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veneer in woodland hills 91367 To Ships in Allied Service starting with V
Vaa - Van Var - Vat
Vef - Ver Ves Vi - Vø
Vaa - Van
D/S Vaagan * Vesteraalens Dampskibsselskab, Stokmarknes 687 gt
Built in Svelvik 1921. Previous names: Bokeröen Nr. II, Skaupsjønut.
Pre war history: Completed July-1921 by A/S Bokerøens Skibsbyggeri, Svelvik (Karl Jebsen, Bergen) (2) as steamer Bokerøen Nr. II, registered in Drammen. Steel hull, engine aft, 181.2 x 31.1 x 15, 682 gt, 1025 tdwt, Tripple Expansion (Akers) 101nhp 555ihp, 9 knots. Laid up for sale at Svelvik. Renamed Skaupsjønut at some point in the 1920's. Owner went bankrupt in 1922. Sold in Nov.-1923 to Vesteraalens Dampskibsselskab, Stokmarknes, somewhat rebuilt, 687 gt. Around 1924 she entered service as cargo vessel Vaagan, used in the company's Oslo-Kirkenes-Oslo service together with Andenæs, Hestmanden, Raftsund and Sortland. In 1938-'39 she acted as "reserve" in the company's cargo routes, and as per Aug.-1939 she supstituted in the express cargo service Trondheim-Hammerfest along with the company's Nordland. In the winter of 1939/'40 she was placed in the cargo service Oslo-Kirkenes-Oslo along with Vardø, Senja, Andenes, Stamsund and Hestmanden (see the Master Ship Index for links to more info on the vessels mentioned here, link at the top of this page).
WW II: When Norway was invaded on Apr. 9-1940 Vaagan was outward bound in Oslofjord in the cargo route. On Nov. 16-1942 she stopped at Kirkenes for the last time, having for a while been Vesteraalens D/S's only ship to go all the way to Kirkenes. After this the company found these sailings to eastern Finnmark too risky due to the frequent Russian attacks (only Bergenske D/S's Kora, Canis and Edna continued to these areas). Vaagan subsequently only went as far north as Havnes in Lyngen. When northbound in her cargo route with general cargo on Oct. 4-1943 she was sunk by American aircraft. This is the Vagan mention under Oct. 4 at the first website under "Related links" below, sunk by aircraft from USS Ranger (CV-4), which had departed Scapa Flow on Oct. 2 in order to attack German controlled shipping on the Norwegian coast. Vaagan was hit several times and eventually broke in 2. Her crew was saved. M/S Skramstad was also sunk in this attack (Operation Leader, U.S. Navy Carrier operation. The sites below have more details on this operation). Among others, M/S Topeka and the German Ibis were damaged. Other ships sunk and damaged can be found listed under the 2nd link below.
(Misc. sources, incl. details received from from T. Eriksen, norway - His sousrces: Article about Vesteraalske D/S in "Skipet" 4.94, "Norges eldste Linjerederi, BDS 1851-1951" by Wilhelm Keilhau and info from Erling Skjold, Norway).
This company also had a Vågan post war, delivered as such in June-1947, 762 gt. Later names: Bakke Boy 1951 (Haugesund), Greta H. 1952 (Oslo), Andy 1959 (Oslo), Venus II 1965 (Puerto Rico). Possibly still in service.
Vaage-Norvik Bilferge A/S, Molde
Built in Helland 1930.
Pre war history: Delivered on July 11-1930 from Johan H. Wiiks Verksted, Helland in Vestnes as Vaage-Norvik to Vaage-Norvik Bilferge A/S Molde. Made of wood, car/passenger ferry (6-7 cars), 33 gt, 12 net, service Våge-Norvik.
WW II: Remeasured in May-1942, 35 gt, 14 net.
POST WAR: Sold on March 21-1947 to Ellingsøy Ferje- og Billag A/L, Ellingsøy, Ålesund. Renamed Ellingsøy-Ferga on Apr. 18-1947, 45 gt, 25 net. Rebuilt and lengthened at Fiskerstrand Mek. Verksted A/S, Fiskarstrand in 1956, 44.6 gt, 24.7 net. Renamed Hoff on June 25-1964. Sold on June 23-1965 to Troms Fylkes Dampskibsselskap, Tromsø and renamed Børingen. Placed in the Brødstadbotn-Langhamn route on Jan. 26-1966. Taken out of that route on Nov. 26-1969. Sold on Oct. 22-1970 to Erling Johnsen, Tromsø and renamed Ødipus. Sold on Apr. 6-1987 to Grøtøyfisk A/S, Nordskot, registered in Bodø. Still in register as per 1994.
(Info from Troms Fylkes D/S fleet list, Finn R. Hansen).
Pre war history: Delivered in 1914 from Hauges Jernskibsbyggeri, Haugesund as Vaagsøy to Nordre Bergenhus Amts Dampskibe, Bergen. Steel hull, wheelhoue up front, 63 x 13,6 x 7,6, 34 gt, 3cyl 4tev Gideon rm, registered for 77 passengers. Sistership of Florøy. Placed in regularly scheduled service around Måløy, north to Selje and south to Rugsund and Leirgulen. Collided in the fall of 1914 with the motor vessel Høvding. In 1915 a 2cyl 2tev Bolinder 50bhk was installed, 7 knots. In service Florø-Måløy and Florø-Rognaldsvåg in the summer of 1916. Laid up in 1917 due to shortage of fuel. Alternated with Florøy, Balder and Stavenes in the local runs to outer Sunnfjord and outer Nordfjord. On Jan. 25-1919 the company changed its name to Fylkesbaatane i Sogn & Fjordane, Bergen. Entered service in Sogn in 1927.
WW II: Continued in her regular service all through the war, though occasionally laid up due to shortage of fuel.
POST WAR: In service around Florø in the 1950's; to Nordalsfjord, Høydalsfjord and Eikefjord. Became unpopular after a while because she was slow and old fashioned. Sold in 1957 to Kåre Misje & Co., Bergen, converted to freighter, 35 gt., a diesel engine of unknown type150bhk installed. Entered service as freighter Jaki around 1958? Sold in 1965 to Kjell Ekerhovd, Brattholmen, Sotra. Lost in 1966 in Skagerrak when her cargo shifted, voyage to Denmark. Crew saved.
M/T Vaaland * Trondheim 106 gt
Shelled and sunk (on fire) by the Russian submarine K-22 (Kotelnikov) on Jan. 19-1942, off Berlevåg, on a voyage from Tromsø to Vadsø with mail and general cargo. 1 died. Rohwer says the following in a footnote in his "Allied Submarine Attacks": "The claimed German Mimona was beached on 11.1.42 and became a total loss. K-22 first fired three, then one, and then two torpedoes, which missed, and then attacked with gunfire, causing the wreck to blaze. Then a gun attack was made on a patrol vessel and the Norwegian trawler Vaaland was hit and set on fire, followed by an attack with gunfire against an unidentified ship". (There's a thread on my Ship Forum mentioning these vessels).
I believe this must be the M/K Vaaland, which was placed in the socalled "replacement route". M/K stands for "motor cutter", in this case she was a "fiskekutter"=fishing cutter. From the fall of 1941 the regular express passenger/cargo service went no further north than Tromsø. Several of the regular ships had been sunk with great loss of civilian life and it was decided to put smaller vessels like fishing cutters into the most northerly routes to carry mail, passengers and small cargoes. It was called the "replacement route", and administered by Vesteraalens Dampskibsselskab. A total of 27 vessels were used for this service (Tromsø-Kirkenes), 3 were lost, they were M/K Vaaland, M/K Moder II and M/K Uløy. The original service south of Tromsø continued as before.
A message in my Norwegian Guestbook states that the wreck of Vaaland has recently been located (Aug.-2005).
The 1 who died - Seaman Karl Teodor Karlsen is named. This webiste says she was in service on the coast of Norway during the war, and was sunk by a British (as opposed to Russian) submarine east of Berlevåg on Jan. 19-1942.
D/S Vaga * Det Bergenske Dampskibsselskab, Bergen 1615 gt
Built in Bergen, Norway 1924.
Pre war history: Delivered in Aug.-1924 from Laxevaags Maskin- & Jernskibsbyggeri, Bergen (136) as cargo vessel Vaga to Det Norsk-Russiske Sampskibsselskab A/S (Det Bergenske Dampskibsselskab), Bergen. Steel hull, 246.2 x 37.9 x 15.6, 1615 gt, 2350 tdwt, Tripple Expansion (Laxevaags) 164nhp, 9 knots. The owning company, a 50/50 Norwegian/Russian project, had 8 ships in service to Russia, mostly carrying lumber from The White Sea to European ports, but also servicing the Baltic and the Black Sea. On May 1-1928 Vaga was transferred to Det Bergenske Russiske Dampskibsselskab=The Bergen/Russian Steamship Company (a sub company of Det Bergenske Dampskibsselskab, managed by BDS. As a result of the changing political climate in Russia in 1927 the original company had been dissolved and its vessels distributed between the partners, with BDS getting Vaga, Severoles, Kem, and Keret, while Russian authorities got the remaining 4, namely Soroka, Onega, Kovda and Dvina). Vaga continued in the same service, but increasing problems within the owning company caused BDS to pull out, and in Febr.-1933 Vaga was transferred to Det Bergenske Dampskibsselskab, Bergen. In general tramping.
WW II: Vaga is listed in Convoy HN 9A from Norway to the U.K. at the end of Jan.-1940, returning to Norway the following month with Convoy ON 11. She subsequently went back to the U.K. on Febr. 16-1940 with Convoy HN 12, then returned to Norway on March 5 with Convoy ON 17A.
The website that I've linked to below claims Vaga was torpedoed and sunk by British aircraft on Jan. 13-1945 off Homborsund, when on a voyage from Bergen to Copenhagen in ballast. 5 died. However, according to a posting to my Ship Forum by Erling Skjold, Norway, she was not torpedoed but hit by 2 bombs near the engine room (Halifax C/58). At the time she was sailing with the German merchant vessel Karl Arp (no escorts). Erling adds that the attack came suddenly during the dark hours (radar guided bombing attack), and it was over before the AA gunners could fire a single shot. In addition to the 5 Norwegian crew, 2 German AA gunners lost their lives.
(Pre war history received from T. Eriksen, Norway - His sources: Articles about BDS in "Skipet" 1-2.88 by Dag Bakka Jr., and "Norges eldste Linjerederi, BDS 1851-1951" byWilhelm Keilhau).
Those who died - The following men are commemorated at this memorial for seamen in Stavern: Engineer Michael Guldbrandsen, Stoker Bjarne Osvald Nilsen, Engineer Konrad Johannes Nilsen, 1st Mate Petter H. Bergithon Olsen, and Donkeyman Robert Jørgen Uggedal.
