipped out to 'Little Norway' and went to aviation school, there he was trained to fly spitfire, which he flew during D-Day in Normandy. Thanks again. Erik is referring to my section about the Kvarstad ships. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Chris Hulland DEMS I've just launched a website relating to my father's wartime experience as agunner on Merchant ships. It may be of interest. www.chrishulland.me.uk -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Sue Trout Santo Tomas You have a wonderful site and each time I stop by, I see something that I did not see on an earlier visit. My mother was one of the US Army nurses interned at STIC. Lt Frankie Lewey's page, hosted by Tom Moore, is at www.cnac.org/emilscott/lewey01.htm; please visit sometime. Best Regards, Sue -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Frank Knickelmann D/S Trafik I / Espedal The end of the story is not true. I bought the ship from Ocean Ltd and we rebuilt her as an diving ship on the red sea. We never changed her name, her homeport was Hamburg, and the ESPEDAL sunk on 1993-04-15 some miles east of Hurghada / Egypt depending on crashing on a small coralreef, not shown in the seamaps. This happened at 9:00a.m. Depenting on that crash a fire in the engineroom started. Our vhf-calls mayday where useles, we got no help from the egyptians, they carried out tourists by boat to earn some money in showing them a sinking ship. When the waterlevel rised she got free of the reef and drifted southwards. She took water and at 6:00p.m. she turn to starbordside, rised up a last time and sunk. (Here's my text for Trafik I). -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Joan Nanette Narvesen Finn Narvesen Information You mentioned "A boat from Arendal", one of the 4 remaining was my uncle Finn Narvesen. Can you send me any more information you may have on him. Thank you and I was very surprised to see his name listed. My father (Egil Narvesen) and Grandfather (Rolf Narvesen) were imprisoned because the Gestapo knew about my uncle leaving Norway. The vessel in question is mentioned on this page. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Arne Just Lund War history at sea I am very impressed by your home page. I find it very interesting. I am a retired ships electrican and automation engineer. I have met some warsailors at sea and remember some stories they told. But often they did not like to speak about the war time. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Mattias Thanks for your helpfull website Mattias -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Aug. 21 From: James Carroll HMS Bazely I was aboard HMS Bazely from 1942 to 1945. I read the note from Charlie Cox's son (I assume), and I would love to make contact. I am trying to put together a book on Bazely and I would love a copy of the crew photograph. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Christian A. Larsen, Jr. (Chris) Santo Tomas POW I am so excited to have found your web-site. My father, Christian A. Larsen, who's parents are both Norwegian who came from Norway and settled in White Salmon WA in 1890; my mother Valentina (Valla) Saldkovskaya-Stepanov, a Russian who met my father in Manila when she was married to Dwight Shouse, and myself (born 12/21/40) in Cebu, were all interned in Santo Tomas from 1/7/42 until 2/3/45. My sister, Valerie was born March 6, 1943 despite the Japanese edict that POW's were not allowed to have children. My father worked for Standard Vacuum Oil Co. in the Philippines from 1928 until he retired as General Manager in 1963. He is one of only 7 Americans to have received the Philippine Legion of Honor for all he did to help the Philippines and its citizens during his 35 years in his adopted country. He passed away at age 92 in 1995. I would very much like to hear from anyone and everyone who has any personal experiences with Santo Tomas, whether they were actual prisoners or if they have any interesting stories to relate about growing up in the camp. My one question for you: did you or your parents know my family? Thank you so much for your help. Chris Larsen Here are my Santo Tomas pages -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Trevor Hallifax Appreciation Just to say thanks for a great forum and i have found answers to all of my questions so much so that i have put a link on my site to yours. If you want to take a look it is www.hallifax.info (for some reason, this site does not appear to come up when using Internet Explorer, but works fine in other browsers). I am reseaching the trawlers of Grimsby my home town. once again Great Site Trevor is referring to my Ship Forum. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Charlie Nice site -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Andrew Cuthbertson HMS Aurania, Convoy HX-126, U-123, U-556 You are doing a great job compiling the information on HX-126, HMS Aurania and the convoy battles of the Second World War. My late father was a senior engineering officer aboard HMS Aurania from 1936 through until the ship was sold to the Royal Navy after she was torpedo damaged by U-123 in October 1941. I have just self published a book on his recently discovered war diaries that describes in detail the Convoy HX-126 attack in May 1941 and the subsequent torpedo attack on the ship later that year. This has been complemented by the accounts from the U-boat captains involved in the attacks, as well as the US Coast Guard and US Navy involvement. In total I sourced some 25 original documents on the attacks. The book has been distributed to surviving crewmen from HMS Aurania and my father's second command HMS Hunter as a non-profit venture. I would be happy to donate a copy of the book to you at no charge in tribute to such a fine internet website. Please advise whether you are interested. Here is Convoy HX 126 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Michael Sukkar Good Work Hi, I live in Australia and my Grandfather Erling Sveberg was a member of the Madrono, I showed some of the information you had provided and he was extremely happy to have found out what had happened to some of his old crew mates. He told me that the information on the site was about 95% correct, and given that he is now 85 it meant a lot to him to get some closure on this hard time in his life, by finding out the fate of some of his friends - good work!! My info on Madrono can be found on this page, and Erling Sveberg is listed in the crew list. If anyone remembers him, and would like to get in touch, his grandson's address can be provided. My contact address it at the end of this page. