The Saturday briefing

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

- by CAROLINE FORD

Is there anything you’re yearning to know? Send your questions, on any subject, to the contacts given below, and we will do our best to answer them...

Having invaded Norway in the Second World War, did the Germans plan to invade the Shetland Islands and if not, why not? My mum is a Shetlander.

Jo Howarth,Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Germany invaded Norway in 1940 - sealing Shetland’s involvement in the Second World War. Its geographical location meant the islands played a crucial role in defending the British Isles on its “Northern Front”.

Some historians believe the Germans might have viewed Shetland as an eventual long-term base but there’s no evidence of a specific plan to invade the islands.

Yet on November 13, 1939, the first German bombs to fall on British soil exploded at Sullom in Shetland. In his book Air Raid Islands, Samuel Sjoberg writes of raids on Lerwick, Bigton, Brae, Sandwick, Sumburgh and the Unst radar stations and attacks on the Fair Isle and Skerries lighthouses, which cost the lives of four people.

As the war progressed, troops and vessels were stationed across Shetland and a secret organisation was set up known as the “Shetland Bus.” This involved hazardous boat trips across the North Sea to ferry refugees and supplies between Norway and Shetland. Ten fishing boats were lost during the convoys and 44 men died.