M/S Valo Olav Østensjø, Haugesund 113 gt
Built in Fredrikstad 1894. Previous names: Fredrikshald 2 until 1916, Siljord 2 until 1937.
Pre war history: Delivered in Nov.-1894 from Fredrikstad Mek. Verksted as D/S Fredrikshald 2 to Fredrikshalds Dampskibsselskab, Fredrikstad, 91 gt, used in passenger/cargo service Oslo-Moss-Horten. Sold in March-1916 to Tinns Dampskibsselskab (C.W.M. Bothner), Oslo and renamed Siljord 2, 108 gt. Sold in June-1937 to Olav Østensjø, Haugesund, rebuilt, 113 gt - engine installed (2cyl 2tev Bolinder 122bhk). In Sept. that year she was put into service as freighter Valo (R-169-H - this probably means she was used for carrying herring during the winter).
WW II: Captain from 1940 was Svein Iversen Ytreland. His son, Ivar Ytreland took over in 1944 (age 21). She had a complement of 4. In coastal traffic during the war, with some voyages to Denmark and Sweden. In Sept.-1940 she was damaged in an Allied aircraft attack in Haugesund, when at A/S Haugesund Slip for repairs (ref. Anna Sofie).
Towards the end of a very interesting personal story in the book "Sjøfolk i krig", (Leif M. Bjørkelund) told by Ivar Ytreland 50 years after the war, there's a little snippet concerning a young refugee they took on board while in Copenhagen in the fall of 1943. She called herself Lucy Carlsen, was about 20 years old and spoke with a Kristiansand dialect. She had been part of a prisoner transport from Norway for Germany, but after the ship she had been on had struck a mine in Kattegat she had managed to get to Copenhagen. She came on board Valo asking for help and they hid her in a cabin for several days, but before they headed out to sea they placed her underneath the floor in the engine room in case they should be checked by German police on their way out. Germans did come on board and searched the entire vessel, but fortunately the girl was not discovered and she was put ashore at Falkenberg, Sweden. From there she boarded a train for Gothenborg. Ivar Ytreland says he has never been able to find out whether she survived the war. It would be interesting to see if anyone recognizes this story - if so, please contact me, either via my Guestbook, or via the contact address at the bottom of this page.
POST WAR: Sold in March-1955 to Jacob Steinsland, Mosterhamn/Haugesund and renamed Hans Magne, in coastal service. In 1957 a new engine was installed (2cyl 2t ev Wichmann, 110bhk ). Remeasured in 1959, 112 gt. Equipped for carrying sand in 1964. Sold in Oct.-1966 to Ola Leknes, Haugesund and used as local freighter around Haugesund harbour. Sold again in May-1967 to Sverre Reilstad, Reilstad, Finnøy in Ryfylke. Sold in Jan.-1975 to Karl Sæther, Bøfjorden. Laid up at some point at Tussvik, Surnadal. Sank at about 6.5 meter's depth around 1982, possibly blown up at that location in Oct.-1990 after a naval vessel had touched her mast(?).
(Pre war and post war details from T. Eriksen).
S. Ugelstads Rederi A/S, Oslo
Built in Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht 1920. Previous names: Nicholas Toussant until 1935, Toratre until 1940.
Pre war history: Delivered in Dec.-1920 from NV Maats Holland, Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht, Holland (12) as cargo vessel Nicholas Toussant to Mory & Cie., Boulogne, France. Steel hull, 216.5’ x 34.6’ x 13.4’, 1016gt, 1585 tdwt, Triple Expansion (Verschure & Co., Amsterdam). Sold in Sept.-1935 to Skibs-A/S Hauges Rederi III (Adolph Hauge), Arendal, renamed Toratre.
Picture of Nicholas Toussant, 1920 - Source: Webmaster of Riversea International
WW II: Sold in Jan.-1940 to S. Ugelstads Rederi A/S, Oslo, renamed Valør. She's still listed as Toratre when in Convoy HN 18 from Norway to the U.K. in March-1940, bound for Dublin with general cargo, and also in Convoy ON 24 back to Norway at the end of that month.
Able Seaman Karl Edv. Holter lost his life on July 4-1942 while attempting to escape in order to join the allied forces when Valør was off the coast of Sweden on a voyage from Germany to Norway, but was unable to swim to shore. Ordinary Seaman Ole Olsen from Stavanger died after having been shot in his bed by a German while the ship was in Narvik, June 28-1944.
POST WAR: Sold in Dec.-1946 to Rederi-AB Eva (Olof Öström), Mariehamn, Finland, renamed Ella. As per 1955 she was 1193 gt, 1585 tdwt. Sold in Febr.-1958 to Alnwick Harmstof GmbH, Lübeck, Germany for breaking up, broken up in Jan.-1959.
(This info from T. Eriksen, Norway - His source: Article bout A. Hauges Rederi in "Skipet" 3.2003 by Dag Bakka Jr. and misc.).
D/S Vang * Severin Lyngholm, Haugesund 678 gt
Built in Christiania 1901. Previous name: Dagbjørg until 1927.
Pre war history: Delivered in Jan.-1901 as Dagbjørg to E. B. Aaby, Drammen. Purchased by Severin Lyngholm in 1927, renamed Vang. ("Våre gamle skip").
WW II: Vang is listed as sailing in Convoy HN 15 from Norway to the U.K. in Febr.-1940 - follow link for more info, several Norwegian ships took part.
Torpedoed and sunk by the British submarine Venturer (Launders) near Lista on Sept. 11-1944 (position given by sub is 58 03N 06 34E) when on a voyage Drammen-Trondheim, no casualties.
M/S Vangsnes * Bergen 215 gt
Attacked by aircraft from 144th, 404th, 235th, and 248 Squadrons, 1/4 n. mile southeast of Lista on Sept. 21-1944, when on a voyage from Stavanger to a port in East Norway (Bergen?) with a cargo of petrol in barrels and 20 tons of explosives. 2nd Mate Jens Bårdsen Nernæs died. Vangsnes was set on fire, but the crew managed to beach her on Rudna, then reached the rescue station at Lista in lifeboats. A group from a UJ boat was sent out to Vangsnes by the Germans in an effort to extinguish the fire, but when the explosives blew up 1 of the Germans was killed. D/S Hygea was sunk in the same attack, when they happened to cross eachother's path.
Sorties Flown by Banff Strike Wing - the attack is mentioned under Sept. 21-1944.
M/S Vansø * Peder Ingemann Frigstad, Lista 54 gt
Built at Lista 1908. Previous name: Alpha until 1931.
Pre war history: Delivered in 1908 from Theodor Tønnesen, Tjørve (Lista) as freighter Alpha to Andreas Tønnesen, Tjørve (son of builder). Wooden hull, 62,7 x 20,5 x 8,1, 54,10 gt, in coastal service. A 1cyl 2tev motor of unknown type installed, year unknown. Sold in 1913 to Adolf B. Olsen, Borhaug, Lista, in costal service. Sold in 1920 to Salve Salvesen & Georg Hansen, Borhaug, coastal service. Sold in 1922 to Paulin Nilsen, Lista, coastal service. Sold in 1931 to Peder Ingemann Frigstad, Lista, renamed Vansø, coastal service.
WW II: In May-1940 she was near Stavanger with the freighter Vestpynt belonging to Sander Syvertsen, Lista. Vansø had a cargo of scrap from the canning factories for Christiania Spigerverk in Oslo, while Vestpynt had no cargo. Skippers Frigstad and Syvertsen decided that Vansø was to take Vestpynt in tow, so that they could head south together. On May 26-1940 Vansø struck a mine off Svånes near Egersund and sank. Mine laid by the French submarine Rubis (Cabanier) on May 10. Vestpynt, 50 fathoms behind her had no casualties. See also Argo and Kem.
(From T. Eriksen, Norway - his source: "Frakteskuter og Fraktemenn" by Rolf Kr. Danielsen 1991).
1 who died - This is the owner, Peder Ingemann Frigstad. This site places the incident on May 25. According to "Minner og minnesmerker fra 1940-1945" by Øistein Wiik as well as "Våre falne", Seaman Arnold Alexander Andreassen also lost his life.
Norway had previously had another Vanse, originally built as sailing vessel Main for owners in London in 1884, 1690 gt. Became Norwegian Vanse (of Farsund) in 1910. Lost in heavy weather on Dec. 13-1917, voyage Buenos Aires-Hampton Roads.
Var - Vat
M/S Varafjell * Leif Skogland & Co. A/S, Haugesund (from 1940) 412 gt
Built Norrköping, Sweden 1918.
See Torvang for more details on the history of this ship.
Other ships by this name: The company had a steamer by this name post war, originally delivered in 1919 as patrol vessel HMS Kilmatin to Royal Navy (895 displacement tons). Converted to cargo ship Mandrake 1920, then as yacht Foinaven 1934, used as accommodation vessel for Royal Navy 1939-1940. Purchased in 1946 by Brødrene Lothe A/S, Haugesund converted to cargo vessel, 632 gt. Sold in Febr.-1947 to Leif Skogland & Co. and renamed Varafjell. Sold in Febr.-1948 to E. Samuelson, Oscarshamn and sailed as Swedish Dixi. Wrecked near Saltvik in Sept.-1949. Raised in Sept.-1952, sold in Nov. that year to British Iron & Steel Corp. for breaking up, arriving Gateshead in tow in Dec. that year. ("Våre gamle skip"). Sjur Lothe d.y., Haugesund had a motor vessel named Varafjell from 1964, 1180 gt (ex Harald Becker 1953 and Wolfgang Vogelsang1961, Hamburg). Aground on Dec.-10-1964 near Buholmråsa light, voyage Mo i Rana-Finland, total loss. ("Våre motorskip").
D/S Varangnes * Reinh. Midthassel, Oslo 2228 gt
Built in Le Havre 1908. Previous names: Loiret until 1912, Evanger until 1916, Tosca until 1916, Braa until 1940 (1939?).
Pre war history: Delivered in Oct.-1908 from Forg. & Ch. de la Medit, Le Havre as Loiret to Cia. de Nav. d'Orbigny, La Rochelle. 291' x 44' x 19', triple exp. Purchased by Westfal-Larsen & Co. A/S, Bergen in July-1912 and renamed Evanger. Sold in Febr.-1916 to Johs. Lindvig, Kragerø and renamed Tosca. Sold in 1916 to Brødrene Nilssen, Tønsberg (later Oslo from 1919) and renamed Braa. Sold in 1940 to A/S Malmfart (Reinh. Midthassel), Oslo and renamed Varangnes. (I've also seen the name spelt Varangsnes.).