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Graham Snål My father was Arthur Fjeldstad. He joined the Norwegian Air Force as a navigator and was trained in Little Norway in Ontario. He flew from Canada to Reykjavik in Iceland and then to Oban in Scotland on convoy patrol looking out for u-boats. He met my mother in London on leave. Gustav Scmidt was my God father. In 1956 he was a "caretaker" of a munition dump outside Sandnes. My father bacame a shipschandler in London closely associated with Sigvall Bergesen lines "Berge Sigval" etc. and Sigval Bergesen d.y. "Fonn" lines. He died in 1959. His office was in Lancaster Gate in London which was close to the "Duchy Hotel" in Lancaster Gate which was the Norwegian seamen's hotel and shipping office. The Snål referred to can be found on this page -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Davina Wankleton Most impressive helpful also thankyou! -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Mike Cool site -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Derek Wallace Good site. Enjoyed the trip! -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Knut Skjånes Norwegian war sailor in Shanghai I am a Norwegian and have a cousin by the name of Harley Skjaanes, or Alf Kåre Harley Skjaanes, which is his full name. He went to sea in 1939 and Japanese navy forces conquered his ship in 1941 or 1942, and he spent the rest of the war as a POW in Shanghai. Harley refuses to tell me anything about his war experiences but according to our Family history Harley got an education as a wireless operator while staying in Shanghai. I have never before heard about education of POWs and am therefore interested in whether there is someone who knows something about this matter. I will be grateful for any information about this subject. (Contact me for Knut's address if you can assist) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Randall Farmer Dwight L. Shouse I am trying to contact former POWs at Santo Tomas to see if they remember my great uncle Dwight Shouse. My dad says Dwight told him he was working for Standard Oil in the Philippines prior to the Japanese occupation. I wanted to know if you have anyone who emailed you who may know Dwight or have connections with Standard Oil. Any help is much appreciated. (I've put Randall in touch with someone who contacted me last year, and who was interned at Santo Tomas - see the note at the end of that page). -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Einar Tønnessen Storstein Great page - I really admire the work you do. My uncle was 2nd mate on Storsten - born in 55 I did for obvious reasons not meet him but I proudly wear his name. The mystery of the missing lifeboat is still with us and I guess by now we'll never know the true story. Most of my family were sailors.My grandfather a senior captain with Fred.Olsen and Einar were both sailing with an additional threat over their heads. In 1940 shortly after the invasion of Norway my aunt was arrested and sendt to Grini with my cousin (he was the youngest prisoner there in the camp) where she was held as hostage for the duration of the war. She was released at the war's end in '45. The family made numerous attempts to get her out - the last plea denied by Therboven personally in late '44 (I have the original letter). The Storsten tragedy is discussed on this page. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Tina Snål My Dad was Arthur Fjeldstad. He made a broadcast on this journey in 1943? in the USA. He went on to become number 49 in the Royal Nowegien Air Force. Sadly he died in 1959. Last I heard about 25 years ago, Gustav Schmidt was OK and living in Kent UK. I gave my Dad's wartime flying Logs to a museum in Stavanger a couple of years ago. Sent the article to all my family around the world and I am so proud to see his name mentioned. The Snål referred to can be found on this page -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Trevor Hallifax The kos fleet What an excellant site! It has helped to fill in a gap in my grandfather's navel history that i am researching. He was Chief Skipper in WW2 on the KOS VIII (Here's what I have on the Kos whale catchers). -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Beryl E. Carlsen Seek info on John Carlsen Borgen Info I have: Immigrated to Lorain,Ohio USA in 1911 where a sister lived. I saw him at my grandfather's in Lorain approx.1928-1941 and also as a whaling captain in a short-feature film in Cincinnati, Ohio about 1960 or so, entitled "Thar She Blows". He had two sons, Ove and Arne who spent the war years sailing, avoiding the Germans who were after their fishing fleets. John's home is/was in St. John's, Newfoundland as late as 1953. My grandfather was Herman Amandus Carlsen from Trondheim, born 1872, entered St.Johns NB in 1894, Lorain,Ohio 1896, died 1944. I realize you do not provide any info, but I hope someone reading this will provide some. Thank you. Beryl E. Carlsen (Address can be provided) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Donald Nelson Impressive Site & Meråker, Nørd Trøndelag, Norway What a wonderful site you have developed! On April 13, 1854, the very first group of people to emigrate to America from Meråker, Nord-Trondelag, Norway, was led by Nils Ivarsen Evjen Fosmoe. The small group he guided made their way to Stjørdals Bay, where they boarded the small sloop "Maria Sophie," bound for Hull, England. Then aboard a much larger ship, their journey continued on to Quebec, Canada. From there they found their way to McFarland, Dane County, Wisconsin. Nils Ivarsen Evjen Fossmoe is my great great grandfather. He married Susanna Jonasdatter Nessan in 1834 Meråker. I had the great honor and pleasure to attend the "150 Year Emigrant Jubilee" held in Meråker, August 28th thru September 5th 2004. This is the first time I had ever been to Norway and can hardly wait until I can get the money to return. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Elizabeth at Extraordinary Bookseller Am glad I peeled into your interesting, specific site. Thanks for stopping in the store; next year Decorah might make for a more interesting weekend. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Nina Osterlye Fornes or Forness I love your website. It is an inspiration. I found it by doing a search for Forness which is my ex husband's family and my children's Norwegian roots. It must have been your friend Greta's name. I have bookmarked your site. It is so well done and I want to do a webpage also. Your travels parallel my maternal cousin Celeste's. She married an oilman (geologist?) John Thomas and they also were in Stavanger for years. She is originally from Texas and Oklahoma! I heard they went to Britain after Stavanger. Maybe they went to Aberdeen too? I have lost her. My name is Danish. It is actually Østerbye and Grandpa changed it. Said he was tired of being called "Mr. Used To Be". ;-) My grandmother was Swedish so my children can truly just say they are "Scandinavian"! If you have any tips on Fornes/Forness or if you ever heard of John and Celeste Thomas from Texas let me know. Otherwise, keep up your great website. Nina in California Nina is referring to a link found on my Genealogy page. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Justin Andersen Thorøy Hi again Your site is bettere and better. At last I have found some detail of a convoy the Thorøy was part of. My father was Radio Officer and Chief officer at that time. many thanks Justin Andersen PS Anyone with further details of war service of either Thorøy or Thorshov would be most welcome. Here's what I have on Thorøy and here's my page about Thorshov. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: George Arcus SOLVEIG (SF 170 A) I purchased a boat back in 1988 that I have been restoring since then. I was told when I bought her that she had been a tender for a super tanker and had helped people escape during world war 2 and that her name was SOLVEIG. I find a record of this name in your files and wondered if you could shed any further light on whether this may be the same boat or perhaps guide me to where I could find any further info Thank you The Solveig referred to can be found on this page - I'm afraid I don't know whether this is the same vessel or not. I suggested my Ship Forum as well as this forum. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Gordon Smith Russian Convoys I had not seen your WW2 convoy pages before. Found them most interesting. I run www.naval-history.net. Three areas you may be interested in: 1. All British ship losses in WW1 2. All British warship losses in WW2 3. In 2003 I did a lecture cruise to Murmansk on the Russian convoys. Towards the end of naval-history.net front page is the material I used including details of some of the ship positions and escorts etc. They may be of use to your Russian Convoy listings. Best wishes Here's my own page about the Arctic Convoys - more will be added as time allows. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Andrew Thorn Excellent site! -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Simon Ith Keep up the good work. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: James Yearnd Thanks A wonderful thank you for your work. The courage of these men should inspire us all! With Fond Regards, -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Sean Samuel Martinsen Martin Martinsen 2nd Mate D/S Trolla (Survivor) Tusen Tack! A thousand thanks for all who have put this site together. Here's my page about Trolla -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Richard Johnson I am just learning about my Norse ancestry -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Kim Bishop Very unique site. Really enjoy coming here. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Ian Campbell Oakcrest - U-123 - OB244 Many many thanks for your excellent page! My grandfather James was a steward aboard Oakcrest in OB244, sunk by U-123. I knew this information was in Brit merchant navt archives but i cannot get at those from here in Tas, so all my MA & article research was via books or Uweb. It's both tremendous and sad to see these new details, after all tis time. do please read my article. my very best wishes and kind regards, Ian Campbell Here's the info on Convoy OB 244, and here's Ian's article at Uboat.net. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Avery Piersall Hi my name Jay, I have visited your site and I find it very well organized. Really good job! -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Terri Love it - wow -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Michael Ruhlsted Great site, keep up the good work! -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Michael Remme Skotaas My grandfather, John F. Wandless (Canadian) was the British Security Coordinator in WWII for the Gulf Coast, with responsibilities from Pascagoula, MS to Brownsville, TX. His wife, Vera, ran the popular Allied Seamans' Club at Galveston, TX. She was given a pair of ebony wood elephants by the British gun crew of this Norwegian ship, properly inscribed, which still sit on the mantle of the family home in Galveston at 1920 M to this day. A Texas historical marker for the residence commemorates the service in WWII of this couple. Great web site, which I come to often. Many thanks. M.J. Remme, Arlington, TX (Skotaas can be found on this page). -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Mary Jensen Laurentze Can you possibly tell me the origin of the name "Laurentze"? My husband's grandmother is Antoinette Katrina Seneca Laurentze. Laurentze does not sound Danish to me. Denmark is the country of origin for my husbands family. Is Laurentze a Danish name? Even if you have no idea, can you please respond and tell me that, or maybe where I can find out such a thing? Thank you for your time and trouble...Mary Jensen P.S. can you please send me a personal e-mail, as I am not very computer literate and may never find your web page again...thank you for your time. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hi Lawsons! Nice website, great pictures. Congrats on the wedding. I was a schoolmate of Mitch way back when. Regards and best wishes, Joris -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Capt. George Green (Army) D/S OPHIR Dear Sir Iam eternally grateful for giving me news and a picture of the above ship. Why?? I was as an NCO and ACK/ACK gunner on board this small ship when she was severely damaged by bombs dropped by a Focke Wolf Condor in OCT/1940 in the Pentland Firth. We made port at OBAN, then to Liverpool, we then made port at MILFORD HAVEN, only to end up at SWANSEA, and we were docked at the Cambrian Dry Docks, I was with her over the X/Mas period, I was then in the D.E.M.S. service, I bless the memory of those wonderful Norske Sailors. George Green July 4th aged 83 years. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Storm Karlsen Thank You for this page My father was on the ship Gunvor which hit a mine and sank off the coast of the keys. I had heard my mother talk of his being torpedoed and he was one of the 4 men that were thrown in the water and resuced by the 20 men in the lifeboat. He and the other three men were holding on to a part of the ship when the other men found them. Thank you for solving a mystery in my life and letting me finally find out what had happened to him and his ship. If anyone out there remembers this event, I would love to talk to them. Again thank you for this web page! Here's my page about Gunvor. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Larry Lenard Enjoyed -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Ray Terry Norwegian Participant or War Medals Hi Siri, My father, George Terry served with Royal Marines (UK) during WW2 and was wounded on board HMS Resolution during air raid at Narvik in 1940 and stationed in Bergen Norway sometime between 1944-45 and according to your website covering Norwegian War medals, he could be entitled to a Participant or War Medal? I have a certificate of thanks signed by King Olav to support this claim. Do you have a contact address or email of Norwegian Authorities responsible for the issuing of such medals that I could write to...? Regards Ray Terry -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Hermann Ostermann ETHEL von BRIXHAM Dear ladies and sirs, in order to the present owner, gerd bialek of Eckernförde / Germany, I'm researching the fate of this vessel, a former brixham trawler. I would like to ask you for any intormation or hint concerning her Norwegerian years. Regards Hermann Ostermnn (I suggested my Ship Forum for assistance with this query). -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: D. Skertic M/T Lind I found your web-site looking for information about my mother's family. I have always heard of Uncle Kjeld, coming to visit them in Brooklyn when my mother was a child. Do you have any pictures of the ship? My mother's family is from Bergen and Oslo. Very interesting. Kjeld Nyebak is noted as being the 1st mate. D. Skertic There's more about Lind and her crew in my Operation Performance section. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Mary Lou Maisonneuve (nee Bulger) Giles E. Bulger M/S Leif Hello. My father was the one Canadian who survived the sinking of the M/S Leif. This is a wonderful keepsake for me to leave my children about their grandfather. Thank you so much! Here's my page about Leif - if anyone else had relatives on board, and would like to contact Mary Lou, I have her address in my files. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Wahyu Position of Empire Pilgrim/Astrid Dear Sir, Best regards, Here's my page about Astrid. Unfortunately, I don't have pictures. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: John Kirk Frederick Jesse Cox I believe that Gunner Frederick Cox (killed aboard the South Africa, 8-6-1942) was from the village of Winteringham, North Lincolnshire, where his name appears on the village war memorial. This may be seen at the following URL: http://www.council.winteringham.info/Remembrance/remembrance.html See crew list for South Africa. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Tove Fasting Nagel Harborg from Lofoten This is not related to the second world war, but I'd be grateful for any help, or any ideas and tips on where I can get further information: -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Supachai Hi, I'm from Thailand, great site. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- June 1 From: Hugh MacLean Siri, A wonderful site and such a lot of work. I have really enjoyed working my way through the site. I am not finished yet so will make many return visits. Great credit to you for this tribute, and it serves as a reminder what your father's generation (and mine) had to go through. It is now 60 years since the end of World War II. The Allied Merchant Navies never got the credit they truly deserved. Least We Forget. Regards, Hugh has his own website about the sinking of City of Cairo - well worth a visit. It includes survivors' stories as well as the names of occupants of the 8 lifeboats and their fates. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Fernando Novella Vp "CAPITAINE BONELLI" therafter.."Carrier" I´m collecting info about my ancestors Bonelli. Since I heard about having an ancestor being the youngest captain of the fleet (at the end of the 1800..), I wonder if the ship was named after him, because of this. If I can get more info probably I´ll be able to know his name (and more..) and continue completing that branch. I´ve tried to collect info vía flote d`etat but nothing...Maybe you know more about it, or could advise me where to search. The web site is amazing; all the work you have done is wonderful. Congratulations, and thank you. Here's my page about Carrier, ex Capitaine Bonelli. (I'm unable to help with the question). -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Azzurra Lavecchia Family album, Carleen's wedding Dear Lawsons and dear Carleen, (Here's my daughter Carleen's wedding album) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Mike Parsley Berganger accident 1965 Hi Siri, If you would like more information about the accident I'd be happy to supply it! Here are the WW II Berganger and Risanger. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Richard Moffett Heller Colonel Birger Eriksen Please forgive...This is an inquiry not about a sailor but about a soldier who in fact lethally attacked a number of German sailors. Oberst Eriksen was of course the Commandant of Oscarsborg Fortress on 9 April, 1940. And his guns and land-based torpedoes sank the "Blucher." I find him an enigmatic figure. Does anyone know anything about him? If so, please advise. R Heller -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Dennis Thon Norwegian Merchant fleet Hello and thank you so much for the information I have gleaned from your web site. My father Karsten Anker Thon was a seaman on the following vessels during WW2 and most of his ships are listed in your pages. He was a survivor of the sinking of the Risoy in 1942 but also sailed on The Paraguay 1937-39. The Elin K, 1939. The Sirehei, 1940-41. The Mari, 1941. The Ringen, 1941. The Hill, 1941. The Thoroy 1942-3. The Petter 1943. The Tora, 1943. The Nandi, 1943-4. The Thorshov 1944-5. The Kolsdal, 1945. The Tautra 1947-8 The Eviva, Grana and Bengazi, 1948-9. Unfortunately my father died some 13 years ago and told me very little of his times at sea. He was awarded his medals finally in 1980s in a ceremony at a Newport Hotel. He left my mother Gwynneth who is still with us. Karsten Anker Thon is included in the crew list for Risøy - all the other ships mentioned above can also be found on this website; the easiest way to find them is through the Master Ships Index. I have Dennis' E-mail address, in case anyone would like to contact him. My contact address is at the bottom of this page. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Peter Finan Love the site, thanks!! -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Arthur Donnelly Convoy OB 288 After years of trying to find out what happened to my Uncle Arthur Donnelly's Convoy I can now cease my search. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for such a wonderful website. Our family have been sea-farers from Scotland and Ireland for centuries. My father (Frank) and his brother both joined the M.N. as 'boys', Arthur being lost on the HMS Manistee, my father retired after 30 years. I couldn't resist the call either, but spent my 25 years in the Royal Australian Navy in much warmer climes. Once again many thanks for a wonderful website Here's Convoy OB 288 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Greg Williams M/V Polarbris You have probably heard by now that the tanker Polarbris was built in 1951 in Glasgow. Her sistership was Polartank. Greg Greg is probably referring to one of my father's ships. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Jon Henessey This is a great site, very useful, thank you -------------------------------------------------------------------------- May 3 From: Cress Looking for PRE WW I mariners My Grandfather joined the Norwegian Merchant Marines about 1906. Can someone get me started in the right direction? -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Charles Stobbar Ships in SC convoys Regarding flag of the following ships, all were built in USA for USWSA and bareboat chartered to British MOWT, put under management of Anglo-American Oil when built. Management was transferred to Anglo-Saxon Petroleum (Shell) in 1945, and they were sold in 1946 mostly to China, therefore from 1943 to 1946 were under the British flag. SC141 Station 143 Spindletop I sailed in the British Merchant Navy from 1956 to 1987, and am now retired, am presently researching the Shell Tankers fleet, on which I sailed. I have found your site really great. Keep up the good work! Charles. I very much appreciate that people take the time to send me info like this, so that I can update and/or correct my pages. The convoys referred to here can be found in my Convoys section. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Edgar Merrey Hoegh Hood I volunteered as an AA gunner in Alexandria on board the Hoegh Hood. We sailed to Malta and then, after 10 weeks, on to Gibraltar. I vividly remember being torpedoed by the Italian Air Force. We were hit by two torpedoes. I have since been able to obtain the debriefing report filed by the pilot who dropped the torpedoes. If you need further details please contact me. The ship referred to is discussed on this page. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Allan Jones North Atlantic Convoys WWII I'm not sure if my request should be posted in one or more of your forums, or just to you, but perhaps I can leave that decision to you? -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Victoria Spinanger M/T Spinanger Hi, Thanks this is a cool web-site. Like so many other Norwegian ships, I believe Spinanger was named after a place in Norway. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Walter Rosenberger Love ships(old) good morning! I referred Walter to my Ship Forum -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Wendy D Briscoe Hi, Regards -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Judith Anderson Thanks for your valuable work Hi Siri, The story about the Kvarstad ships can be found on this page - Kaare Bogen is mentioned in the crew list for B. P. Newton on Page 2. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Pamela Viddal Chatterton D/S Borgund Hi Siri, I also sent you an e mail to the address at the bottom of the page. I accidentally found this site and now I can't stop reading. My father, Johannes Viddal, was one of those who I am assuming survived from the D/S Borgund. My mom says she remembers him talking about being "torpedoed". She also said that he didn't like to talk too much about it! My father died 22 years ago so unfortunatly I can not get any more information. I am going to start searching through my mother's keep sakes for any further clues. If there is anyone who knows anything more I would love to hear from you. My mother, who is Canadian, and father met in a small town not far from Camp Norway, Lunenburg, Nova Scotia in 1947 or 1948. They married and resided in Nova Scotia. Here's my page about D/S Borgund -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Bonifacius Arbanto Roger W. Jordan E-mail? Dear Sir, Big Thanks' Bonifacius Arbanto The information Bonifacius is referring to can be found on my page about Astrid; post war details were sent to me by Roger W. Jordan, author of the book "The World's Merchant Fleets 1939". However, I did not feel right about passing on his personal E-mail address, but did send Bonifacius some links to more details on Empire Pilgrim. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Raymond Forward Revered Memories I am so very grateful for all the information you have collated and placed on the Internet. I am researching the Athel Line, there is a lot out there, but not all on one site. My uncle Basil Forward served on the Athelvictor, and was a crew member when the explosion took place at Lagos. He was on another ship when it was sunk; and when he was picked up, that ship was hit and was severely on fire, he escaped with others and spent days at sea before being rescued. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Diana Melsom McDonald Egil Melsom on M/T Gallia Hello! First of all, I must tell you how fascinated I am by your research and website and thank you for helping to fill in pieces of my father's life. My father, Egil Melsom, died in 1987. He was on M/T Gallia from 6/39 to 3/47 and I still have many of his papers especially his St. Olavs Medaljen Med Ekegren, dated 4 November 1943 (although the medal itself was stolen from his home many years ago). My parents were married while my father was on this ship...I have the silver bowl that the shipmates had engraved and presented as a gift to them. He was my hero and had quite a history at sea. He also sailed on Charente, Glittre, Sysla, Ferm, Norvana and Marinen. After serving Norway for 20 years at sea, he continued at sea by serving the US for more than 20 years. He would have been so proud of his granddaughter who has been accepted to the US Coast Guard Academy. She will continue our family heritage! Sincerely, Diana Here is my page about Gallia -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Conrad Thrane Photos from Sørholt You have a very impressive website, just yesterday my sister brought it my attention. My father was passenger on the Sørholt, sunk off Trinidad in Sept 1942, and happened to have a pocket camera with him. He took the photo you have on that incident, along with 16 other pictures, mostly showing the men in their boats and rafts. I have the originals and they are sharp and good. Would you like me to send jpg's? Are there other people you know of who might be interested? Best regards, Conrad Thrane Here is my page about Sørholt -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: MacPhail Norwegian ship Atlantic My husband sailed on the Norwgian ship Atlantic in 1942. (0ne of five Norwegian ships, he sailed on. Usually as the only Canadian.). I am looking for photos of Sandviken and Atlantic as well as Convoy numbers, and any other information. This is a mind boggling source of information chat line. If they only knew , these wartime people, the profound interest their activities have generated by those of us who care. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Don Kitchen Convoy HX314 First of all let me commend you on your site. It is fantastic. I am researching my fathers MN career and your site has definitely been helpful. On your listing of HX convoys I could not find any reference to HX314. Do you know if there is any information coming available soon on that convoy? Regards -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Sandra (Lindtner) Beagle Nicolai Fredrik Lindtner Thank you Siri for the photos and information on the M/S Lidvard. Your site is a blessing to my family. Nic. F. Lindtner is my great-grandfather. Frederick Lindtner is my mother's father. When my mother unexpectantly passed over in October of 2003, my partner Kevin made a very romantic gesture. In May, 2004 we flew to Germany to visit my neice and her husband. Our last weekend we spent in Paris where Kevin proposed marriage atop the Eiffel Tower using my mother's wedding ring. The site of our period wedding is the 18th Century Museum we are the caretaker's of in Maine. Thank you for including your daughter's beautiful wedding album. After reading about your wedding I've decided to add a touch of Norway to ours. I've always been proud of my Norwegian heritage although I know so little about it. The desire to contact Norwegian relatives has been sparked by your website. Perhaps I'll invite them to our celebration! Thank you once again. Here's my page about Lidvard, and here's the wedding album mentioned above. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Luke Nice and thought filled site you've got here!... -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Aadi Your site is great - you have done a terrific job. Lots of success. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Francine Thomas P. Shaw aka Karl Hansen See my page about Hallfried I have also found Mr. Shaw listed among the crew members of Rym. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Steven I really liked the site -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Graham Marshall Great site -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Charlie This is a really nice site. Keep up the good work! -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Harry Collings m v Montevideo I have traced a photograph of the m.v. Montevideo underway in Liverpool Bay during the War. Copies can be opbtained from National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London SE10 9NF. The image Reference is P23493 For info, the musem Harry mentions has an extensive collection of ship photographs - they can be found through this search page. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Justin Andersen Thoray Your site gets better and better. At last found some information about a convoy my father was on. He was Chief mate on Thoray in 1940. many thanks -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Mary G. Greenly Robert D. Glassburn Surfing through info on US POWs (re my brother Bob) in the Philippines, I came to your site from Santo Tomas web site. I just want to say how much I appreciate all the info about that prison camp, and how much work went into your website. Congratulations and thanks, Mary Here is my Santo Thomas section. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Neil Kaufman Gunner Cyril Bacon As Historian to Leyton Orient Football I was interested to find the name of Gunner Cyril Bacon (British) as being a survivor on the ship Isbjorn in 1944. We had a player opf the same name who I had listed as being A Gunner with the RAF So being on this ship, I'm not sure if he is the same person, although the name Bacon is NOT a common name. Any suggestions how I can find if he is the same person Thank you Neil is referring to the crew list for Isbjørn found on this page - if anyone can help, I have Neil's E-mail address on file. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: József Horváth convoy HX 20 and OB 197 Dear Siri! I find a mistake in convoy HX 20. The steamer CSIKÓS was not greek, she was hungarian. Later, in 1941 under panamian flag saild and sunk. I hawe any details about convoy OB 197. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Garth Graydon Robert Graydon (MS Simnia) I am the son of Robert Graydon who was on the MS Simnia mentioned on this web-site. Robert is referring to my note under Buccaneer on this page. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: John Londal M/B Elieser (M63V) - John Martin Londal. I read with interest the insertion under the above heading, as the first name was my father. The boat arrived in Arbroath. They had aimed for Shetland, but a storm blew them off course, hence the seven days for the crossing. They had run out of food and water. The first thing my, till then non- smoking, father was given was a cigarette, and he said it was so nice he became addicted ! Dad joined the Free Norwegian Navy, as a pom-pom gunner, based at Falmouth. He was rescued from a torpedoed destroyer, he did not know which raid, and could not be sure of the year. After some time in hospital having lost his taste and smell through swallowing oil, he spent the rest of the war at the Norwegian base at Barnes, London. John is referring to this vessel. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Patrick O'Shea Narvik capaign 1940 I was born on April 11, 1940. That day, my father a Lance Sergeant in the Irish Guards, was en route to Norway. On May 15 while transfering from Skaanland to Harstad, the ship was bombed, set on fire and started to sink. The troops lost about 25 casualties and were rescued by HMS' Wolverine and Stork. Most officers were killed. I am interested to know if there are any special events in Narvik/Norway this year, the 65th anniversary of the invasion of Norway. BTW, the British who had huge casualties in the campaign never issued a medal, although I believe he might be entitled to one from Norway. Does anyone know? Thanks Patrick I advised Patrick to go to a website that deals with WW II in Norway -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Phil Clarke Commdr. Øivind Schau (R. Norge Navy) I am compiling a family history in which Commodore Øivind Schau. He started his life at sea in the whaling fleet in the 20s(?) as a boy sailor. He then went to the Naval College where he became a lifelong friend of the late King Olav. He served during the 2nd WW as a Lieutenant based in the UK. He was on the only Norwegian destroyer that was sunk during the Normandy Invasion, the details are in a book he wrote about the 2nd WW. He later became the director for the tall ship Christian Radich. His last known address was Bygdole (perhaps this should be Bygdøy Allé?) in Oslo. If anyone can help with any information whatsoever please contact me. Many thanks. I have Phil's E-mail address. (Øvind Schau is mentioned a couple of times on this website). -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Jennifer Cook - Trygve Olsen My grandfather was a cook during the war and his name was Trygve Olsen. He came from Norway to Canada. Do you have any information at all about the Trygve Olsen on your site? Photo or approximate date of birth? Anything? My grandfather died in 1971 so I have very limited info here. Thanks, I look forward to hearing from you, Jen -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Caroline Stevenson Wilh Wilhelmsen book I could not find your English e mail box so I hope this gets through to you. I am very interested in your site. My late grandfather, Kaare Schoning (died 1960) was the Senior Partner of Wilh Wilhelmsen and I have in my possession a book of the firm. But seeing it is all in Norwegian, I cannot understand it. The book is called Wilh. Wilhelmsen i hundre år, written by Av Kr. Anker Olsen. It was published early 1960's and looks like a private publication. It contains many photos of ships, etc. Have you seen this book? Are you interested in it. I would naturally be reluctant to part with it but could send you some copies if you would like. As I live in Australia I am a bit far away from you! Look forward to hearing from you, -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Richard Luding Henry Gerd Ronnegerg My late Grandfather, Henry Gerd Ronneberg was a sailor in the Norwegian Navy. I was interested in finding anyone who may have served with him and could give me information on the ships he was on. I can supply Richard's E-mail address -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Carol Curtis USS Juneau WW11 My dad Jesse Baker Waltman went down on the USS Juneau on November 13, 1942. It was sunk off the Solomen Islands in Iron Bottom Sounds. I disagree that the INDIANAPOLIS WAS THE WORST SEA DISASTER. There were men rescued from the USS INDIANAPOLIS but even though the Navy knew there were men in the water there was never a search and rescue attempted for the men on the USS Juneau. The 11 survivors were not rescued as the Navy states. They finally were lucky enough to be swept up on an island. The Navy kept this secret for months. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Vince Palumbo M/T Hamlet Siri: Thanks for your very informative and interesting website. During the recent past, I have had the opportunity to scuba dive the remains of the M/T Hamlet in the Gulf of Mexico. Having the information available concerning the ship's voyage and its final fate made the scuba experience much more personal for me. Thanks Again, -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: John Fb Davies M.T. SKANDINAVIA I sailed aboard the M.T SKANDINAVIA.as 3rd Radio Officer. I have a photograph of the Captain and other officers enjoying our Christmas dinner mid Pacific Christmas day 1943. I should be delighted to send a copy to anyone interested. I also sailed aboard the M.T KALDFONN, but unfortunately have neither photographs of the vessel or crew. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Fridtjov Ruden Thank you for a heartwarming, impressive and interesting document. It is strange, I have had a similar idea now for some time, but you beat me to it, by a lightyear or so. A very admirable tribute indeed, congratulations. Who needs a stone after this. I have for some time been in the footsteps of my own old man, from his campaign as a corporal in 1940 and during his Milorg years, and unlike yourself I am lucky enough to having his company on these trips, even though he is approaching 90. And I suppose he had to grow this mature to start talking. I have done some research on my father's campaign, and by the way also on the fate of the Polish submarine Orzel, which had some particular Norwegian connections during the run up of the invasion in 1940. If there is anything I can do for you in any capacity, please let me know. I am a geologist and not a sailor, have roamed the planet for more years than I care to think of, and live happily on a small farm, with my family & chickens near Fredrikstad, Norway. Kind regards, -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Norman Dale Help me locate my Father My name is norman dale, I am looking 4 my father Ingolf Dale a Norwegian and a ship captain and he worked in Nigeria before he left Nigeria pls... help me to find him. My number 2348033292284 or 23414764664 As mentioned on the main Guestbook page, I have no way of finding people. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Robert Forbes SS Davanger I note that you have Buckingham listed as the Candaian Gunner, and another source identifies AB Conrad as a Canadian casualty. According to the Veteran's Affairs of Canada Virtual War Memorial, there was no Buckingham, but AB Nelson Conrad, RCNR. Robert is referring to a name in my crew list for Davanger. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Geordie Love the site -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Adrian Reynolds Cool Site I like your site... -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Frank Fussner Thank You Dear Siri, -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From:: Brian Cox HMS Bazely I have just found your very informative site and wanted to thank you for providing me with some information about one of the convoys which my Father escorted. He was on HMS Bazely (K311) in the 4th Escort Group based out of Belfast. The convoy that I have found on your site is RA 67 in May 1945. I have a photograph of HMS Bazely and also a crew photo if you are interested. I shall be referring to your site again to see if they can provide me with other convoys that my Father was involved in. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Egil Schmidt Hi, I am sorry that I have not sent the pictures of the M/T EGDA of Bergen. As my friend said events have overtaken me. I will try to send them soon. Every time I look up your site, there seems to be more information. Thanks for this. I was in Stavangar September 2002 and there was a Shetland boat that had been overhauled and they held a ceremony to welcome her back to Stavangar. If you are not aware of this, I can call my cousin and get information on her. Also in the ships list you have M/S Hird and tell us for his bravery that Captain Ansger M Fredhjem received the KRIGSKORSET. I have been told that he also received a medal from the British Goverment. If I am not being rude or as we say sticking my nose in I can check this out, if you wish, when I go to the Public Record Office at Kew. May You and your family have good health. Egil Schmidt -------------------------------------------------------------------------- What a lovely site, and click the button to read in another language. Nice -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: CLIVE SHINGLETON SS RIVER LUGAR CAN ANYONE HELP ME WITH A PHOTO OF THE ABOVE SHIP. MY GRANDFATHER WAS THE BOTSWAIN ON THE SHIP WHEN IT SANK IN 1941 ON THE 20TH JUNE. SO FAR I HAVE ONLY MANAGED TO FIND OUT THE NAME OF THE CONVOY SL-76 AND DETAILS ON THE U BOAT THAT SANK IT. Please note that questions re. ships should be posted to my Ship Forum, not the Guestbook (see main guestbook). -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Frank Fussner MS Lancing I was aboard the MS Lancing the day it was torpedoed (April 7 1942) off of Cape Hatteras. I would enjoy hearing from anyone with any knowledge of anyone or anything pertaining to the Lancing. For info, here's my page about Lancing. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: James A. Pottinger I was born and brought up in Shetland during WWII at the fishing village of Hamnavoe on Burra Isle. This was only a few miles from Scaloway where the Shetland Bus boats were based. Our local boatbuilder built many small boats used on the Shetland Bus, and I can recall many of these boats coming across from Norway. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Hugh Stevely RONGA I was on the RONGA from Moss sailing from the Humber in 1964 if any one can scan me a photo of her it would be great. I have been on many ships from Norway and Sweden also on the KAUPANGER Westfal Larsens Bergen. Any info on the 2 ships would be great. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Tracy Lords Family History Thank you for all your help -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Daniel Dean S.S.Stone Street entry for ON 127 Convoy...... January 27, 2005 My Father (O'Neil Dean-Canadian) sailed as an Oiler on the SS Stone Street (13 lives lost) flying a Panamanian flag (a merchant Ship-confiscated Italian merchant ship formerly known as the SS Clara) which was sunk by U Boat #594 of the 'Wolfpack Vorwarts' on September 13, 1942-torpedoed and sunk approx 800 miles East of Newfoundland at 10:30 am along with the Canadian destroyer 'Ottawa' which lost 112 men that day also, and 6 other merchant ships that day. He is the only living survivor now, I belive, of this war time tragedy. Congratulations on an excellent Website and well researched information. Anyone wishing to contact my Father may do so freely (especially collegues in arms of World war 2, Allied merchant seamen?) at: dapperdean(at)aol.com - he is 83 now but very active and energetic. His brother (my Uncle) Lawrence also died at sea on the SS Bateau during World War 2. As my Father often says "a man is only dead when he is forgotten".......and I agree. