THE FLIGHT OF THE VIKINGS

THE FLIGHT OF THE VIKINGS 
by Andrew Orr.
May 1940.
Within weeks of the German invasion a small Norwegian boat carrying men, women and children arrives at a Scottish port. As it left Norway the people onboard witnessed other boats being machine gunned by Luftwaffe aircraft. 
Around a week later and two more boats arrived. Amongst those onboard are 18 soldiers of the Green Howards who had become seperated from their unit during the fighting in Norway. 
These are literally just two examples found in the first chapter. 

As the author mentions in his introduction, he already had a lot of information from writing a previous book. His research for this one has unearthed far more Norwegian escapes totalling hundreds of boats and thousands of people, during the course of the war. He also wanted to learn their stories and what happened to them next.
It is also important to note that this book does not include those escapes carried out by the Shetland Bus. That said, some of the escapees mentioned here were later involved with that incredible organisation.

All these journeys have one thing in common, they were organised and conducted by civilians. 
Some had resisted the German occupation or aided other escapees and were now being hunted by the Gestapo themselves. 
Many, especially the younger men, wanted to join the Allies and fight.
Neither option for getting out of Norway was tempting. 
Heading East to Sweden meant a long journey on foot and possible capture at the border. Stories had also spread that Swedish border guards had sent people back.
The only other alternative was West and facing the hazard of the North Sea. 
All those in this book clearly felt that their own situations had become desperate enough to make such a dangerous journey across the sea. Even at the shortest distance across to the Shetland Islands it was a journey of several hundred miles and many days. The North Sea was no place for a small boat should one of its frequent storms develop and as we learn, some boats and the people onboard were never seen again.

As already mentioned, some of these early stories include many who wished to volunteer and contribute in some way to fighting the Germans. One such man was Leif Andreas Larsen. He was eventually selected for what became known as the 'Shetland Bus', a military operation that ran throughout the rest of the war ferrying people and agents to and from Norway. 
Larsen's wartime work led him to becoming the most decorated non-Briton. Being a Norwegian prevented him from receiving the Victoria Cross.

I'm sure I'm not alone in choosing a little known book that sounds really interesting. I'm delighted to say that this has exceeded my expectations and has been a compelling read which I finished in just a few days.
A book that certainly deserves to be far better known and one I would strongly recommend to all.

The hardback edition is available now, published by Pen and Sword Books. 
I thank P&S for this review copy. 

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