Picture when named Braa - From Bjørn Milde's postcard collection.
WW II: Varangnes is mentioned in connection with Convoy HN 10B from Norway to the U.K. in Febr.-1940. Early in March we find her in the U.K.-Norway Convoy ON 17 - follow links for more convoy info; several Norwegian ships took part in both.
Rammed and sunk by German escort vessel in the North Sea on March 16-1941, off Esbjerg. According to a posting on my Ship Forum she was on a voyage Finneid-Hamburg with a cargo of pyrites and the German vessel was the V 1106 (Ernst von Briesen).
Source: Westfal-Larsen fleet list.
D/S Vard Egil Næsheim A/S, Haugesund 681 gt
Built at Slikeveer, Holland 1917. Previous name: Woerden until 1927.
Pre war history: Delivered in March-1917 from C. Boele & Zonen, Slikeveer, Holland as Woerden to A/S Rundtur (O. Christensen), Arendal, 681 gt, 1060 tdwt, 181.3' x 28.2' x 12.4', triple exp. (Alblasserdamche Machf.). Later to owners in Tønsberg, purchased by Egil Næsheim in 1927 and renamed Vard. Owned by Egil Næsheim A/S 1938.
Picture of Vard - Received from Bjørn Milde, Norway (from his postcard collection).
WW II: Vard, bound for Blyth in ballast, is listed as sailing in Convoy HN 21 from Norway to the U.K. towards the end of March-1940. At the beginning of Apr.-1940 she joined Convoy ON 25 for Norway, thereby ending up on the Homefleet. Follow the links for more information.
(I have a little snippet of information on a document received from the National Archives of Norway, saying that she arrived Petsamo on Sept. 18-1940).
POST WAR: Ran aground on July 25-1949 near Hornaflagagrunn, Iceland in strong currents and heavy fog when on a voyage Stettin-North Iceland with cargo of coal. (I believe she must have been refloated, because I have a document showing some later voyages).
(Info from "Våre gamle skip").
The company later had another ship by this name, delivered in 1930 as Lido (C. T. Gogstad & Co., Oslo), 1938(?) gt. Purchased by Vards Rederi (Egil Næsheim A/S) in Apr.-1954 and renamed Vard. In seasonal lumber trade White Sea-UK. Sold in Jan.-1971 for breaking up. Departed Emden on Jan. 28-1971 in tow for Flushing, where she was broken up. This was Haugesund's last steam ship. ("Våre gamle skip").
Alversund & Manger Dampbåtlag LL, Bergen
Built in Gotheburg 1898. Previous name: Ostkusten until 1908.
Pre war history: Delivered in 1898 from Eriksbergs mek. Verkstads, Gothenburg (114) as Ostkusten to Ångfartygs-A/B Ostkusten, Västervik, Sweden. Steel hull, 118.6' x 22.1' x 8.6', 283 gt, 174 net, 2cyl Compound, 240 ihp, registered for 225 passengers. In service Västervik-Stockholm. Sold in 1904 to Nya Ångfartygs A/B Ostkusten, Kalmar, Sweden. Sold in Aug.1908 to Sandefjord & Tjømøs Dampskibsselskab, Sandefjord, renamed Varden, in service Sandefjord-Tønsberg-Oslo. Sold in July-1916 to D/S A/S Skien, Skien, in service Oslo-Skien. Sold in May-1934 to Alversund & Manger Dampbåtlag LL, Bergen, in regularly scheduled service with passengers and some cargo and mail Bergen-Nordhordland.
WW II: This ship was well known for its slow speed and bad stability, close to capsizing just from the waves from a German MTB during the war. There were plenty of places on board suitable for hiding weapons and/or people, and Varden was often used to secretly transport weapons. She would also take "refugees" (people wanted by the Gestapo) to places where they could be picked up by one of the "Shetland Bus" vessels and given further transportation to Shetland. Skipper was Gudmund Toska (later Skipper Kristen Risnes and during the last year of the war Laurits Sylta) and some of the crew members of Varden were: Mate Johannes Pedersen, Able Seaman Meyer Skoglund, Engineer Anton Dalland, Assistant Alfred Skjold, Able Seaman Andreas Dalland, Galley Boy Adolf Fjellstad (the latter 2 are still alive as of 2003), Adolf's brothers Martin and Magnus Fjellstad, cook Trine Olsen (female). Towards the end of the war Varden was in service Bergen-Radøy twice a week.
POST WAR: Laid up 1945. Sold in 1949 en bloc with Holsenøy to Stavanger Skibsophugnings Co., Buøy (Stavanger) for breaking up.
(All details on this vessel from T. Eriksen, Norway - his sources: "Fjordabåten", Dag Bakka Jr. 1994, "Bergenske Fjordabåter" Dag Bakka Jr. for Bergens Tidende 1974, and article about Varden in Bergens Tidende by Øivind Ask, July 28-2003.
M/S Vardø *
Sister ship of Senja.
Placed in cargo service Oslo-Kirkenes.
WW II: Vardø is listed as sailing in the U.K.-Norway Convoy ON 14 in Febr.-1940.
She was taken over by the Germans on Sept. 1-1940 and entered service between Narvik and Finnmark.
Jürgen Rohwer says she was attacked by the Russian submarine M-171 (Starikov) in the Varangerfjord on May 23-1942, but not hit.
Sunk off Murmansk on May 26-1942 by land artillery fire on a voyage Kirkenes-Petsamo with oil and petrol.
Lillesand Sjømannsforening has a picture of this ship, scroll down to V.
(Misc. sources, incl. info received from Jan Heggås, Norway - His source: "På Nordnorsk kjøl - Vesteraalens Dampskibsselskab gjennom 75 år", Reidar Stavseth, published by VDS 1956).
This company later had another Vardø, built in Moss 1954, 935 gt, coastal cargo service Oslo-Kirkenes until 1966, at which time she was sold and renamed Frode Viking. She later had new owners and names; broken up in Perama, Greece in 1978. (Source as above + Per Alsaker, Bergen).
D/S Varg I Kr. Gjølberg, Oslo 153 gt
Built in Tønsberg 1910. Previous name: Bøk.
Pre war history: Catching in South Shetland for A/S Norge (Chr. Nielsen & Co.), Larvik when she had the name Bøk. From 1926 she was owned by A/S Congo (Søren L. Christensen), Sandefjord and renamed Varg I, then belonged to Pioneer A/S (A. W. Nordstrøm & Kr. Gjølberg), Oslo from 1934.
This vessel is mentioned on a list of A/S Thor Dahl whalers - so not sure of ownership here at the time of the outbreak of the war, or whether she even existed during the war.
("Damp - Dampskipets Æra i Vestfold", Jonassen & Eggen).
Norway had a Varg in the early 1900's, built Sandefjord 1905, 1436 gt. Sold to Japan in 1924 and renamed Kaitsu Maru.
(A/S Florvåg, Florvåg)
Askøy Ferjeselskap, Florvåg
Built in Norway 1911.
Pre war: Delivered in 1911 from unknown builders in Norway. Wooden hull, 57 gt, semidiesel motor of unknown type.
WW II: Owned by O. M. Næssø, Tromsø as per 1942. Sold in Sept.-1942 to A/S Florvåg, Florvåg, Askøy, somewhat rebuilt (fitted out for passengers). Registered for 95 passengers and 1 car. Hired out to Askøy Ferjeselskap A/S, Florvåg for service from Sukkerhusbryggen in Bergen to Florvåg, but being unsuited for this route she was not very popular among the passengers.
POST WAR: Sold in 1953 to Trygve Moltubakk, Moltustrand, Sunnmøre. In regularly scheduled local service? Sold in 1958 to Idar Dahl, Revsnes in Fosna, in regularly scheduled service locally. Sold in 1965 to Johs. Skjellbakken, Mo i Rana, used as freighter? Sold in 1967 to Nord-Norges Froskemann & Dykkerservice (divers), lost in 1977.
(Details on this vessel received from T. Eriksen, Norway - his source "Fjordabåten" by Dag Bakka Jr., 1994).
M/S Varp * B. Heide, Kristiansund 114 gt
Bombed and sunk by aircraft while fishing at Røvdefjord on Jan. 28-1945.
A/S Ytre Midthordland Dampskibsselskab, Bergen
Built in Stavanger 1900. Previous name: Alværsund until 1920.
Pre war history: Delivered in May-1900 from Stavanger Støberi & Dok, Stavanger as Alværsund to Alværsund & Mangers Dampskibsselskab, Bergen. Steel hull, 82' x 16.1' x 8.7', 98 gt, 2cyl Compound 23nhp. In regularly scheduled service Bergen-Salhus-Frekhaug-Alversund. Hired out in 1918 to A/S Ytre Midthordland Dampskibsselskab, Bergen, service Bergen-Bjorøy-Sotra (south side)-Glesvær. Sold in Oct.-1919 to A/S Ytre Midthordland Dampskibsselskab, Bergen, same service. Renamed Vatlestraumen in June-1920.
POST WAR: Rebuilt at Skjønndal Patentslip, Bergen, Jan.-1949, 111 gt. On hire to Alversund & Manger Dampbåtlag LL, Bergen in the summer of 1950, then for several summers on hire to A/S Bergen-Nordhordland Rutelag, Bergen. Sold in Dec.-1951 to Gerhard Midttveit, Tælavåg, still on hire to A/S Bergen-Nordhordland Rutelag, Bergen during summer seasons. Rebuilt in May-1952, 96 gt, a 2tev Bolinder 120bhp (?) motor installed. Converted to freighter in 1958 by O. Halderaker & Sønner, Mælandsvågen, Bømlo and entered service as Lystein that same year. Sold in 1961 to Kåre Hagesæter, Leiknestangen. Sold in 1971 to Oluf Thomassen, Bergen, in sand trade around Bergen. Sold in 1977 (Børtveit & Aga / Arnt Børtveit, Steinsland, Sotra), still in sand trade around Bergen. Sold in 1980 to A/S Urdal Sandkompani, Bergen, same trade. Sold in 1981 to John Voll, Buøy. Sold in 1983 to Bjørn Jacob Vevle, Herland, Garnes. Sold to Germany in Jan.-1988.
Vef - Ver
D/S Vefsen Det Helgelandske Dampskibsselskab, Sandnessjøen 296 gt
Built in Christiania (Oslo) 1909/'10.
