Gerhard Birger Skorpen
The information on registered seafarers is not in all cases complete. As new sources are studied, information on engagements and medals etc. will be added to some of the already registered seafarers.
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NorwayBirthplace
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- Participant in WW2
Shetlandsgjengen. Heltene i Nordsjøen, s. 408:
Innlemmet i Shetlandsgjengen: 19.3.1944, nr. c187.
Antall turer: sesong 1943-44=3, sesong 1944-45=27.
Overført annen virksomhet: 9.10.1945.The National Archives, Kew, HS 9/1369/8:
"The small island of SKORPA, lying some five hours sail outside AALESUND, was the main door to WEST COAST of NORWAY for the infiltration of agents, arms and equipment of all types. Gerhard SKORPEN, who lived on the island, was the first man to assist in this work in the autumn of 1940. He met vessels of all sorts from the U.K., received arms and equipment and hid them at great risk to himself and his family, frequently arranging to transport them through dangerous waterways to the mainland in his own boat.
SKORPA itself was also used for the exfiltration of refugees and agents to the U.K. In 1944 Gerhard SKORPEN was himself forced to flee. He became a member of the Norwegian Naval Special Unit operating from the SHETLAND base at SCALLOWAY where his local knowledge proved of great value.
Had it not been for Gerhard SKORPEN the local organisation could never have attained its high standard of efficiency. Practically every item of equipment and every U.K. trained agent and wireless operator either entered or left this part of NORWAY for a period of 3 years through his good auspices. SKORPA was the most used delivery point in the whole of the WEST COAST of NORWAY.
For his long and devoted service in the allied cause, it is recommended that SKORPEN be awarded the King's Medal for Service in the Cause of Freedom."
C.Mc V Gubbins. Major-General- 12th Jan 1946.
Sjøforsvarets londonarkiv:
Antatt i Marinen: 21. mars 1944, som: U.d.m.
Hustru: Sina (1.4.1944).
Sivil stilling: Fisker, gårdbuker.
Dimittert fra Marinen: 3. april 1946.
Sources
«Shetlandsgjengen. Heltene i Nordsjøen», Asgeir Ueland, 2017.
Arbeiderbladet, 5. juni 1946
"Seedie's Roll of Naval Honours & Awards 1939-1959", Seedie, 1989
The National Archives, Kew, HS 9/1369/84
Sjøforsvarets londonarkiv ved Marinemuseet i Horten: P.35. kort 393–394.