Fast boats, brave men – Norwegian MTB operations from Shetland during World War 2
The Shetland Bus, manned by the brave men from the notorious “Shetland Gang” that operated out of Scalloway towards the Norwegian coast, has a special place in the memory and hearts of the people of Shetland. Perhaps less known now, is that the Motor-Torpedo Boats (MTB) of the 30/54th Norwegian Flotilla operated from Lerwick towards much the same area.
The lecture is about the base in Lerwick, the men and the operations that they carried out. It is the story about how the Flotilla was established, the support from the locals in Lerwick but most importantly the operations they carried out and the results that were achieved. It is a story of successes, catastrophes, friendship and endured hardship.
Commander Senior Grade (Ret.) Jan Tore Nilsen, aged 59, resides in Brønnøysund. He is currently employed as a civilian at the Broennoeysund Registry Unit but previously served for nearly 25 years in the Norwegian Armed Forces.