Pre war history: Delivered from Akers mek. Verksted as Vefsen to Det Helgelandske Dampskibsselskab, Sandnessjøen in Jan.-1910, 296 gt, and placed in regularly scheduled passenger/cargo service, mostly Mosjøen. Collided in 1912 with Thorolf Kveldulfsøn in Alstenfjord near Holmen. Ran aground at Dønna on Jan. 20-1922. Towed D/S Finmarken to Hannesøyholmen on July 7-1923 after that ship had had engine trouble near Sjona. In 1924, Vefsen served as replacement ship for Ranen in the Trondheim route. Extensively modernized at Sandnessjøen Slip & Mek. in 1932. Ran aground near Lines in 1935 while she was stepping in for Ranen (from 1934) in the Trondheim service (Ranen was at the yard). Ran aground at Grinesodden, Linesøya near Stoksund on June 6-1936. Refloated by Traust and Parat and towed to Stoksund.
WW II: Into coastal service as replacement for Ranen, July-Dec.-1940. Collided on Nov. 30-1940 with D/S Vesteraalen (listed further down on this page) in Vesterålen. On fire on Jan. 23-1942 when alongside quay in Trondheim. Requisitioned for use during the evacuations of Finnmark Jan. 18-1945. Collided that same day with the tanker Kløveren of Oslo, near Langnes Light, Løkta (off Horn, Helgeland).
Picture of Vefsen - From Bjørn Milde's postcard collection.
POST WAR: To the Svanemølle yard, Copenhagen for repairs in May-1946, at the same time lengthened, 340 gt. Back in service Aug.-1947. Between Jan. and May-1949 she was in the Mosjøen-Hammerfest route. On hire in the period Aug.-Sept.-1951 to Havnedirektøren (Harbour Director). Partly laid up, partly hired out in the period 1951-1956. Sold in 1956 to Høvding Skipsopphugging, Sandnessjøen (breakers).
(From the company fleet list, F. R. Hansen)
Norway's Liberation - Has some details on the evacuation of Finnmark.
Helgeland Trafikkselskap had a Vefsen built in 1959, 278 gt, sold to Senegal in 1974 and still in register in 1998.
M/S Vega * Det Bergenske Dampskibsselskab, Bergen 7287 gt
Built in Trieste, Italy 1938.
My page M/S Vega has info on her history and details on her final fate (incl. pictures).
D/S Vela * Det Bergenske Dampskibsselskab, Bergen 1180 gt
Pre war history: Delivered in Jan.-1930 from Bergens Mek. Verksteder, Bergen (211) as Vela to Det Bergenske Dampskibsselskab, Bergen. Steel hull, 223.9 x 34.2 x 14.1, 1180 gt, 1550 tdwt, Tripple Expansion (BMV) 180nhp, 10.5 knots. As per 1939 she was in the company's cargo service Trondheim-Bergen-Antwerp together with the sister ship Columba, this being a joint weekly sailing with the company DDG Neptun, which also had a ship in this line.
WW II: It looks like Vela was scheduled to sail in Convoy HN 15 from Norway to the U.K. in Febr.-1940, but cancelled - follow link for more info, several Norwegian ships took part.
Vela was at Tollbodkai nr.1 in Bergen harbour for engine and steering repairs when the big explosion occurred on Apr. 20-1944 (D/S Rogaland has more details). Due to the powerful tidal waves resulting from the explosion Vela broke loose and drifted helplessly among other drifting vessels and debris in the harbour. The company's Kora was at Skoltegrunnskaien at the time and had managed to get out. Her crew succeeded in getting a tow line fastened in Vela and after struggling for about one and a half hour both vessels anchored up in Puddefjorden further west in Bergen harbour. It turned out Vela had escaped unharmed, while Kora had received some damages (follow link for more details).
On Sept. 20-1944 Vela was on a voyage from Odda to Gothenburg with calcium cyanide when she was torpedoed and sunk by the British submarine HMS Sceptre (McIntosh), 11 n. miles off Eigerøy Light, Norway. 3 Norwegians and 2 Germans died (one of the escort vessels, M 132 was also sunk in this attack; other escorts were M 1, UJ 1111 and UJ 1113).
(Misc. sources, incl. info received from T. Eriksen, Norway - His sources: Articles about BDS in "Skipet" 1-2.88 by Dag Bakka Jr. and "Norges eldste Linjerederi, BDS 1851-1951" by Wilhelm Keilhau).
Stavern Memorial commemorations - Boatswain Ivar Olai Fluvåg and Stoker Rasmus Mikal Monsen are named here. T. Eriksen's source lists the latter as Trimmer, and adds Steward Ingvart Olsen as a cusualty.
This company had previously had another Vela, originally built in 1904 as Rags for owners in Bergen, 3524 gt, then Danish Vinland from 1915, Bergenske D/S's Vela from 1916. Later names: Zephyros from 1929, Fjeld from 1932. Broken up in 1936. Bergenske also had another ship by this name later on, built 1946.
M/S Venus * later raised Det Bergenske Dampskibsselskab, Bergen 5407 gt
Built in Helsingör, Denmark 1931.
Please continue to a separate page about M/S Venus for more information.
M/T Vera B Vitali Burkoff 440 gt
Captain I. Burkoff. In Sweden when the war broke out in Norway. Returned to Norway. My page Ships in Sweden has more details on the Norwegian ships there. (I have a little snippet of information on a document received from the National Archives of Norway, saying she sailed from Åbo on June 20-1940, bound for Stockholm).
This company had an M/S Vera after the war, built 1955. Later names Vikfrost of Haugesund 1965, Mardina Cooler 1972, then Panamanian Armasal I 1973, Betty Mae 1974, Libyan Rafig II 1975, Captain Saeed 1981, Golden Star 1982, Honduran Star F 1986, Broken up 1987.
D/S Veritas Dampskibsselskabet Veritas
(O. Børresen, Oslo) 264 gt
Built in Stockholm 1907. Previous names: Hammar until 1917, Polvo until 1919, Önafors until 1925, Domino until 1926, Transport I until 1927, Domino until 1928.
Pre war history: Delivered in 1907 from Bergsunds Mek. Verkstad, Stockholm, Sweden as cargo vessel Hammar for Hammars Glasbruks AB (O.Falk), Hammar, Sweden, 209 gt. Owned by Rederi-AB Hammar (O.Falk), Hammar in 1914. Lengthened that year, 264 gt. Manager became J.Danielsson, Hammar in 1915. Sold in 1917 to Broms & Dam, Stockholm, renamed Polvo. Sold in 1919 to Wargöns Rederi AB (F.G.Samuelsson), Vargön, Sweden and renamed Önafors. Sold in Apr.-1925 to AS Domino (Osvald Rosenvold), Oslo and renamed Domino. Sold in Oct.-1925 to I/S Domino (Haakon Rachlew), Sandefjord. Owned by D/S A/S Løven (Haakon Rachlew), Sandefjord in 1926, renamed Transport I and in cargo service Vestfold-Oslo. Sold in Sept.-1927 to Joh. Thorseng, Oslo, renamed Domino. Sold in Febr.-1928 to Dampskibsselskabet Veritas (Bertrand Jacobsen), Arendal, renamed Veritas and used in cargo service Oslo-Arendal-Kristiansand-Stavanger-Haugesund-Bergen, as well as other destinations where needed. Manager became O.Børresen, Oslo in Apr.-1938 (Veritas' former agent in Oslo), continuing in the same service.
POST WAR: Rebuilt in 1947 at Moss Værft & Dokk, Moss (motor vessel), renamed Randesund in March that year. Owned by Dampskibsselskabet Veritas (Knut Knutsen OAS - Øistein Lande, Haugesund) 1955. The company, including ships, agents etc. sold to Knut Knutsen OAS, with the administration under Haugesund Dampskibsselskap A/S, and Øistein Lande as manager. Sold in Apr.-1959 (Mikkal Myklebusthaug, Fonnes in Austrheim / Bergen), renamed Framy, in coastal service. Rebuilt in 1965, 283 gt. Sold in Jan.-1967 (Frans Myklebusthaug, Fonnes). On fire 10 n. miles south of Ryvingen on Aug. 20-1971, voyage Oslo-Bodø with general cargo. Crew took to the lifeboat, the wreck drifted ashore near Ryvingen. Condemned in Jan.-1972.
Bjarne Gundersen, Oslo
Built in Fredrikstad 1891.
See text under Kilstraum.
M/T Vesco * A/S Vestlandske Petroleumskompani, Bergen 331 gt
Built in Harstad 1926.
Coastal tanker. Shelled and sunk by the British submarine Sealion (Colvin) off Køllefjord (70 57N 26 50E) on Nov. 18-1941, when on a voyage Harstad-Vardø.
A visitor to my website has sent me a snippet which he thinks might be referring to Vesco. It says that Sealion set a Norwegian tanker of 331 tons on fire with gun fire, 25 miles east of North Cape in the morning of Nov. 18. It adds that the Norwegian vessel was carrying 304 tons of benzine and oil to Kirkenes from Narvik, and was still on fire 2 hours later.
D/S Vesla William Hansen, Bergen 1108 gt
Pre war history: In service to Spain before the war (picked up oranges) on charter to a British company in Newcastle. Was in Valencia when the Italian cruiser Vittoria de Emanuel attacked. Taken as prize near Gibraltar during the Spanish civil war and taken to Ceuta but freed after 2 weeks. Traded between England-North Africa for a while.
WW II: Vesla listed in Convoy HN 9A from Norway to the U.K. at the end of Jan.-1940. She's said to have been ordered from Newcastle to Hommelvik that same month, but she's listed as returning to Norway the following month with Convoy ON 11. As will be seen when clicking on the links, several Norwegian ships took part. Vesla went back to the U.K. on March 2-1940 with Convoy HN 16, bound for Rochester with pulp, returning to Norway at the end of that month with Convoy ON 23. This convoy arrived Norway on March 31, and Vesla was still in Norway when the Germans invaded on Apr. 9 that year (and unable to get out).
She's listed in a document sent to me by Halvor Sperbund, Norway, saying she received minor deck damages during an aircraft attack at Nordgulen on Dec. 5-1944, no casualties. This document, which is an excerpt from the KTB of the 3rd Mar. Bordflakabteilung (responsible for armament on merchant ships) lists the ships involved, namely M/S Ostland, 5274 gt (see Ferngulf), 6. Komp. Narvik, armed with 1 x 8,8 cm Flak, 2 x 3,7 cm Flak, 2 x 2 cm Vierling Flak and 4 RAG, Vesla (tonnage given as 1200 gt), 2. Komp. Bergen - 1 x 2 cm, 2 x Mg 34, Aasenfjord, 565 gt, 2. Komp. Bergen - 1 x 2 cm, 2 x Mg 34, Magdalena, 4. Komp. Kiel-Holtenau, Tucuman, and Helene Russ, 2. Komp. Neuhof.
