In
Remembrance
of the sailors from Nyborg lost during 1939-1945
In honour of the inauguration of The monument ÂťFORSAVNÂŤ June 6th, 2018 at Kongens Skibsbro, Nyborg Harbour.
- Danmarks Riges Hjerte
In remembrance of the lost sailors from Nyborg
During the years 1939-1945 - under inhumane circumstances – these sailors sacrificed their lives at the seven seas. This in their fight for democracy and freedom across the world. In honour and respect of their memory. Nyborg Marine Association dedicates this book of remembrance to the widows, children, grandchildren, siblings, friends and acquaintances of the 35 sailors, hailing from Nyborg. Those who in heroic allegiance to the allied forces and their homelands honour and reputation, sacrificed their lives. Where you find courage, there is hope, and where there was hope there was a victory for the Danish people. The undaunted sailors’ names will always light up the monument FORSAVN and the memorial plaque of the Marine Association as well as light and honour our fatherland.
Nyborg Marine Association: Nyborg Marine Association founded December 7th, 1913. Board of Directors: Chairman: Kurt Verner Vice Chairman: Arne Claus Petersen Treasurer: Søren Junker Secretary: Erik Dyrskov Rasmussen Member of the board: Per Petersen Member of the board: Jørgen Frank Rasmussen Member of the board: Kurt Klein Taarnquist President of the mess: Knud Geisler Rasmussen
In Remembrance of the sailors from Nyborg lost, 1939-1945 Published by Nyborg Marine Association, June 2018. Editor: Chairman Kurt Verner. Photographs: Nyborg Marine Association Layout: Nyborg Council Communication Department Print: Mark & Storm Grafisk, Korsvangen 15, 5750 Ringe Edition: 1000 pcs 2
In remembrance of the lost sailors from Nyborg
Preface In the heart of the Danish Kingdom In order to underline and at the same time expand on the history, Nyborg Castle is during current years undergoing an astonishing development. Supported by Mærsk, Real Danica and the Government, Nyborg Castle is being subsidised more than 300 mill DKK. This enables a unique opportunity, without which it would not have been possible to revitalise history. Founded in the generous donations, we have achieved an opportunity to renovate the old King’s Edifice, heighten the Watchtower, and build a new Exhibition Edifice and a new castle wall on the Royal Islet. For – as we say in Nyborg – history must be told, and it must be experienced.
To be allowed to write the preface to this publication, is a task which I am very grateful for. This due to the stories of the many seafarers, war sailors, who during the second world war and at the risk of their lives sailed in the allied services, are stories in need to be told. This is a story, not being given enough attention. This is is why it pleases me that right here in Nyborg, the largest oil-port in Denmark in the 1930’s, we now commemorate and honour the many sailors from Nyborg lost at sea. The unveiling of the sculpture made by Lars Abrahamsen, ‘FORSAVN’, we now commemorate and honour the many sailors from Nyborg, who were lost at sea following their heroic efforts against the German supremacy. Through time, Nyborg has taken the position as the centre of Danish infrastructure – a place where people meet – in the middle of The Heart of the Danish Kingdom. This is where the first Constitution was signed in 1282, and where the Danish Court (Danehoffet) met through the years. Since then, Nyborg became the capital of Denmark, and in addition, Nyborg has occupied the role as temporal Capital during the Reformation. Changing of Kings and Queens residing at Nyborg Castle, and by which The Crown has been associated with Nyborg through the times. Not least by Christian the 3rd, one of the pivotal characters, responsible for Nyborg’s evolvement and history. Also the maritime history has had significant influence. The history of crossing the Great Belt has – if anything – shaped and evolved Nyborg to what it is today.
Even if the cultural heritage is essential to the many exciting things happening in Nyborg, Nyborg is also a modern municipality with towering ambitions. As it has been through centuries, it is our clear objective to maintain Nyborg’s strategic importance for coherence in Denmark. As an attractive habitat, business area and inherent and central meeting point in Denmark – right by the Great Belt. Ascending from the history of Nyborg as the centre of Danish infrastructure, placing ‘FORSAVN’ at Kongen’s Skibsbro is the obvious choice, as this has been the quay of call for Nyborg and the rest of the country for centuries. In the future, and with a clear view of the sea, we will at this place be able to commemorate and honour the fallen.
