War Sailor Monument
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The War Sailor Monument was erected in 1981 to commemorate all war sailors during the First and Second World War. The title war sailor was used for people who traveled on merchant ships, often in convoy with military or civilian supplies to one of the warring parties. The Norwegian merchant fleet came early under allied control because the Norwegian exile government in London requisitioned all Norwegian ships under a new joint state shipping company. The Norwegian captains were not enticed to return to an occupied country, but continued to sail under the Norwegian flag to contribute to the liberation of Europe. 4134 Norwegians and about 60,000 allies lost their lives at sea. The strain of sailing under the constant threat of being sunk by enemy bombers, torpedo boats, and submarines was probably indescribable. Many war sailors therefore suffered long-term effects from the stresses. The surviving women and children also suffered great strains. The families not only lost their loved one, but also their source of income during difficult times. Close your eyes for a little minute. Try to imagine the nightmare it must have been when enemy bombers flew over the boats. The sculpture was made by Kristofer Leirdal.