35 Mosquito's with bombs, rockets and on-board weapons attacked in 3 approaches. Ostland was hit, no casualties. Aasenfjord received damages to the bridge and superstructure, 1 was killed, 2 wounded. Magdalena was hit amidships and set on fire. Tucuman was hit by a rocket, rendering her 2 cm Vierling inoperable. Helene Russ also received deck damages.
Sorties Flown by Banff Strike Wing - Scroll down to Dec. 5-1944 for further details on this attack, as seen from the "other side". According to this the Mosquito's were from 143, 235 and 248 squadrons.
D/S Veslefrik *
A/S Blomvaag Hval, Herdla
According to the KTB of the 55th Vorpostenflottille, and the document "In Norwegen erfasste Fahrzeuge" RK See (in the National Archives) Veslefrik was taken from the Norwegian Navy by the Kriegsmarine on May 20-1940 and placed in service as NB 02 Biber (Hafenschutzflottille=Harbour Defence Flottilla, NB stands for Norwegen Bergen). On June 1-1944 she was transferred to the 55th Vorposten Flottille as V 5502 Biber. Sunk in Hjeltefjorden, south of Herdla on Sept. 24-1944 by Mosquito's from 248th Squadron. She was commanded at the time by Obersteuermann der Reserve Kowski who was seriously injured in the attack as were 3 others, while 3 were less seriously wounded and 1 man lost his life. Armament: 1 x 8,8 cm Flak, 3 x 2 cm Flak, 1 x Mg., 2 x RAG (meaning RAktenGeschüss = Anti aircraft rockets).
Here's a picture from the action - Received from Ragnar Iversen, Norway (owner Fredrik Strøm).
(Source: Halvor Sperbund, Norway).
I've also seen the date of this sinking given as Sept. 15-1944, but would assume that the date given in the KTB is the correct one. This assumption is confirmed by the text found under Sept. 24-1944 at the external link given under Vesla above. As can be seen, the text there for Sept. 15 states "No flying today due to bad weather". It appears Storesund was also a victim of the Sept. 24 attack (damaged).
M/K Vesper * Harald Kvandal
Home Port Bodø 93 gt
Built in Brixham 1891
Sunk by aircraft near Makkaur, Finnmark on Apr. 14-1944.
Info from my Ship Forum: Vesper, LHUQ, built 1891 as fishing vessel, 93 gt, 25 m, owned by H. Kvandal & Harald Evjen, Straumen in Bodin, fishing registry number N 139 BN. Chartered by Kriegsmarine Oct. 16-1942, vessel carried when destroyed/sunk 5 passengers, gasolin, ammunition and timber. The original query starts here
Pre war history: Delivered in Febr.-1920 from Kjøbenhavns Flydedok & Skipsværft, Copenhagen, Denmark (252) as cargo vessel Skinfaxe to A/S Dampskibsselskabet Primula (Schach Steenberg & Co.), Copenhagen. Steel hull, 241.4 x 36.3 x 16.3, 1310 gt, 2170 tdwt, Triple Expansion (Kjøbenhavns FD & SV) 128nhp, 9 knots. Sold in Dec.-1922 to Det Bergenske Dampskibsselskab, Bergen and renamed Vesta. As per the summer of 1939 she was in North Sea service. (This ship is listed as 1422 gt in "Handelsflåten i krig", book 5).
Picture of Vesta - From Bjørn Milde's postcard collection.
WW II: Vesta is listed in the Norway-U.K. Convoy HN 8 in Jan.-1940. The following month we find her in the U.K.-Norway Convoy ON 14, and in March she's listed, with general cargo for Le Havre, in Convoy HN 16 from Norway - however, she may not have sailed, because she also shows up in the next convoy, HN 17. Several Norwegian ships took part in these convoys.
(Info [except convoy details] was received from T. Eriksen, Norway - His sources: Articles about BDS in "Skipet" 1-2.88 by Dag Bakka Jr., "Norges eldste Linjerederi, BDS 1851-1951", Wilhelm Keilhau, and misc.).
Other ships by this name: Germany and Finland also had steamships by this name in WW II, the former was bombed and sunk by Allied aircraft off Ameland, Holland on May 14-1944, and the latter capsized and sank on Jan. 15-1945 after her cargo had shifted in a heavy gale when on a voyage from Norrköping to Finland with grain.
D/S Vesteraalen * Vesteraalens Dampskibsselskab, Stokmarknes 682 gt
Built in Christiania (Oslo) 1891.
Pre war history: Delivered in Jan.-1891 from Akers mek. Verksted, Oslo. This was the first ship in the socalled Hurtigruten, the express cargo/passenger service which still exists today. In the beginning she was in service between Tromsø and Bergen with a 40 passengers capacity. Before entering Hurtigruten she was rebuilt to carry 200 passengers and departed Trondheim on July 2-1893 as the very first ship in this service, visiting 11 ports en route to Hammerfest. She ran aground and sank near Vallersund on Dec. 18-1913, but was raised and repaired and reentered service in the summer of 1914.
A visitor to my site, whose source is S. Ormanier; MN Sept 1979; WP 26:74, has told me that after being replaced in 1932 she alternated between summer tourist excursions, express goods carrier, and relief steamer.
WW II: Laid up at Trondheim in 1940 with the German takeover, but resumed service between Bergen and Tromsø, when the Hurtigruten service was reestablished (as per above source).
Captain Aksel O. Hernes. Departed Tromsø for Hammerfest with general cargo in the morning of Oct. 17-1941, and was torpedoed that same day off Nuvsvåg. 38 passengers and 21 crew died, among them 4 women and also the captain. Only 6 survived. According to Jürgen Rohwer she was torpedoed by the Russian submarine SC-402 (Stolbov) at Sørøy/Nuvsfjord. Position given by sub was 70 20N 22 30E. (I've also seen Tigris listed as the culprit).
"Minner og minnesmerker fra 1940-1945" by Øistein Wiik lists the following casualties, in addition to the captain (in alphabetical order):
Cook Reidar Kristian Albertsen, Able Seaman Karl Ingolf Alfred Antonsen, 1st Engineer Petter Egideus Angel Berntsen, Mate Henrik Bjønnes, 2nd Mate Christian Brun, Cook Roald Hermand Dahl, Able Seaman Meyer Gustav Johan Eilertsen, Engineer Ludvig Kristian Hansen, Donkeyman Martin Berg Nygård Johansen, Cook Håkon Bernhard Johansen, Supstitute Girl Borghild Johnsen, Cook Haldis Kristine Johnsen, Trimmer Hjalmar Aron Jørgensen, "Steam Ship Girl" Signe Helene Lillevoll, Mate Alf H. Overgård, "1st Class Girl" Borghild Pedersen, Mess Boy Per Laurits Pettersen, Waitress Anna Emilie Rande, Boatswain Anton Remen, Servant Thoralf Margido Sandnes, Coastal Skipper Hans H. Steinhaug, Able Seaman Mikal Sørflaten, Able Seaman Fritz Thorbjørn Thorbjørnsen,
For info, in the spring of 1999, all the records of Vesteraalens Dampskibsselskab from 1881 to 1988 were donated to The National Archives of Norway. 2 pictures of Vesteraalen as well as pictures of other Hurtigruten ships can be found on this page (click on them to enlarge - these links are external, and text is in Norwegian).
Stavern commemorations - 23 are commemorated at this memorial. This website says 23 crew and 37 passengers died. 6 crew and 1 passenger survived.
Other ships by this name: The company later had another ship by the name Vesteraalen from Apr.-1950 until Jan.-1983, and another one was delivered on Febr. 16-1983. The latter vessel still exists.
See text for D/S Elling.
Arendal had a Vestkap in the 1950's, this was the former Storesund.
D/S Vestkyst I * raised Arendal 370 gt
Built in Tønsberg 1924.
Pre war history: Delivered in March 1924 as D/S Vestkyst I to Sørlandske Kystfart, Oslo. The company went bankrupt in 1927 and was taken over by A/S Sørlandske D/S, Oslo from 1928 and by Skibs-A/S Kysten, Arendal in 1932. Sank in Oct.-1936 after a collision. Raised by Brødrene Anda and Stavanger Skibsophugnings Co., repaired and back in service in 1937.
WW II: Sank on Sept. 29-1940 after a collision with the tug Storegut near Skibeskjærene, but again raised and repaired. Damaged in air attack off Skadberg, Jæren on March 22-1941 on a voyage Oslo-Bergen and beached, but sank (partly) near Skadberg after a British air attack on July 24-1941. Raised by Brødrene Anda, repaired and reentered service in the fall of 1942.
POST WAR: Taken out of regularly scheduled cargo service in 1952 and delivered in 1954 as converted to single decker (motor vessel), for Johan Arondsen, Kristiansund. Lengthened in 1959, 419 gt. Owners in Tromsø from June-1966. Purchased by A/S Vestfrakting, Mosterhamn/Haugesund in Oct.-1973 and fitted out for sand transport. In service for the Road Department in Troms, carrying sand and gravel. Sold in Oct.-1974 to Halvard Møgster, Austevoll/Bergen and renamed Dyrnes. Sold in Apr.-1976 to A/S Sandfrakt, Ølensvåg/Haugesund. Sunk in 1978.
Skips-AS Sørfart /
Rolf Horn-Mathiesen, Oslo
Built in Motala, Sweden 1890.
Pre war history: Delivered in 1890 from Motala Co., Motala, Sweden (388) as cargo vessel Göta Kanal VI to Ångfartygs-AB Göta Kanal, Gothenburg. Iron hull, 99.4 x 22 x 8.3, 180 gt, 240 tdwt, 2cyl Compound (Motala Co.). In service in the Göta Kanal.
WW II: Sold in May-1941 to Skips-AS Sørfart / Rolf Horn-Mathiesen, Oslo, renamed Vestmar.
POST WAR: As per 1949 she was 179 gt. Owned by Skips-AS Sørfart / Bugge & Olsens eftf., Larvik - 1947. Rebuilt, an 8cyl 4tev Deutz dm 200bhp motor installed. In 1951 a 4cyl 4tev Deutz dm 250bhp motor was installed. Sold in July-1956 to P/r Tollef & Olav Jacobsen, Hillevåg (Stavanger), in coastal service. Sold in Febr.-1968 to P/r Hans Ingvaldsen & Hans Ingvald Ingvaldsen (son), Mosterhamn, Bømlo; in coastal service Norway, Sweden and Denmark. On Dec. 2-1970, when crossing Slettå north of Haugesund in a gale, her cargo shifted causing her to capsize and sink. 2 died - skipper and owner Hans Ingvald Ingvaldsen and his uncle Adolf Ingvaldsen, while Engineer Severin Solås was rescued.
(Info received from T. Eriksen, Norway - His sources: "Fraktefarten i Moster", Moster Sogelag 1998, Dag Bakka Jr., Mats Karlsson and misc.).
