Leif Larsen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Leif Andreas Larsen
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| Nickname(s) | "Shetlands Larsen" |
| Born | 9 January 1906 Bergen, Norway |
| Died | 12 October 1990 (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 |
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| Spouse(s) | Anna Justad |
Leif Andreas Larsen (born January 9, 1906 – died October 12, 1990) was a very brave Norwegian sailor. Many people knew him as "Shetlands Larsen". He became famous for his daring missions during World War II. He helped people escape from Norway and carried out secret operations.
Leif Larsen was known for his amazing leadership skills. One British officer called him "one of the most remarkable personalities" of the war. But Larsen himself always said his crew deserved the credit for their success.
Contents
The Shetland Bus Missions
Leif Larsen escaped from Norway in February 1941 in a fishing boat called MOTIG 1. He later wrote a book about this exciting journey. After his escape, he joined a secret group known as the Shetland bus. This group helped people escape from Norway and carried out important missions. They worked under the Special Operations Executive (SOE).
Daring Operations
Larsen was the captain of a fishing boat named Arthur. In 1942, he took part in a very risky mission called Operation Title. The goal was to sink the huge German battleship Tirpitz in a fjord in Norway. Even though they didn't sink the battleship, Larsen showed incredible bravery. He was the first non-British person to receive the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal for this mission. The British Navy praised his "cold-blooded courage."
Larsen made 52 dangerous trips to Norway in regular fishing boats. These trips became more and more risky as the war went on. German forces improved their defenses in the air and at sea. Because of this, the "Shetland bus" started using three faster and stronger American 'sub-chasers' instead of fishing boats. Larsen became the captain of one of these new ships, the HNoMS Vigra.
Awards and Recognition
Leif Larsen received many awards for his bravery. He became one of the most decorated naval officers of World War II. No other person, British or foreign, received as many British military honors as he did. He also received Norway's highest award for military bravery, the Krigskorset med Sverd (War Cross with Sword), twice! He was one of only two people to get this honor "with Two Swords."
After the war, in 1995, a statue of Leif Larsen was put up by the sea in Bergen, Norway. This is where he was born. In the year 2000, a local newspaper named him "Vestlandet's man of the century." His many medals are now on display at The North Sea Traffic Museum in Telavåg.
Later Life
After the war, Leif Larsen helped organize the naval part of Norway's Home Guard. This group helps protect the country.
A Norwegian author named Frithjof Sælen wrote a book about Leif Larsen in 1947. This book was called Shetlands-Larsen.
Leif Larsen passed away in Bergen, Norway, on October 12, 1990, at 84 years old. He is remembered as a true hero.
Images for kids
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War Cross with two swords
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St. Olav's Medal With Oak Branch
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War Medal with three stars
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Participation Medal
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King Haakon VII's 70th anniversary Medal
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Participation in the Winter War Medal
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Distinguished Service Order
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Conspicuous Gallantry Medal
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Distinguished Service Medal and Bar
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Medal of Freedom (US)
