My father Lars Karlo Birkeland from Søgne Norway (born 24/01/1916 died

23/09/1997) was war sailor in second world war. He leave Norway in 1939 and

return back in July 1945. He was in the war period sailing as first, second

and third mate.

I don't know much about his War period but a few thing he told me:



1. He was onboard when M/T BETH (onboard from 21/7/41) / L. Gill Johannesen,

Oslo sank 17/05/1942. After this he reach Tobago or Barbados?? And he was

also Torpedoed when he was travelling from Tobago/Barbados to US with the US

ship Robert E Lee (believe they was torpedoed and sank outside Mississippi).



2. He was onboard when M/T PERICLES (onboard from 9/4/40) / I. M. Skaugen,

Oslo

was damaged in Suda Bay in March 15-1941 and sooner sank under towing in

APRIL 14-1941.



3. He was onboard when DS VESTFOLD (onboard from 5/1/43) / Johan Rasmussen &

Co., Sandefjord was Torpedoed and sank on Jan. 26-1943.



4. He was sailing with M/T FAGERFJELL Olsen & Ugelstad, Oslo, in the period

from 18/3/43 until 22/12/43,.



5. He was sailing with DS ROYAL 24/1/44 to 27/6/45. I believe ROYAL was

crossing the cannel D-day 1944 with equipment and forces. He told me that he

was with that day, but maybe I was with another ship.



6. He get in February 1989 The St. Olav's Medal with Oak Leaves, don't now

for what and he never told me.



Hope somebody can help with some more information about my father.

Information can be send by

e-mail: LARS.BIRKELAND@c2i.net

or by mail

Ole Hjalmar Birkeland

Udjusveien 32

N-4640 SØGNE