In other words, Nyborg has always played a significant part in the history of Denmark. A part which we still allow ourselves to think we have today, being the infrastructural nerve centre and meeting-point, with the Great Belt Bridge and some of Denmark’s best hotels – and conference offerings.
Kenneth Muhs Mayor
- Danmarks Riges Hjerte
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In remembrance of the lost sailors from Nyborg
The long journey of the project Many years had to pass, before the endeavours of the Danish sailors during the war of 1939-1945 was officially recognised. This eventually happened, as Her Majesty The Queen of Denmark – on the Beaches of Normandie, June 6th 2014 – gave them the official recognition from Denmark, and Dannebrog was raised side by side with the flag of the Allied Forces.
bicycle in the local area. Jacob was pertinacious and did a great effort through the years. He gathered information on 29 people, before he had to hand it in. He knew of more, but there were no more Jacob Frederiksen. options for him to investigate. In 1989 Nyborg Marine Association published Jacob’s material in a small pamphlet of remembrance. Before his premature death, Jacob – who was a skilled carpenter – manged to create a beautiful memorial plaque, displaying the names of the 29 sailors. The plaque is displayed at Nyborg Marine Association. After Jacob passed, the work stalled.
During the mid-eighties, Jacob Frederiksen – a sailor of war, and member of Nyborg Marine Association – gathered information on his colleague sailors from Nyborg who did not return at the end of the war in 1945. This was a cumbersome process, without the internet. The gathering of information was conducted by letters, phone calls, visits to archives, enquiries to embassies, shipping lines and on his
On June 6th 2014, Mogens Larsen – also a member of Nyborg Marine Association - entered the den of the Marine Association carrying a bouquet of red roses, placing them at the plaque with these words:’ Are we going to pick up this work again?’ The spirit to resume Jacob’s work was quickly risen, and in addition, there was a wish to raise a monument to commemorate and honour the fallen sailors. During the fall, the project took shape and it became clear that a collaboration with the Council of Nyborg was the way ahead. Ultimo 2014 the project was presented to Mayor Kenneth Muus – who took a very positive approach to this. The result was a workgroup, established in 2015, partaken by the Council of Nyborg, Østfyns Museums and Nyborg Marine Association. Mogens Larsen and then Vice Chairman Ebbe Rasmussen representing the Marine Association. Work to define and specify the project, as well as choosing an artist was now on the way. In parallel, the Marine Association appointed a team to continue Jacob’s work collecting information on the sailors from Nyborg, who were lost at sea during the war. This team consisted of: Mogens Larsen, Jørgen Vikkelsø Frederiksen (Jacob’s son) and Preben Wismar Mühring. Their work resulted in finding all together 35 sailors, who all lost their lives at sea. This work being the true reason for this publication. During the autumn of 2017 the entire project was realised. The required data was collected. An artist was chosen, and Before his premature death, Jacob – who was a skilled carpenter – manged to create a beautiful memorial plaque, displaying the names of the 29 of the sailors. The memorial plaque is placed at Nyborg Marine association. 4
In remembrance of the lost sailors from Nyborg
amount was granted by the foundation. January 2018 the his proposal for a monument was approved by the Counsel work commenced to plan the construction and build the of Nyborg. The Counsel of Nyborg, who has demonstrated exceptional cooperation and support during the entire sculpture. The date of June 6th, 2018 was selected (D-day + 74 years) for the unveiling of the monument, and this was to process, made the necessary room for the placement of the sculpture at Kongens Skibshappen at a ceremonious and glorious event at Kongens Skibsbro. bro available. In addition, Østfyns Museums have shown themselves Dear Comrade Arne When this publication will be releaas an invaluable support and their I thank you for allowing me to write down sed, the monument will be a reality. historical and artistically participayour narrative, and your thoughts on the seThe projects journey will have come cond world war. Now, as the courage no longer tion exceptional. to an end, and the result is displayed in our hearts clicks, we are still not familiar at the end of the newly renovated The time had now come to seek with those distributing awards for the