Shetland Bus Hero’s Uniform Jacket Donated to Scalloway Museum

A historic uniform jacket belonging to renowned Shetland Bus hero Leif Andreas Larsen has been donated to the Scalloway Museum. The jacket, presented by his daughter Astrid Larsen on Monday, adds a significant artifact to the museum’s collection, highlighting the legacy of a pivotal figure from World War II.

Leif Andreas Larsen is celebrated for his role in the Shetland Bus operation, a covert initiative that facilitated over 50 trips between Shetland and Norway during the war. His efforts on fishing boats and submarine chasers earned him the distinction of being the most highly decorated Allied naval officer of the conflict. Known as Shetlands-Larsen, a statue commemorating him stands proudly at the Bergen waterfront in Norway.

Astrid Larsen’s recent visit to Shetland included the formal unveiling of the renovated Prince Olav slipway in Scalloway, an event that took place on October 12, 2023. Charlie Grant, a representative from the Shetland Bus Friendship Society, which operates the museum, noted that the jacket was worn by Larsen while he served as a commander and is adorned with numerous medals. He emphasized the importance of this artifact, stating, “Leif Larsen got the name Shetlands Larsen; he was a very highly decorated member of the Shetland Bus operation and he made many, many trips to Norway.”

Currently, the jacket is kept in storage, with plans for it to be prepared for display after the museum closes at the end of the season next month. Grant indicated that arrangements will also be made to showcase a recently donated hand-made model of a Shetland Bus boat during the museum’s winter closure.

In recognition of the museum’s efforts, it has received a plaque from Oliver Berdal, Chief of the Royal Norwegian Navy. This plaque honors the museum’s commitment to preserving the Shetland Bus story. A diploma accompanying the plaque states that it was awarded for the museum’s “long-standing dedication to sharing and safeguarding a vital chapter of both Norway’s and the Royal Norwegian Navy’s history.” The diploma further describes this chapter as a “legacy that embodies national resilience, maritime heritage and community pride.”

The plaque is a testament to the meticulous restoration of the Prince Olav Slipway, ensuring that this historic site will continue to inspire future generations and serve as a living reminder of the shared maritime history between Norway and Shetland.

On the same evening, four awards were presented in Scalloway on behalf of the Chief of the Norwegian Navy. The recipients included Bill Moore, Charlie Grant, Jim Young, and Janne Glesnes Martin.

The significance of Scalloway as the base for the Shetland Bus operation during World War II cannot be overstated. This initiative played a crucial role in the resistance against Nazi Germany, facilitating the transport of resistance fighters, agents, and refugees across the treacherous waters between Shetland and Norway. The addition of Larsen’s jacket to the Scalloway Museum not only preserves this history but also honors the bravery and sacrifices made during a tumultuous time.