Shetland Bus
Overall limited edition of 200
Original quality giclee print on canvas, image size approx. 50cm x 36cm ....£150
Fine art paper print, image size 50cm x 36cm ....£75
After the German invasion of Norway in 1940, it became clear to British intelligence that the relatively close Shetland Islands would become an ideal staging post for sending agents and supplies to and from the occupied country. An organisation was therefore set up to deal with this clandestine traffic, which involved the use of anything from small fishing vessels to aircraft.
Later in the war, with the strengthening of the German forces on the Norwegian coastline, it was decided to replace the fishing boats with more powerful military vessels that became known as the ”Shetland buses”. These ex U-boat hunters, ”Vigra”, ”Hitra” and ”Hessa” completed over 100 missions between them, providing a vital lifeline for the Norwegian resistance as well as helping to evacuate agents and refugees on their return trips.
The ”Shetland bus” crews became very well known in the Islands and are still remembered with great admiration and affection, none more then the legendary skipper, Leif Larsen DSO, DSC, CGM, DSM and bar. This outstanding man was awarded more British military decorations than any other foreign national in the war and thus epitomised the bravery and courage, shown by all the men who served alongside him, on these long and dangerous missions.
The painting depicts the last wartime mission on 4th May 1945.