brave. We only remember the promise: ‘We should Kongens Skibsbro to serve honour financial support for the cost of the not be forgotten’ for our efforts during the war sculpture and the associated conand respect to the 35 sailors. – how ever this is to be interpreted. struction. Total budget amounted to Hence both a local piece of history One thing they cannot take from us, are the 650.000 DKK, and Nyborg Marine and a piece of Danish history pulled exasperating events, which before long both Association approached the Albani into the present and preserved for day and night haunt our remaining years of Foundation for support to complete life . the future. Kurt Verner R.1 the project. Ultimo 2017, the joyous Jacob 6. 6. 1984 Chairman, Nyborg Marine Ass. announcement came – The entire
Danish freedom fighters partake in the memorial service 2014 at the Danish Memorial at Utah Beach, in remembrance of the 800 Danish sailors, participating in the invasion on the coast of Normandie. Photography: Polfoto/Morten Langkilde. 5
In remembrance of the lost sailors from Nyborg
Sailors of War, Memorial at Kongens Skibsbro, Nyborg During Summer of 2017, a memorial for the efforts of the sailors of the war was finally inaugurated in Mindelunden Ryvangen, and previously Shipping-town Marstal at Ærø has disclosed a memorial of the 80 lost local sailors – also in the shape of a sculpture.
The Danish role of neutrality during the Second World War was by no means heroic, and through decades it was first and foremost the resistance (at shore), which was acknowledged as argumentation that Denmark despite all – at the very end – should be included as an allied in the fight against Nazism.
‘You shall not be forgotten’ (2006), as in the local Marstal author Carsten Jensen’s great novel ‘We, the drowned’ (2006). The inscription of the stone of the Marstal memorial is also written by Carsten Jensen: ‘During the Second World War 6300 Danish sailors fought under allied service. Many never returned. They gave their life for freedom. We just sailed, they said. But they sailed for us. You shall not be forgotten.’
In recent years, however, it has with raising force been pointed out that the great Danish Marchant Marine, and the vast number of already hired sailors actually delivered a great and important contribution to the allied war service, in example by sailing convoys across the Atlantic or disembarkation of allied forces in Normandie on D-Day, June 6th 1944. As a fact, there was an army of 6.000 Danish sailors, who actively chose to enter the allied service. This, however, was also an effort costing more than 1.000 lives of the Danish sailors, and this has resulted in Denmark now being regarded as a true allied.
Erland Porsmose.
But the losses were also grave in the seaports on Fynen, and especially in Nyborg, where altogether 35 sailors of war lost their lives. This sounds like a surprisingly large number, but in the 1930’s the largest oil port in Denmark was placed in Nyborg: DDPA – later known as ESSO, which meant a large number of sailors from all of Fynen and surrounding islands signed on from Nyborg, both in tankers and freight ships. Erland Porsmose Curator, dr. phil, Østfyns Musems.
Sailors are saved after a submarine attack.
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In remembrance of the lost sailors from Nyborg
The project The group was tasked with choosing an artist, the sculpture and the final position of the monument. In addition, the options to finance the project were to be disclosed.
As described, in the autumn of 2014 the Board of Nyborg Marine Association decided to present the idea of a memorial of the lost sailors from Nyborg during the war 1939-1945 to Mayor Kenneth Muus. The idea was to construct a suitable monument to be placed on ‘Kongens Skibsbro’ – the old King’s Pier in Nyborg’s inner harbour.
In parallel the Marine Association selected a workgroup consistent of Mogens Larsen, Jørgen Vikkelsø Frederiksen (the son of Jacob Frederiksen) and Preben Wismar Mühring. This group was selected to continue Jacob Frederiksens work on disclosing the destiny of the lost sailors ailing from Nyborg. The group identified all together 35 sailors from Nyborg, who lost their lives during the war
The presentation resulted in the appointing of a work group primo 2015, represented by Nyborg Municipality, Nyborg Marine Association and Østfyns Museums. The group consisted of: Fra Nyborg Municipality: Head of Secretariat, Tina Andersen, Chairman, Susanne Nielsen, Peter Holm, Lene Zinck og Jesper Larsen. From Nyborg Marine Association: Then Vice Chairman Ebbe Rasmussen and Mogens Larsen. From Østfyns Museums: Director Erland Porsmose.
