Postscript
This is a war story, but first and foremost it is a story of human charity and courage: the charity and courage of a group of Norwegian patriots who risked torture and their lives, in an attempt to save our crew from capture by the Germans after we had crashed in their midst during World War II.
Immediately after our plane had crashed, the Germans advised the populace that anyone found helping or sheltering us would be shot. Living under a captor that knew no mercy and who ruled by terror and reprisal, and having been forewarned of the consequences, these Norwegians nonetheless undertook the perilous task of rescuing us from certain capture by our common enemy. They defied the invader of their homeland at every opportunity with fierce determination to thwart him in his efforts to apprehend us.
Our success in evading capture and eventually being able to return safely to Britain was due entirely to this magnificent group of courageous and unselfish Norwegian patriots who were our "helpers". We owe a great debt of gratitude to these wonderful people who were so ready to share their food and clothing and give so much of their time, in order to help us. Above all they were ready to lay down their lives for six total strangers.
In writing this account of the events during our fateful trip in September 1944 and our subsequent escape from Norway, for our family records, I have endeavoured to indicate the reasons for my undiminished gratitude to all those who helped our crew in our time of need. I hope that all who read this will be able to appreciate the heroic efforts of this wonderful group of people.
On three occasions since the war Dorothy and I have returned to Norway and have had the good fortune to meet and to renew our acquaintances with most of those who helped our crew. We have tried in many ways to show them our appreciation for what they did, but as one they insist that it is they who are thankful to us for helping them in their fight to liberate Norway from the enemy that had invaded their homeland.
Many years have passed since the events I have written about, but I have never forgotten, nor shall I ever forget the ready hand of friendship extended to us at that time. I know that I am echoing the thoughts of each member of our crew when I say, we can never repay the enormous debt we owe to those living and dead, who by their unselfish, heroic actions aided us in our hour of need.
This is a war story, but first and foremost it is a story of human charity and courage: the charity and courage of a group of Norwegian patriots who risked torture and their lives, in an attempt to save our crew from capture by the Germans after we had crashed in their midst during World War II.
Immediately after our plane had crashed, the Germans advised the populace that anyone found helping or sheltering us would be shot. Living under a captor that knew no mercy and who ruled by terror and reprisal, and having been forewarned of the consequences, these Norwegians nonetheless undertook the perilous task of rescuing us from certain capture by our common enemy. They defied the invader of their homeland at every opportunity with fierce determination to thwart him in his efforts to apprehend us.
Our success in evading capture and eventually being able to return safely to Britain was due entirely to this magnificent group of courageous and unselfish Norwegian patriots who were our "helpers". We owe a great debt of gratitude to these wonderful people who were so ready to share their food and clothing and give so much of their time, in order to help us. Above all they were ready to lay down their lives for six total strangers.
In writing this account of the events during our fateful trip in September 1944 and our subsequent escape from Norway, for our family records, I have endeavoured to indicate the reasons for my undiminished gratitude to all those who helped our crew in our time of need. I hope that all who read this will be able to appreciate the heroic efforts of this wonderful group of people.
On three occasions since the war Dorothy and I have returned to Norway and have had the good fortune to meet and to renew our acquaintances with most of those who helped our crew. We have tried in many ways to show them our appreciation for what they did, but as one they insist that it is they who are thankful to us for helping them in their fight to liberate Norway from the enemy that had invaded their homeland.
Many years have passed since the events I have written about, but I have never forgotten, nor shall I ever forget the ready hand of friendship extended to us at that time. I know that I am echoing the thoughts of each member of our crew when I say, we can never repay the enormous debt we owe to those living and dead, who by their unselfish, heroic actions aided us in our hour of need.