M/S Vestnorge Arne Veim, Bergen 215 gt
Built in Sandefjord 1923. Previous names Mari 1923, Oslofjord until 1930.
Pre war history: Built as Mari for Den norske Amerikalinje, renamed Oslofjord 1923. Sold in 1930 to Einar Veim, Bergen and renamed Vestnorge.
POST WAR: Transferred to Arne Veim, Bergen in 1957 and fitted with a 4 cylinder 2S.C.SA oil engine manufactured by Klöckner-Humboldt Deutz A.G., Köln in 1951. Sold in May-1961 to Rederibolaget Greta, Finland and renamed Greta. Lengthened to 128.0 feet in 1966 and tonnages became 280 gross, 146 net. Sold in 1970 to Rederi-A/B Sirnek (Nils Idman, manager), Finland. Sold in 1971 to Helge Johansson, passing later to Karl Helge Johansson, and registered in the ownership of Margot & Svante Johansson, Finland. Still in service in 1995.
D/S Vestra * Richard Jansen, Haugesund 1422 gt
Built at Alblasserdam 1904: Previous names: Norma until 1915, Hufterø until 1919, Ørnefjell until 1928, and Risør until 1936.
Pre war history: Delivered in May-1904 from Naaml. Vnts. Scheepswerf Voorh. Jan Smit Cz., Alblasserdam, Holland (431) as cargo vessel Norma to A/S Norma (C. Bech & Co.), Tvedestrand. Steel hull, 244.8 x 37.2 x 16.4, 1421 gt, 2300 tdwt, Triple Expansion (Kom. Maats. De Schelde, Vlissingen, Holland) 163nhp. Sold in 1915 to A/S D/S Hufterø (Henrik Østervold), Bergen and renamed Hufterø. Sold in 1917 to Skips-A/S Kingston (H. Waalman), Tønsberg, managed by Olsen & Ugelstad, Oslo from Febr.-1918 (same owner). Sold in Apr.-1918 to A/S Rudolf (Olsen & Ugelstad), Oslo, renamed Ørnefjell in 1919. Sold in July-1928 to Risør Skibs A/S (Alexander Prebensen), Risør and renamed Risør. Manager became Prebensen & Blakstad, Risør in 1933 (same owner). Sold in Aug.-1936 to A/S Vestra (Richard Jansen), Haugesund, renamed Vestra and placed in North Sea and Baltic service.
WW II: Vestra is listed in Convoy HN 8 from Norway to the U.K. in Jan.-1940 (for info, there's also a ship by this name in the earlier Convoy HN 2, but nationality is given as British. Additionally, there's a Vestra in HN 5, again listed as British. See also HN 9B). In March we find her in the U.K-Norway Convoy ON 18. Several Norwegian ships took part in both these convoys.
When the Germans approached Bergen on Apr. 9-1940 Vestra was among several ships en route to this city. 9 vessels were stopped south of Bergen by Norwegian patrol boats and sent elsewhere (the others were Hellesund, Neptun, Stensaas, Haardraade, Rogaland, Tindefjell, Jarl, and Bjønn. D/S Force was also en route to Bergen, and proceeded into port - follow the links for more details on each ship - see also San Miguel). Vestra, Neptun and Jarl were initially sent to Fanafjorden, Stensaas, Tindefjell, Haardraade, Hellesund and Rogaland were asked to turn around and proceed to Leirvik, Stord (all 5 were later ordered to Hardangerfjorden on Apr. 16), while Bjønn went to Haugesund. Vestra and Jarl later decided to head home to Haugesund as well (as did Force), having found Fanafjorden a little too close to Bergen for comfort. Jarl subsequently found a new hiding place in Førdepollen.
It looks like Vestra must have ended up in German control, because there's mention in Lauritz Pettersen's book about the chief engineer being arrested in Emden in 1940, having spoken unfavourably against the German state while in a resturant there. He received a one and a half year jail sentence, and never returned to Norway again.
According to a thread on my Ship Forum, starting here, Vestra struck a mine between Falsterbro Lighthouse and Skarnör on May 20-1942, when on a voyage from Stavanger, Norway to Stettin with 12750 Barrels of herring (400 on the aft deck, 100 on the foredeck). Flemming says in his response to Jan-Olof's query that she was salvaged by S/S Bien, Captain J.C Voxen and S/S Bjørn, Captain E.Wulff. Barge No. 7 is also mentioned in the salvage report, and the "stonefishing" vessels Hebe, Dykkeren, and Nordlyset were also involved. Several damaged barrels were thrown overboard during the salvage operation. The ship was lying in 10 meters of water, with some of the hatches above the surface. She arrived Copenhagen on July 8-1942 and appears to have been in fairly good condition.
Vestra was sunk off Haugesund harbour on Oct. 21-1944 during an air attack by the 3 English squadrons 235, 248 and 404, when on a voyage from Nordmøre to Sauda with limestone. Her crew was rescued by a German controlled vessel (previously Norwegian) before she sank.
(Misc. sources, incl T. Eriksen, Norway, "Våre gamle skip" by Leif M. Bjørkelund and E. H. Kongshavn, and "Handelsflåten i krig", Book 5, "Hjemmeflåten - Mellom venn og fiende", Lauritz Pettersen).
D/S Vestra - More details and pictures (website for divers).
Sorties Flown by Banff Strike Wing - the attack is mentioned under Oct. 21-1944 (Vestra is spelt wrong). This page also says one of the aircraft was lost in the attack, and 2 men killed.
D/S Vestri * Det Stavangerske Dampskibsselskab, Stavanger 499 gt
Built in Helsingör 1910.
Pre war history: Delivered from Helsingør Jernskib- & Maskinbyggeri, Helsingør, Denmark as Vestri to A/S D/S Thore, Copenhagen, Denmark. Steel hull, 150.8 x 26.7 x 15.3, Tripple Expansion (Helsingør), 40nhp, 490 gt. Sold in 1912 to Det Stavangerske Dampskibsselskab, Stavanger together with the sister ship Austri (ref. link below), and used in the regularly scheduled coastal service Stavanger/Sandnes-Oslo. Modernized at some point in the 1920's. Rebuilt and lengthened in 1937, 499 gt.
Picture of Vestri - Source: Bjørn Milde's postcard collection.
WW II: In Egersund when war broke out in Apr.-1940. Back in service in May. Departed Stavanger in the morning of Dec. 4-1941 for Oslo and was attacked by British aircraft off Tungenes. 4 died. The majority of the crew went in the lifeboat, while the captain and 1 crew member remained on board, then beached the ship on Vistelandet. She was burnt out and could not be saved.
POST WAR: Partly broken up by Stavanger Skipsopphugging after the war - remains can still be seen on the beach.
(Sources: T. Eriksen, Norway and "Senkninger og forlis fra Åna Sira til Haugesund 1939-1945, by Øistein Thomas. Berge).
NOTE: T. Eriksen says the Germans used the ship as target practice for the rest of the war.
Stavern Memorial commemorations - 11 names are listed here, but please note that the first 5 names belong to the whale factory Salvestria, and so does the 7th and the 9th name, the rest are from Vestri, namely Able Seaman Alf K. Kristiansen, Stoker Torleif H. Notland, Able Seaman Jacob Sæstad and the Pilot Leif Stapnes. However, there appears to be a mix up here, Pilot Leif Stapnes died with Austri, while Able Seaman Bernt G. Stapnes lost his life on Vestri. The Norwegian text says: This ship was in service Stavanger-Oslo. Half an hour after departure Stavanger on Dec. 4-1941 she was attacked by a lone allied aircraft, hit by 2 bombs and set on fire. 4 crew were killed. The captain and the boatswain remained on board and managed to take the vessel into Viste beach where she remained (burnt out). There were no passengers on board.
Vi - Vø
M/S Viator C. H. Sørensen & Sønner, Arendal 3076 gt
Built Copenhagen, Denmark 1941.
Further details can be found on my page M/S Viator.
M/K Viervåg I
Knut Vier, Vier
Built at Sagvåg, Stord 1913. Previous name: Ly until 1913, Riskafjord until 1931, Askøy I until 1934.
Pre war history: Delivered on Jan. 4-1913 from Ottesens Skibsbyggeri, Sagvåg, Stord as freighter Ly to Ole G. Usken & Tobias Hogstad, Riska, Wooden hull, 54.3 x 13.8 x 7.5, 28 gt (17 net), 1cyl 2tev Lysekil rm 25bhp. Sold on Dec. 17-1913 to A/S Riskafjord, Stavanger, renamed Riskafjord, registered for 97 passengers. This company was established to serve the local route Hommersåk-Usken-Li-Stavanger and this was their first vessel. An important basis for the route was the transport of milk from Riskalandet to Frue Meieri (dairy) in Stavanger. Rebuilt in 1915. Sold on Oct. 13-1930 to Knut & Arne Aske, Askje in Ryfylke (father and son) and placed in Askje-Vestre Åmøy-Sokn-Bru-Stavanger service. Again, the transport of milk (to Stavanger & Omegns Meieri) was an important aspect of the service. Renamed Askøy I (or just Askøy?) on June 2-1931, a 1cyl 2tev June Munktell rm motor installed. At some point in the 1930's owner became Arne Aske only. Sold on Oct. 12-1934 to Knut Vier & Anders Naustvik, Vier / Stavanger (2/3 1/3), renamed Viervåg I and placed in service Vier-Stølsvik-Lauvåsvåg-Rosenvik-Uskekalven-Stavanger. Sold on March 23-1935 to Knut Vier, Vier.
POST WAR: Rebuilt and lengthened by Sigurd Sagens Båtbyggeri, Hommersåk, Aug. 12-1948, registered for 137 passengers, 64.9 x 14.7 x 6.7, 60 gt. Sold in 1967 to Sverre Haga, Vier, same service, though after a while the bus services made this route redundant. In the fall of 1969 she drifted ashore and sank at the beach near Vier. Raised late in the summer of 1970 by John Lunde with the tugs Jolu and Stilu, towed to Steinsøyhavet near Stavanger and sunk in 200 fathoms.
(From T. Eriksen, Norway - His sources: Article about A/S Riskafjord in "Skipet" 3.91 by Hagbart Lunde and Arne Ingar Tandberg, and "Fjordabådane" by Magnus Torgersen, 1981).
Maritime Hjemmesider - This site has a little bit about the various "Riskafjord" vessels (w/pictures).
Nils Bech, Oslo
Built in Kalundborg 1920. Previous names: Borghild, Iris, Irisen.