Marine Association workgroup, from the left: Mogens Larsen, Preben Wismar Mühring and Jørgen Vikkelsø Frederiksen (son of Jacob Frederiksen). 1939-1945. Their stories are told further in this publication. The Council of Nyborg has shown great benevolence and support for this project, hence given the permission to place the sculpture in its current posture at Kongens Skibsbro, the precise location requested by the Marine Association. The thought behind being, that the monument will make it possible to sustain the history and extend the memory into the future.
The workgroup with participation from the Council of Nyborg, Nyborg Marine Association and Østfyns Museums. From the left: Mogens Larsen, Tina Andersen, Susanne Nielsen, Peter Holm and Lene Zinck. Jesper Larsen, Ebbe Rasmussen and Erland Porsmose were absent at the time of the picture..
800 Danish sailors participated in the invasion at the coast of Normandie on D-day. 7
In remembrance of the lost sailors from Nyborg
The placement and out of town’. Even this was not enough, as three years later, The King ordered even more houses demolished, allowing for ‘The Kings horses and wagons --- to pass one another’
The sculpture was made for this place, Kongens Skibsbro (The Kings Shipping Pier), which through the centuries has been calling port for Nyborg and point of origin for voyages – not least the ferries across the great belt. ‘The King’ being Christian the third, who shaped and adorned Nyborg as his city of residence hence constructed Kongens Skibsbro and the appurtenant pier. In 1548 the King ordered the great but outworn warship ‘Grib van Sund’ to be wrecked and used as foundation for the Kings new shipping pier. Presumably, the 500-year-old wreck still lies underneath the pier!
By this manner, the narrow ‘Færgestrede’ was step by step turned into the new ‘Adelgade’, with a Royal expansion to be used for The Kings display, The King’s own ships transported the procession across The Great Belt as ferries. Curiously, The King hereby created the space and a pier, in use through 400 years and all the way through to the 1950’s, hence it also experienced cars in the deployment-area and car-ferries at The Kings Pier.
However, the new pier would also require for the King to be able to arrive and depart in a stately manner from his residential city. For this, the narrow middle-aged Færgestræde (Ferry street) was utterly inadequate, and the same year 1548, The King ordered acquisition and demolishment of houses to make room for an entourage of ‘100 horses, 200 or 300, to have room here when shipped in
As such, the War Sailors Monument builds on a 400-yearold maritime tradition resting in this very spot. Erland Porsmose Museum Director, dr. phil, Østfyns Museums.
Placing of the monument in Nyborg
Nyborgcity By Nyborg
Sailors of War, Memorial at Kongens Skibsbro.
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In remembrance of the lost sailors from Nyborg
The Artist and the Sculpture The artist chosen is Lars Abrahamsen (born 19539), hailing from the midst of Fynen. He often works with large sculptures made from recycled tree, which might have a recognisable form, but at the same time holds a strong poetic dimension, giving the sculpture an inciting ambiguity. Lars Abrahamsen has exhibited in many museums and sold to several artistic institutions. Lars has developed his own independent artistic universe, always hailing from nature’s own organic world. Materials can be stone or metal, but most often wood is used – this material, thousands of years old, and companion and life partner of man at both at land and at sea. Whether used for tools, construction or for artistic and magical purposes. For thousands of years, to sail was to float on wood, but under World War Two, the metallic ship hull dominated. The combination of wood and metal seemed the obvious choice.
Lars Abrahamsen. Or, is it more like a giant sail? A giant compass with a large needle? Or something entirely different? In any case, something maritime, a monument over the sea, the act of sailing and the sailors left out there. As such, the sculpture balances between the memorial for the drowned sailors, hence not named FORSTAVN (frontstern) but FORSAVN (front-loss), and on the pure maritime. This in shape as well as materials, which seems well founded and convincing. The ‘crooked’ naming is characteristic of the artist and his desire to utilize the ambiguity in order to urge the beholders curiosity and participation in the process of interpretation. This way the name itself, is an opportunity to participate in the artwork, and contribute to the interpretation.
