In 1942, locals in the small Norwegian village hid two British agents. The Telavåg Tragedy highlights the risks took by anyone travelling the route or assisting the operation. “We armed the ships as best we ocould against chance encounters, always bearing in mind that to appear as innocent fishing boats might often be their best chance of survival, so that the armament had to be invisible except as close quarters” – The Shetland Bus by David Howarth. Several missions were unsuccessful and 44 men were known to have died during the transports. The risk of discovery by German patrols at sea and in the air was great.Īlthough disguised as fishing vessels, the boats were armed with guns concealed inside oil drums on deck. Riding the Shetland Busīecause of the need to travel at night in the winter, crews and passengers were in constant danger from storms. This increased the success rate of the missions. When the German guard along the Norwegian coast was tightened in 1943, the Shetland Bus switched to three smaller American submarine fighters. Read more: World War II's Operation Claymore The operation was under British command, but later it became a joint effort. Photo: Cavernia ( Wikipedia CC)Īt the beginning of the war, small Norwegian fishing boats were used to transport intelligence and supplies, and offer Norwegian refugees passage to Britain.

Norway's Telavåg played an important role during World War II. It also quickly became a key resistance route between Britain and occupied Norway. Once Norway was invaded by German forces, the Shetland Islands became a key defensive location for Britain.