Pre war history: Completed in Febr.-1920 by Kalundborgs Skibsvaerft A/S, Kalundborg (yard 1 B), 559 under deck 388 n, 187.5' x 29.7' x 12.5', T 3 cyl 12 1/2", 21" & 34"-19 3/4" by A/S Smith, Mygind & Hüttemeier, Copenhagen 51 nhp, 1 deck. Owned between 1920-1926 by Rederi A/B Atlas (K. Anchér), Stockholm, Sweden as Borghild. From 1926 to 1929 as Iris for Ångfartygs A/B Nornan (O. Ahrenberg), Gothenburg, Sweden. From 1929 to 1934 owners were Rederi A/B Halland & Nornan (Hj. Blomberg), Gothenburg, same name. Sailed from 1934 to 1937 as Irisen for D/S A/S Iris (H. Fr. Grann), Oslo, Norway, and from 1937 to 1953 as Vigo for D/S A/S Vigo (Nils Bech), Oslo.
Picture of this ship when named Irisen - Received from Geir Johansen, Norway, whose grandfather, Kristen Johansen, served on her as 2nd. mate in 1936-'37. He later served as 3rd. mate on Grado until Jan.-1940.
WW II: Vigo, with a general cargo for Hull, is listed as sailing in Convoy HN 16 from Norway to the U.K. at the beginning of March-1940. She's also included, with several other Norwegian ships, in the Tyne-Southend Convoy FS 116 (external link - from Tyne March 8, to Southend March 10), before returning to Norway later that month with Convoy ON 22.
POST WAR: Still owned by D/S A/S Vigo (Nils Bech), Oslo as Vigo until 1953. Sailed from 1953 to 1957 as Vino for Ragnar Andresen, Oslo. Owned in 1957 by Wenco A/S (Ragnar Andresen), Oslo, no name change. From 1957 to 1959 owners were Cia Mare Nostrum de Nav SA 1956, Panama (Fratelli Cosulich SpA, Trieste), and her name Sally. Sprang a leak on July 14-1959 and foundered 20 miles south of Mali Losinj, voyage Trieste-North Africa with timber.
(Source: This posting by Maurice Voss to my Ship Forum).
Norway also had another Vigo.
D/S A/S Juno
Buil in Appledore 1904. Previous name: Torridge until 1906
Sold in Aug.-1940 to G. G. Amundsen A/S (O. Børresen), Oslo, renamed Ternesund. More info can be found under Ternesund.
Other ships by this name: Norway (Johan Chr. Gjertsen, Bergen) had previously had another Viking, delivered in Febr.-1883, 496 gt. Sold to B. Stolt-Nielsen, Haugesund in 1900. Ran aground off Iceland on Oct. 2-1904, voyage Haugesund-Reykjavik with general cargo. Also, P. Johannesen, Tønsberg had a Viking delivered to them in 1908, 1896 gt. Later names: Milltown 1921 (Manchester), Dubrovnik 1927 (Yugoslavia). Broken up in 1933.
Built in Trondhjem 1900.
Pre war history: Delivered in May-1900 from Trondhjems Mek. Verksted as Vikingen to Hardanger Søndhordlandske Dampskibsselskab, Bergen. Steel hull, 149,7 x 23 x 11,7, 421 gt, Tripple Expansion 103nhp 525ihp, 11 knots. In service Bergen-Stavanger-Hardanger. In 1909 electricity was installed. Extensively overhauled in the fall of 1916. Rebuilt in 1928. In Oct.-1930 the company changed its name to Hardanger Sunnhordlandske Dampskibsselskab, Bergen. Rebuilt at Bergens Mek. Verksteder, Bergen in 1937, forward well enclosed, new boiler, 493 gt.
WW II: When Norway was attacked on Apr. 9-1940 she was in Odda. Went to Granvin with Norwegian soldiers. Seized by the Germans on May 9-1940 when in Digranes, Hardanger and towed to Granvin. Returned on July 11 that year, with badly damaged boiler and interior. Repaired, new boiler installed. Continued in regularly scheduled service for the rest of the war.
POST WAR: Overhauled by A/S Mjellem & Karlsen, Bergen in Dec.-1945 (still fuelled by coal). Considered having her converted for oil fuelling in March-1951, but due to the price of oil she continued to be fuelled by coal. Mostly used in cargo service in the first half of the 1950's, occasionally laid up. Renamed Vøringen in Apr.-1957 (a new ferry was to have the name Vikingen). Renamed Tyssedal in Febr.-1959 (the ferry Hardangerfjord was renamed Vøringen because the company got a new ship named Hardangerfjord). Sold in Oct.-1959 to Arendals Skibsophugnings Co., Arendal for breaking up.
Built in Fredrikstad, Norway 1941.
Seized by the Germans and renamed Feiestein (of Kiel).
POST WAR: Returned 1945. According to a message in my Norwegian Guestbook this ship was found at the U-boat pen Dora I in Trondheim after the war. The poster's father, Leif Henriksen and some others were sent by the shipping company to look for it. The poster's parents got married on board and these names are listed in their wedding book (July 21-1945):
Captein Ole Lind, Tønsberg, 1st Mate Leif Henriksen, Blekestrand, 2nd Mate Anton Larsen, Nøtterøy, 1st Engineer Olav Nilsvik, Sjelten, Ålesund, and 2nd Engineer John Forseth, Trondheim.
This guestbook message came from the grandson of Captain Helmer Henriksen of M/S Vinni.
He also found the following in his father's papers with regard to Feiestein, he says it looks like the front page to a report:
"Bericht uber Torpedoangriff im Follafjord am 11.2.44. M/T Feiestein verliess am 11.2.44 den Hafen von Rørvik".
M/T Vilna Sverre (or Halfdan?) Ditlev-Simonsen & Co., Oslo 468 gt
Built Fredrikstad, Norway 1942.
Launched as Vilna, but delivered as Utsire* for the Kriegsmarine in 1942. Built by Glommens mek. Verksted, Fredrikstad (100), 468 gt, 211 net, 600 tdwt, 156.1' x 25.6' x 10.9', 560 bhp.
*According to the external website that I've linked to below she was indeed launched as Vilna but delivered in Sept.-1940 as Banco for Skips A/S Saphir (Edvin Endresen), Stavanger, requisitioned that same month by Die Deutsche Kriegsmarine, same name. Rammed and sunk by a German ship at Berlevåg in Nov.-1943. In other words, there appears to be a mix up here; it looks like the ship delivered as Utsire was another ship altogether (see the 2nd external link below), and that the ship listed as Banco on my site is identical to the ex Vilna.
POST WAR: *Taken over by the Norwegian State at war's end. Managed by Edvin Endresen, Stavanger from 1945 under the name Banco. Sold in 1958 to George Calafatis, Piræus, renamed Calafatis II. Sold in 1962 to G. Apostolopoulos, N Grigoriadis and K. Katsaros, Piræus, renamed Aghios Georgios. Sold in 1969 to Panormon Shipping Co., Piræus, renamed Hector. Sold in 1973 to D. Melagofon, Piræus, renamed Ecaterini, then renamed Aghios Nektarios M in 1974. Deleted from Lloyd's register in 1991.
*Again, please note that according to the second link below, this Post War information does not belong to Vilna, but another ship altogether (Utsire). Again, see my text for Banco, where my Post War details match those found for the ex Vilna at the first external site below.
M/T Banco - The text here states that the ex Vilna was delivered as Banco in Sept.-1940.
D/S Vim A/S Victor Müllers Rederi, Bergen 1114 gt
Built in Bergen 1913. Previous names: Recto until 1926, Barbara until 1932.
Pre war history: Delivered in July-1913 as Recto for B. Stolt-Nielsen, Haugesund. Sold in March-1926 to Sigmund Brommeland, Haugesund and renamed Barbara. Sold in 1932 to Victor Müllers Rederi, Bergen and renamed Vim.
Said to have rescued 4 men from the Norwegian Gudveig, North Sea in 1939 (year might be an error - follow link for details).
Vim is listed in Convoy HN 7 from Norway to the U.K. in Jan.-1940. The following month she joined the U.K.-Norway Convoy ON 10, returning in the middle of Febr. with Convoy HN 12. Early in March we find her in Convoy ON 17. Later that month she shows up in Convoy HN 19 from Norway, bound for Tyne in ballast, then towards the end of March she's listed in Convoy ON 23. Several Norwegian ships took part in all these convoys.
POST WAR: To China in 1946 and registered as An-Loh of Shanghai. In 1947 as Ping An, taken over by Wallem & Co. Ltd., Hong Kong in 1949, renamed Vim, and sailed under Panamanian flag, then South Korean Paik Lo of Pusang from 1953. Broken up in South Korea between 1969-1973.
(Mostly from "Våre gamle skip", except convoy details).
M/S Vindafjord * Det Stavangerske Dampskibsselskab, Stavanger 142 gt
Built in Cowes, Isle of Wight 1901. Previous name: Pilgrim until 1920.
Pre war history: Delivered in 1901 from J. Samuel White & Sons, Cowes, Isle of Wight as steam yacht Pilgrim to Gilbert A. Clayton-East, Southampton. Steel hull, 113.3 x 17.2 x 10.4, Tripple Expansion (White) 47 nhp, 124 gt. Sold in June-1919 to Ths. Falck, Stavanger, on behalf of C.Pedersen Jr., Stavanger, in use as yacht? Sold in Sept.-1920 to Rogaland Ruteselskap A/S, Vats (P. & O. Thingbø, Stavanger) and rebuilt at Karmøens Mek. Verksted, Kopervik, 113.3 x 17.2 x 9.7, 2cyl 2tev Bolinder semid. 160 bhp, 142 gt. In local passenger/cargo service Sandeid-Åmsosen-Stavanger as Vindafjord from Nov.-1920. Sold in July-1938 to Det Stavangerske Dampskibsselskab, Stavanger, partly in the same service as before, but also Stavanger-Sjernarøyene.
WW II: In the winter of 1939-'40 she was used once a week between Stavanger-Jørpeland. In the fall of 1940 she was placed in the Stavanger-Kvitsøy-Skudesnes passenger/cargo/mail service (replacing Kvitsøy which had been requisitioned by the Germans).
The Germans were building a fortress at Kvitsøy during the war. When Vindafjord arrived Kvitsøy on Nov. 28-1941 several workers came on board, in order to go home to Karmøy and Haugesund. When she departed at around 16:00 she had 57 Norwegian passengers and 2 German soldiers on board, in addition to her crew of 9. Half way between Kvitsøy and Skudesneshavn, in rainy weather and heavy seas, she was attacked by machine gun fire from an aircraft, and 2 bombs were dropped, hitting her amidships and causing her to sink very rapidly. Several people were injured or killed during the attack, others had to jump overboard. Many heroic deeds were performed in the cold water that day (Hans Mikal Nodland from Haugesund was later awarded Carnegie's gold medal).