It is of great importance to the artist, that the shape is precise and pronounced, and yet holds a poetic abundance of interpretations. In particular the dubious tales, cleverly assisted by the artistic processing of the shape and the contours of the surface, structure and colours. For the project at hand, the artist developed a convincing model, a clear interpretation of the prosaic and yet so fascinating story of the endeavours of the sailors of war and their faith. A model, which in addition gathered inspiration from the requested placement at Kongens Skibsbro. The model brought immediate joy and acceptance from the workgroup. Following this and assisted by scaffolding, it was tested how the final sculpture would adapt in size and shape to fit the chosen placement. The financial considerations are also present; hence construction and production offers were collected from qualified local businesses. Based on the gathered information, an application for financial support was sent to The Albani Foundation, who generously accepted to sponsor the project as a whole.
Yet the sculpture is, of course, also a very concrete monument for the 35 sailors who lost their lives. Therefore, on the side of the wooden deck, or the compass dial if you like, four bronze plates are mounted (one for each corner of the world) engraved with the names of the 35 sailors
Model of Lars Abrahamsens sculpture ”FORSAVN”
The Sculpture The sculpture, named FORSAVN – which in Danish carries the for the artist distinctive punt on words – is a 5 meter tall ‘hull’ of aluminium, which can be turns/swivelled on a circular tier of wooden beams. The sculpture reminds one of a ship, sinking with the stern pointing to the sky. 9
In remembrance of the lost sailors from Nyborg
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In remembrance of the lost sailors from Nyborg
Donation In the fall of 2017, Nyborg Municipality and Nyborg Marine Association applied the Albani Foundation for financial support, to make the project successful. A total of DKK 650.000 was petitioned for production and staging of the monument. Primo September 2017 the pleasant response arrived from Director Paul Nissen, Albani Foundation, that the foundation board had granted the application. A pleased Mayor, Kenneth Muhs, together with chairman of the Marine Association, Artist Lars Abrahamsen and delegates from the workgroup met with Director Paul Nissen at a press conference on December 11th, 2017 at Nyborg Town Hall. The local press was invited, and the project was presented. Paul Nissen based the donation on the history of the significant period in
Nyborg’s maritime history, which this piece will tell and hence add to the current ventures of displaying Nyborg’s cultural heritage.
The mission of the Albani Foundation is to work for non-profit purposes in the Southern Danish Region, this such as supporting juvenile work, in example boy – and girl scouts and sports clubs, support the non-profit artistic, cultural and historic purposes and support humanitarian purposes, for beautification and protection of nature and environment. The Foundation is an independent and self-owned institution, and donations are primarily given to applicants from Fyn. However, many causes in Southern Jylland have also been endowed.
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In addition to the donation from the Albani Foundation, other local business enterprises have shown great contribution i.e Munck Group, Carrier Erik Jørgensens Eftf. A/S and others.
Kurt Verner, Nyborg Marine Association, Paul Nissen, Albani Foundation, Sculptor, Lars Abra hamsen and Mayor, Kenneth Muhs – with the model of the memorial for the sailors lost at sea. Photo: Niels Andreasen, FS.
In remembrance of the lost sailors from Nyborg
Extracts from adventures of a sailor of war Speech by Evald Brinck, June 6th 2018.
As we were situated in Marseille with Boringia, we were notified of the German troops closing into Paris and Marseilles.
March 1940 I was standing with Johan Mühring and other sailors in front of the customs chambers in Nakskov. We were to sign on ØK’s Boringia, moored at the pier. Mühring as machinist, and I as mess boy.
Luckily, Boringia succeeded to leave the harbour. We arrived in Singapore June 1940, here were other ØK (East Asiatic Company, EAC) ships at quay. I remember Mühring signed on to another ØK ship as machinist.
The two of us discovered, to have common acquaintances in Nyborg. Mühring let me know, that he was looking forward to his return, as he was newlywed.
At this time, Boringia became to sail under British flag, the third flag in two months. Most of the Danish ships now sailed under the British flag, and sailed convoys, to bring supplies to England. But many Danish ships could muster a decent speed, and they sailed alone, hence they could bring supplies faster to port. To sail out there 24 hours a day – to be prepared to be torpedoed any time – was a strain to both soul and body. - THIS WE HAVE TO THINK OF TODAY.
