The heavy water saboteurs

Some of Norway's greatest war heroes of World War II grew up in Rjukan. During preparation for the heavy water action, the heroes from Telemark - Jens Anton Poulsson, Arne Kjelstrup, Claus Helberg and Knut Haugeland - used the cottage at Sandvatn from November 5 to November 22, 1942. Several reconnaissance missions were done in the marshes here. Einar Skinnarland remained in the area after the heavy water campaign, subsisting on supplies from his brother Olav who ran both the hotel and shop. The third brother - Torstein - was also active in the resistance movement.   Einar was awarded the Krigskorset, one of Norway's highest military orders featuring a cross and two swords. In winter 44/45, the area was used extensively by the Company Linge soldiers, who came in from England.