The Shetland 'Bus'

During World War II, a special operations group called the Shetland Bus established a route across the North Sea between Norway and the Shetland Islands. Initially used to transport Norwegian sailors to occupied Norway, the group soon began carrying British agents and equipment. Fourteen boats were used, and Flemington House in Shetland was commandeered as the operation's HQ. The first official journey was made by the Norwegian fishing vessel the Aksel, and the Shetland Bus played a crucial role in maintaining an important lifeline to the beleaguered Norwegians. It also allowed British and Norwegian agents to liaise with the Norwegian Underground movement and carry out important missions against the German occupiers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 30 October 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The Shetland Bus was not just a bus, but rather the nickname of a special operations group that established a route across the North Sea between Norway and the Shetland Islands, located northeast of mainland Scotland. The initial voyage was undertaken by Norwegian sailors to assist their compatriots in occupied Norway. However, shortly thereafter, the Secret Intelligence Service and the Special Operations Executive approached the group, requesting their assistance in transporting cargoes of British agents and equipment. Initially, fourteen boats of varying sizes were employed for the operation. Flemington House in Shetland was commandeered as the operation's headquarters. The first official journey was conducted by the Norwegian fishing vessel, the Aksel, which departed from Luna Ness on August 30, 1941, en route to Bremen in Norway.

This book delves into the examination of that initial journey, as well as subsequent ones, and explores the agents and operations that members of the Shetland Bus were involved in throughout the war. It also examines the significant donation of three submarine chasers to the operation by the United States Navy in October 1943. These torpedo-type boats were 110 feet long and incredibly fast, significantly reducing the journey times between Shetland and Norway and enhancing the safety of the operations.

The story of the Shetland Bus would be incomplete without the individuals who played pivotal roles. These individuals included the sailors aboard the boats and the agents transported between the two countries. They were incredibly brave individuals who maintained an essential lifeline to the beleaguered Norwegians. Furthermore, the Shetland Bus provided British and Norwegian agents with a means of accessing Norway, enabling them to liaise with the Norwegian Underground movement and carry out vital missions against the German occupiers.

In conclusion, the Shetland Bus was a remarkable operation that played a crucial role in the Second World War. Through the selfless efforts of the sailors and agents involved, it provided a vital link between occupied Norway and the Shetland Islands, enabling the delivery of essential supplies and support to the Norwegian resistance movement. The operation's success was a testament to the bravery and ingenuity of those who participated, and their contributions continue to be celebrated to this day.

Weight: 304g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526797254