Borignia called at the docks of Marseille, April 8th, 1940. April 9th early morning, the telegrapher had heard, that German soldiers had occupied Denmark. We were very affected, as we heard. French Gendarmes boarded, lowered the Danish Flag, and we were told that we were detained, and the ship was set to be guarded – we could not leave the ship. In many other surrounding ports, there were Danish ships, where the sailors were detained.
April 1943, we received notification that ØK’s ship ‘Amerika’ was hit by a torpedo. This was a catastrophe; many lost their lives in the ice-cold sea. Also, the Brothers Mühring.
The worst situation was in the so called ‘banana republic’s’. Here the sailors were to leave ship (which were also their abode) and were accommodated in empty warehouses.
May I ask, that we stand – fold our hands, for a brief moment we think of the 2.360 Danish volunteers and Danish sailors – women and men – whom never witnessed May 5th, 1945.
From Denmark, there was no help provided. Had there been no help from the Maritime Church, this both for soul and body, many sailors would have succumbed. Evald Brinck born in Odense May 17th, 1922.
good talks in both associations. These talks both of Her Majesty The Queen, The Flag and the ladies.
Sailed out as mess boy on ØK’s BORINGIA in March of 1940. The ship was at first detained by the French in Marseille on April 9th, and later by the British during a stopover in Singapore.
Published his memories in 2008: They shall never be remembered. (De skal aldrig blive husket) Suffers from war trauma and great bitterness towards the Danish politicians in relation to the second world war.
Demobilised December 1944 in England and joined the English Forces.
Did not wish to partake in the ceremonies at Normandie but joined the two events at Mindelunden in Copenhagen.
Joined the convoys, sailed operations in the Mediterranean and the invasion in Normandie.
In 1947 he received Christian X’s memory medal for his participation in the war 1940-1945.
Came to Denmark together with the British Forces in May 1945 as Liaison Officer.
Received a distinguished British medal.
Ended his service in the British army in 1946 and joined the Danish Custom Services in the late 1940’s. He served on multiple locations until retirement in 1978.
In association with the ceremony on May 4th, 2016, held in the evening in Church of Sct. Nicolai, Evald Brink received the silver mark of honour from Svendborg Marine Association. Evald has earned this mark of honour in many ways, in example by giving many speeches at the association gatherings, as has he generously donated many artefacts to the association. The artefacts can be seen in the den of the Marine Association in Svendborg.
After a short stay in Copenhagen, he settled in Troense and joined the Naval Reserves for a longer period. Evald joined Svendborg Marine Association in 1996. Evald also joined Niels Juels Association, and held many
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In remembrance of the lost sailors from Nyborg
D-Day June 6th, 1944 By Evald Brinck. Extract from the book »..they shall never be remembered«.
An English Marine of the Royal Navy, Mourits, and I were ordered to go to Sunderland by train, after having been in Scotland for a shooting exercise. At the shipyard in Sunderland, a new Empire boat numbered MT123 was docked. Normally this ship was sized 7-8000 ton. This ship was ‘specialised’ to lift a Churchill Tank from off the dock and on board the ship, without capsizing. This tank weighed 60 ton. Aboard ship, besides a 3-ton cannon, there was a 4-ton cannon aft. Amidships, there were all together 6 antiaircraft cannons installed. At each of the cannons there were cabinets of steel, Mourits and I were to fill these with ammunition ready for use. We resided on board the ship but had our meals ashore. My 22nd Birthday, May 17th, 1944, was celebrated ashore. During the final days of May, civilian crew boarded the ship, and we sailed off towards the mouth of the river Thames. Inside the estuary, there were hundreds of large landing crafts filled with troops, in addition there were 10 to 12 Empire boats. In the evening, we were ordered to sail up Tilbury to load the ship. We now had an assigned pilot aboard the ship. As we arrived at the mouth of the Thames, 15 to 20 Empire boats were laying there ready to sail off. It does take some time to sail across to the coast of Normandie, and we had to pass Dover during the dark, for the Germans not to see the ships.