The motor cutter Marstein had witnessed what had happened from a distance and headed to the scene as fast as she could. Skipper (and owner) Simon Engebretsen, Hans H. Hansen and Nils Karlsen, all from Åkrehamn, Karmøy saved 35 lives, 34 died.
The Germans said the aircraft was a Lockheed Hudson.
(From T. Eriksen, Norway - his sources: Article about Det Stavangerske Dampskibsselskab in the magazine "Skipet" 2.90 and 1.90 by Alf Johan Kristiansen, and "Fjordabådane" by Magnus Torgersen 1980).
Stavern Memorial commemorations - All these are from Vindafjord's complement, except the pilot, Reinert Johan Svines. The captain is listed as Lyder Bendik Waage. Mate Ivar Berekvam, Mate Magnus Olsen, Able Seaman Jan Kjell Gard Saltvedt, Steward Johannes Maguns Johnsen, and 1st Engineer Jacob Sømme are also commemorated at this memorial. The Norwegian text says that 7 crew died (as opposed to 4 in some other sources), as well as 28 Norwegian passengers and 2 Germans. 35 people were rescued from the water by the vessel Marsteinen (this should be Marstein) of Åkrehamn.
Other ships named Vindafjord - post war: In May-1947 Den norske Amerikalinje (Norwegian America Line) bought a Liberty ship, Jerome K. Jones, built Savannah, GA in 1943, 7199 gt, and renamed her Vindafjord for operation by Skips-A/S Malmtransport. NAL had been carrying shipments of ore from West Africa (Secondi and Takoradi) to Sauda, Norway since 1923, and when the war ended all parties involved wanted to recommence these shipments. The charterers, Electric Furnace Products Co., Sauda and NAL agreed to establish a separate company, A/S Malmtransport (Ore Transport Ltd.), jointly owned by NAL and the charterers, but fully operated by NAL, with their colors and the -fjord names. Two war built steamers were purchased second-hand, Vindafjord and Vistafjord (the latter was a Canadian built Park type, launched as Kootenay Park in 1944, completed as Mohawk Park, sold 1947 and renamed Manx Sailor, then sold to A/S Malmtransport (NAL managers) and renamed Vistafjord). Vindafjord was sold to Liberia in 1951 and renamed Gladiator, and had several more names before she was broken up at Karachi in 1972 (Yugoslavian Solta 1960, Panaghia Kykkou, Cyprus 1968). Den norske Amerikalinje went on to have 2 more ships by this name, as well as 2 more by the name Vistafjord.
P. I. Støren, Skien
Built in Porsgrunn 1913.
Pre war history: Delivered in Jan.-1913 from Porsgrunds Mek. Verksted, Porsgrunn (69) as cargo vessel and ice breaker Vrangfoss to Bandak-Nordsjøkanalen (P. I. Støren), Skien. Steel hull, 95.8(lpp) x 20.1 x 7.5, 131 gt, 100 tdwt, 2cyl Compound (Porsgrunds) 31nhp. In regularly scheduled cargo service as well as in use as ice breaker between Bandak and the Nordsjø channel (Telemark).
POST WAR: Sold in 1953 to Skien-Telemarkens Dampskibsselskab, Skien, rebuilt - 95.8(lpp) x 20.1 x 7.7, 129 gt, a 4cyl 2tev Skandia 300bhp motor installed. Deleted from Norwegian register as condemned in July-1971. Sold at some point in the 1970's. Back in Norwegian register in Nov.-1975 - by that time she belonged to P/r Nicolaisen & Staaland, Skien as freighter Arvfoss, 128 gt, 150 tdwt. Sold in May-1977 to Odd Magnussen, Mårnesstranda, renamed Sandfart, in local sand trade. Remeasured in 1977, 125.47 gt. Owned in 1981 by P/r Magnussen (Odd Magnussen), Mårnesstranda, in local sand trade. From 1983 Odd Magnussen was in Sandhornøy, same service. Sold in May-1985 to A. Johansen A/S, Røst, local sand trade. Laid up at Røst in 1988. Dismantled in June-1989 by Hans Jørgen Sjuve, Randesund. Sold in 1991 to Br. Anda, Hundvåg in Stavanger for breaking up - broken up on Apr. 29-1991.
(Received from T. Eriksen, Norway).
D/S Vulcanus Det Bergenske Dampskibsselskab, Bergen ca. 85 gt
Pre war: Delivered in Aug.-1914 from A/S Mjellem & Karlsen, Bergen (52) as tug Vulcanus to Det Bergenske Dampskibsselskab, Bergen. Steel hull, 73.8 x 19 x 9.9, 85.56 gt, 2cyl Compound (AS Mjellem & Karlsen) 300ihp.
WW II: Requisitioned by the Kriegsmarine in Apr.-1940.
Old postcard - showing D/S Oslo in Bergen, and also shows Vulcanus (on the left), from Bjørn Milde's postcard collection.
POST WAR: Returned to owners in June-1945. Renamed Musca in Jan.-1959 when the company's new tug Vulcanus was delivered. Sold in May-1959 to Øklandsnes Slipp & Mek. Verksted, Auklandshamn in Sveio, picked up from the quay in Bergen and proceeded to Auklandshamn under her own power. Rebuilt and lengthened by owner in Auklandshamn, 102.6 x 19.1 x 9.5, 158.08 gt, ca.200 tdwt, a 2cyl 2tev Wichmann 150bhp (1939) motor installed. Owner in 1960 was Ole G. Økland, Auklandshamn. Entered service in 1960 as freighter Øklandsnes, used in oastal service, typically with cement and fertilizer. Sold in Dec.-1966 to Arne Gismarvik, Kopervik, Karmøy, renamed Kopervik. Gismarvik had previously had several, smaller freighters by this name, having been in coastal service with dynamite from Oslofjord to western Norway for several years, and his new Kopervik was also used for this purpose for a couple of years. Placed in sand trade for Singel & Grussenter, Sandnes around 1969, picking up sand in Dirdal (Frafjord), and in Årdal in Ryfylke, for areas in north Rogaland county. Sold in Apr.-1972 to Arve Vik, Stamneshella, in local sand trade around Bergen, mostly for Osterfjordens Nye Fartøylag (eventually proved too small for this service). In 1973 an 8cyl 4tev GM-Detroit dm 247bhp motor was installed at Stamnes Motorverksted, Stamneshella. Sold in Nov.-1976 to Karsten Kulshamar, Stamneshella, in sand trade in Hardanger for Hardangersand (replacing owner's freighter Bømlo). Renamed Bømlo in 1985 when the owner purchased a new freighter (Jar) which was given the name Kopervik. Sold in Aug.-1985 to Arnold Hjorth, Strusshamn at Askøy, in sand trade (sometimes for A/S Vestfrakting, Mosterhamn and for Osterfjordens Nye Fartøylag). Owner from Oct.-1986 was his wife Jorunn Hjorth, Strusshamn, remained in the same service, though occasionally inactive. Hired out for a period of time in 1988, probably to Atle Eikenes, Sunde in Sunnhordland and in sand trade for A/S Vestfrakting, Mosterhamn. Sold in June-1991 to Svenn Tore Johnsen, Stamneshella, in sand trade (sometimes for A/S Vestfrakting, Mosterhamn). Later laid up at Stamneshella. Sold in March-1994 to Miljø & Gjenvinning A/S, Lauvsnes near Namsos, inactive? Fell into a bad state of repair. Sold in Jan.-1996 to Sigmund Bjergsted, Hundvåg, renamed Sigfart, fixed up that winter by the owner at Hundvåg and used in sand trade. As per Aug.-1998 she had been sold back to Svenn Tore Johnsen, Stamneshella, in sand trade.
(Info from T. Eriksen, Norway - His sources: Articles about BDS in "Skipet" 1-2.88 by Dag Bakka Jr., and "Norges eldste Linjerederi, BDS 1851-1951" by Wilhelm Keilhau, as well as Lars Inge Jacobsen, Halvor Habbestad, Arne Gismarvik, Arve Vik, Eivind Berge, Karsten Kulshamar, Jorunn Hjorth, Svenn Tore Johnsen).
Built in Bergen 1935.
Pre war history: Delivered in May-1935 from Bergens Mek. Verksteder, Bergen as Værøy to Fylkesbaatane i Sogn og Fjordane, Bergen. Steel hull, 96,1 x 19,5 x 10, 141 gt, 2cyl 2tev Union 180bhk, 10 knots, registered for 152 passengers. Sistership of Nesøy. Replaced Nesøy in the cargo run Bergen-Vadheim-Høyanger-Balestrand - see Nesøy for more details.
WW II: Continued in her regular service all through the war, often to Bulandet where her crew became acquainted with the illegal Shetland and Scotland traffic. The crew smuggled several escapees to Bulandet, where they would then find a means to get across to UK. Værøy was laid up quite a bit, sometimes in Fjærland and Ortnevik, other times at Søndre Nykirkekai in Bergen, due to her heavy consumption of oil.
POST WAR: In May-1945 Værøy replaced Gula (which was being repaired) in the cargo service Bergen-Solund. Ran aground near Skerjehamn in Aug.-1952 when bound for Bergen. The 30 passengers were picked up by Fjalir, while Værøy was refloated the next day by the salvage vessel Uller. Collided north of Skerjehamn in Jan.-1954 with the motor vessel Mormor, which had suddenly turned in front Værøy's bow. Complement of 4 picked up by Værøy. In Sept.-1957 she pulled the freighter Ryøy off the ground near Skerjehamn. On Dec. 3-1959 she picked up 35 passengers after Bergenske's Diana had run into Sunnfjord in Stavfjord south of Florø in bad weather, then towed Sunnfjord to Florø with the help of Vaagsøy (listed further up on this page). Rebuilt in 1962, new funnel, aftership covered and a 5cyl 2tev Wichmann 300bhk installed, 11 knots. Sold in March-1973 to Tartan Arrow Marine Ltd., London, then sold again that same year to Donald & Derek Parson and used as 'mini cruiser' near Corfu, Greece. Sold in 1978 to an unknown Greek company and renamed Marianna, in service Piræus and the islands in the eastern Aegean Sea. Seen at Naxos, Greece in 1981.
(Info on this vessel received from T. Eriksen, Norway - his sources: "Fjordabåten" by Dag Bakka Jr.,1994, "Båtene våre, -hvor ble de av?", Dag Bakka Jr. for Bergens tidende 1984(?) and "101 Fjordabåtar, FSF 1858-2000" by Magnus Helge Torvanger).
Built in Laksevåg 1891.
See D/S Vøringen for more information (and a picture).