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jan. 27 From: Phil Hey I just wanted to say Hi, i have been reading your site for ages now. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: W. Persson Noesaniwi M/T Grena - Norwegian Merchant Fleet 1939-1945 Noesaniwi 1936 ex- Wuppertal (Hamburg America Line), 1940 seized by Holland renamed Noesaniwi, 1946 transferred to Rotterdam Lloyd. My text about Grena can be found on this page - I was unsure about the spelling of the Dutch ship. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Fred Yugeni Passin' thru I am researching vikings for school and came across this site. Pretty neat -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: R ANDREWS SS VEST BARI DEC 1943 NORWEGIAN MERCHANT FLEET 1943 1945 SS VEST I QUERY THE ACCOUNT OF SS VEST BARI DEC 2 1943. I SAILED ON THE VEST GARSTON TO BARI 1943. I AM 78 YEARS OLD BUT I DO NOT THINK MY MEMORY HAS GONE. I RECALL THE VEST ARRIVED AT BARI AFERNOON OF THE 2 DEC NOT THE 26 NOV. WE BOARDED THE VEST 4 OR 5 DAYS LATER. THE ACCOMMODATION WAS BURNT OUT BUT THE FUNNEL WAS INTACT. MAYBE YOUR WRITER HAS HIS NORWEGIAN SHIPS MIXED UP R ANDREWS My account on Vest can be found on this page -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Seacoast Missionary Society Ministry We are the Seacoast Missionary Society located in Sandy Hook Bay (Lower New York Harbour). We are a Christian Mission Group who still pray each day at the waterfront for "Those who go down to the sea in ships." (Psalm 107:23-24) Our mission also includes training young boys and girls the skills of the sea and to recognize the Hand of God upon the waters (Psalm 89:25) Those who sailed the North Atlantic in WWII are held in very high regard by me for their service. They were and are true heros who's bravery often went unrecognized. We ask God's Blessing on all who survived those terrible times and pray that those who did't are in God's loving arms beyond the horizon. Rev. George Charles Morgan -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Donald Compliments to you -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Dick Nice page How nice site you have here! I hope you have a nice day! -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Patrick Beurard-Valdoye Fridtjof Nansen crossing (8.6.1940) Hello - Could You help me to get details about the ice-breaker boat Fridtjof Nansen (crew, passengers) and about the crossing Tromsö / Edinburg in June 1940 (I have a picture of the boat and I read the H. Koht's memories already). Thanks. Patrick (Paris). -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Paul Holm Andersen Conrad Andersen/ D/S Haftnor Conrad was my grandfather and I have heard this story since I was a very young child. God bless Google because that is how I found your site. I will spend many hours of discovery here and thank you for your efforts. If we left this to our parents none of us would know WWII even took place. Dad (Reidar) served on the Sir James Clark Ross during part of the war, however, getting him to talk about it is impossible. He still cannot watch a ship go down on the news. He will leave the room. My text for Hafthor can be found on this page. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Austin Butler MV SHANTUNG LOST WW2 SWEDISH Any folks out there have any info on this ship,am doing resarch on her. It would be of interest to tie up with what i have found out. MANY THANKS Austin This ship has come up twice recently on my Ship Forum. Austin also has a posting in my guestbook for 2004 (Dec. 29). I have his E-mail address if anyone would like to get in touch. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Pillo Totte Enjoyed your website, will like to see more -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Heidi Please help me if you can Hi, I am the daughter of an adopted father, I have met my biological grandmother and she will not give me very much information on my biological grandfather, except for some small details as follows; he is a Norweigian radio officer and was on the ship called 'Trojan" which was in Melbourne, Australia in 1952. I think his first name was Odd. I am not sure if your interested but I was hoping you could help me out with any information you have or any other sites that I could look into, thank you for your time and i appologize if this is inappropriate. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Dan Vollebekk Pan Norway I have read with great interest your account of the sinking of the Pan Norway in Jan 1942. My father was the second mate on this ship and was awarded the King Olaf medal for bravery as a result of his actions during this sinking. According to the news clipping my mother had saved, my father had apparently swam in the North Atlantic to recover an empty lifeboat and subsequently rescue a number of other sailors. My father never spoke a great deal about the war but he always said that the German U boat captain who sank their ship was also responsible for the saving of many lives. Hardegen apparently had approached the surviving sailors and informed them that he had radioed their location to other ships in the area. My Dad (nicknamed Roy in Canada) went on to serve in the Norwegian air force stationed in Gravenhurst Ontario Canada (known as Little Norway). It was there he met my uncle, Walter Gundersen, and subsequently my mother. He sailed for several years after the war on an American ship but settled in Northern Ontario in my mother's home town of Cochrane after the birth of his first son, Reidar. My Dad died in 1982. Interestingly enough, I found your article when searhing the internet for some information on my son Leif. The world is at our fingertips. I will be visiting family in Norway in February 2005 and I will attempt to uncover any information which might be useful for your web page on the Pan Norway. Thank you so much for your work in making this information available. I am certain that there are many others like myself interested in their family history. Here's my page about Pan Norway. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Jack Great site, but take a break once in awhile. Jack is so right! :-) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Avellar Great site. I will be back for research I think. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- HX 160 I suspect one of the British tankers in Convoy HX 160 was probably the MV British Confidence. My grandfathers discharge book shows he was paid off her on the 1st December 1941 in Ardrossan, Scotland. Usually he was paid off shortly after reaching port. The British Confidence had previously sailed on convoys HX125A, HX139 and HX148, HX160 fits in nicely with this two month cycle. See my page for Convoy HX 160. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Peter Great site.. Keep up the good work! |
