Leif Larsen
Norwegian sailor / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Leif Andreas Larsen DSO, DSC, CGM, DSM and Bar (9 January 1906 – 12 October 1990), popularly known as "Shetlands Larsen", was a highly decorated Norwegian sailor. He was arguably the most famous of the men who operated the Shetland bus escape route during the war.
Leif Larsen | |
---|---|
Nickname(s) | "Shetlands Larsen" |
Born | 9 January 1906 (1906-01-09) Bergen, Norway |
Died | 12 October 1990 (1990-10-13) (aged 84) Bergen, Norway |
Allegiance | Norway |
Rank | Kapteinløytnant (Lieutenant Commander (N)) |
Unit | Shetland bus |
Commands held | MV Arthur MV Bergholm SC Vigra Other small vessels |
Battles/wars | World War II |
Awards |
|
Spouse(s) | Anna Justad |
He participated as a volunteer on the Finnish side during the Winter War and was a soldier in the defence of Norway following the German invasion at Kongsvinger Fortress. He had excellent leadership skills; one of the British officers at the Shetland base, David Howarth, described him as "one of the most remarkable personalities of the entire Second World War".[1] Larsen preferred to downplay his own role and instead named his crew as the reason for his achievements.