Some men are from a different mold..

[SWR]

...and in time they do depart us, even if their merits should make sure they would live forever. This gentleman in the attached pic left us a few days ago, at age 94. A quiet, almost shy man who never used big words or bravado to get peoples attention, for one very good reason. He was the most decorated Norwegian war hero of all time.

His exploits started just days after the invasion of Norway by Nazi Germany in April 1940, and throughout the war he and his collagues did several acts of sabotage and eliminations of key Nazi people here at extreme risk to their own lives. It takes a special man to dress like a policeman while being the most wanted man in Norway, walk into the main Gestapo HQ, find an unattended room to place a bomb, and then walk out like nothing special happened to watch the place blow up, while at the same time making sure no civilians was harmed if it was possible. Yet "No. 24" as one of his aliases was, did acts like this over and over during the war.

True courage is to know your life can be ended at a mere mention of a word, yet still do it "because it had to be done". This man most certainly changed the course of the war almost singlehandedly by his acts, and also saved a lot of his fellow countrymen's lives at the same time. So I raise a glass for Gunnar "Kjakan" Sønsteby, probably the bravest man to ever walk Norwegian soil. Your country will not forget you or your comrades acts of valor. Rest in peace, brave one.

[enigma57]

Bjørn, thank you for posting this in remembrance of Mr. Sønsteby. Such men are the reason you and I and millions of others are free today. I will remember him at this time, each May.

Best regards,

Harry

[machine shop tom]

So many times, the only name we hear associated with Norway and WWII is that of the hated Quisling. It's good for the world to learn of brave Norwegian patriots like Sontseby. I hope his place in Scandinavian history is as high as it should be.

tom

[SWR]

So many times, the only name we hear associated with Norway and WWII is that of the hated Quisling. It's good for the world to learn of brave Norwegian patriots like Sontseby. I hope his place in Scandinavian history is as high as it should be.

tom

Tom, it is. If you ever get the chance to see the recent Norwegian movie "Max Manus", do it. It's nigh on a documentary on the life of Max Manus, one of Gunnar's friends in the "Oslo Gang" that the Nazi HATED. It also features Gunnar and shows a lot of the actions they did. He was personally at the site when they shot most of it.

One story about Gunnar is almost larger than life. He was in a "safehouse" in a city block in eastern Oslo, heard a car stop hard outside, peeked out and saw Gestapo pouring out of it and running into the doorway. Grabbed vital documents and his gun, ran to the back of the building, jumped from the 3rd floor to the concrete below, snapped his ankle, and STILL ran away.

To me, he's as close to superhero material anyone will ever be, and by the time of his burial I am rather sure tens of thousands will line the streets his hearse will pass in order to show him the last honor. I will be one of them.

[B20Paul]

The Nazi's came for the heavy water, yes?

I like the story of a Finnish guy the Russians called "White Death" (Simo Hayha)

[miniv8]

I know its a little late, but thanks for sharing that Bjørn.
Funny thing is I went to Oscarsborg today; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscarsborg_Fortress Gave me chills to stand there beside those massive cannons.

[SWR]

I know its a little late, but thanks for sharing that Bjørn.
Funny thing is I went to Oscarsborg today; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscarsborg_Fortress Gave me chills to stand there beside those massive cannons.

Hey Magnus, are you here? Going to Gatebil or something?

[SWR]

The Nazi's came for the heavy water, yes?

I like the story of a Finnish guy the Russians called "White Death" (Simo Hayha)

No, they primarily came because of our strategic importance and our mines. If you control Norway, you have easy access to the Atlantic from over a dozen ports, you have literally thousands of places to hide your navy because of our fjords and you can strike the northern part of the UK from the air. As well as block convoy routes to Russia, etc..

[miniv8]

Hi Bjørn.

Im getting rained out at whatever I do. Came here heading for the summer nats on Gardermoen raceway, have been since to Sweden for some more rain and finally found some sun in Kiel, Germany. came back to Oslo two days ago and went for a rain soaked boat trip down the fjord to Drobak visiting Oscarsborg with the kids.

At the same time iceland is having a record best summer since 1958.

No Gatebil for me, im heading back home to Iceland on the 15th.