Today, 17 May, Norwegians celebrate their nation’s independence. It is known as Norwegian Constitution Day and in Orkney it will be marked by a series of events organised by the Orkney Norway Friendship Association.

For Norway, 80 years on from the ending of World War 2 in Europe, it is also a time to remember those who lost their lives defending Norway’s independence when Nazi Germany invaded on 9 April 1940.

Martin Sylte a married man of 33 was a farmer. He enlisted in the Norwegian Army on 9 April. He was seriously wounded in the leg when at Setnesmoen preparing an airfield. A hospital ship transported Martin to Orkney where he died of his wounds. He is buried in St Olaf Cemetery beside his countrymen who also gave their lives for Norway’s freedom.

Over 4,500 of Norway’s merchant seamen lost their lives during World War 2. Travelling in a convoy, the SS Tora Elise, enroute from England to Norway was attacked by German Heinkel aircraft on March 20 1940. First Mate, Berner Berntzen, who had survived being torpedoed in World War 1, was killed on his way to the Bridge. He was 44 and married. Also killed were Anders Gulliksen 2nd Mate, 52, and Able Seaman Stian Hansen, 21. The Captain Gullick Ramberg, Ordinary Seaman John Andreas Hvidsten, and Ordinary Seaman Bertil Knudsen, were seriously injured.

The First Mate of D/S Cygnus, S.J.Svendsen, came aboard to take command of the Tora Elise which had taken damage. It was decided to take the vessel to Orkney where it was guided through the minefields and arrived at Kirkwall, on 24 March. Two doctors attended to the wounded who were taken to Balfour Hospital. Berner Berntzen, Anders Gulliksen, and Stian Hansen, were laid to rest in St Olaf Cemetery. The SS Tora Elise was repaired and returned to Norway.

The courage of Norway’s merchant seamen is commemorated in the floating museum, D/S Hestmanden, currently visiting Orkney.

Built in 1911, the Hestmanden carried both cargo and passengers in peacetime, but during both World Wars she carried supplies. She is the only surviving Norweigan ship that sailed overseas during both those conflicts.

Visitors can look up the names of vessels and crew members on an easy to use touchscreen. Displays and a film tells the stories of the bravery of the Norwegian seafarers.

The sacrifices made by wartime merchant seafarers for our freedom were the singular most important Norwegian contribution for Allied victory. However, after the war, wartime seafarers and their efforts were in may ways forgotten. The treatment received by wartime wartime merchant seafarers has been called the greatest stain on Norwegian history. – Hestmanden

The museum is free to enter but donations are accepted. Take your time, because there is plenty to see and explore around this amazing tribute to Norway’s seafarers.

The S/S Hestmanden will be in Kirkwall to celebrate the Norwegian National day on the 17th of May.

Opening hours:
May 17th – 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
May 18th – 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Norwegian Constitution Day in Orkney

• 12.00 Tog sets off from Kirkwall Pierhead led by Kirkwall City Pipe Band
• Everyone welcome to join the procession
• 12.10 (approx.) Arrival of Tog outside Cathedral
• Norwegian National Anthem
• Welcome speech by OIC Convener
• Reply from Norwegian Guest of Honour – Oyvind Misje
• 12.30 Kirkwall City Pipe Band play (as guests enter Cathedral)
• 12.45 Orkney Norwegian Friendship Association concert in the Cathedral – Stromness Academy Pupils performing
• 13.30 Civic Reception in St Magnus Centre
• 14.30 Event concludes

Fiona Grahame

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