Evald Brinck published a book of memories in 2008: »…They shall never be remembered«.
On June 6th, (D-Day), the Empire boats were lying off the shore, waiting for orders to sail ashore. The landing, using the many smaller landing crafts, took place during low tide.
Of course, this was the day before Christmas Eve 1944. German troops counterattacked. The ship ‘Nordvest’ from the shipping company ‘Norden’ foundered, and the dock blew up German divers.
Many soldiers were killed running out onto the beach at ‘JUNO Beach’. It is my belief, that the English landing troops did well.
We survived the counterattack, and on December 27th, I was back in London.
We took 4 German Officers aboard as war prisoners. I joined the 9 or10 turns to Normandie.
Back in London, I became a member of S.H.A.E.F. and became a currier for General Dewing.
There were Danes sailing war materials to Normandie. I am sure, many felt it as relaxing as opposed to the convoys bound for Murmansk or the North Atlantic (USA and Canada).
Herby D-Day ends for me.
My last trip (Convoy) was up the river ‘Anvers’ (Antwerp). 13
In remembrance of the lost sailors from Nyborg
In memorandum of a war sailor: On Monday March 25, 2019, the stout old war sailor, Evald Brinck, died at 96. Evald was the last survivor of the Danes fighting with the allied forces on D-Day, June 6th, 1944. Evalds funeral took place at Bregninge church on Thursday, March 28th at 14.00 hrs. Let us respect his memory.
Honorary award
Evald Brinck received an honorary award for his services as gunner on the Norwegian vessel D/S Marga during 1944.
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In remembrance of the lost sailors from Nyborg
Sailor casualties, 1939-1945
S/S Magnus, BR. 1339, Shipping Line: D.F.D.S. Copenhagen. Torpedoed 9.12.1939 in the North Sea. Hardship for the sailors picked up in December 1939, as seven steamers were lost by torpedo. They were thought to have hit mines, but at the Nürnberg-Process many submarine journals were disclosed, and the wreck was here described: ‘Torpedoed, no warning, distance: 300 meters. 28 men lost their lives at the torpedoing of Magnus. Only one was saved after floating on a raft for four days. The raft was found by an English trawler, carrying the unconscious sailor lying underneath the body of Second Officer K. Boutrup. The unconscious sailor, E. O. Risvald was battered and cut everywhere, but recovered from his physical bruises to tell about the wreck. The ship sank in one minute, after a heavy explosion. Risvald and the Second Officer had been swimming in the water, to finally reach the raft floating towards them. At which time the Second Officer caved to the exertion, he could not tell. Alas, offer for this crime was also a sailor from Nyborg:
Naval Stoker Arthur Strandgård Jensen, born 22.11.1920.
S/S Maryland, BR. 4895. Shipping Line: D.F.D.S. Torpedoed (by U-50) on 15.02.1940 Maryland journeyed from Santos via Madeira to Copenhagen carrying residues from oil production. At 02.07 on February 15th, 1940, the ship was hit by a torpedo, broke into two pieces and sank in 7 minutes. The entire crew of 34 men were killed. The ship was reported missing after February 9th, the day of the last radio-transmission when the position of the ship was reported. The only discovered remains of the ship, was a lifeboat found at Nordulst. At this torpedoing, another sailor from Nyborg was killed:
Seaman Julian Mastek, born 14.3.1916. 15
In remembrance of the lost sailors from Nyborg
S/S Lily, BR. 1281. Shipping Line: Progress. (Marius Nielsen & Son Copenhagen.) Torpedoed (by U-13) on 20.4.1940. Lily was on a journey from Fowey (carrying china clay) destined for Denmark. Lily went north of Scotland, and as was common then, was called into Kirkwall to have cargo and papers inspected. In Kirkwall, she was boarded by a prize crew, one Officer and five privates. Then she was ordered to Preston. Carrying a crew of 23 men: 17 Danes and 6 English soldiers bound for Preston. The neutral and unarmed ship was torpedoed at 01.17 on April 26, 1940, 11 miles southeast of Sule Skerry, Orkney Island. The explosion broke off the stern, and the ship sank in 45 seconds. 23 men lost their lives, amongst them a sailor from Nyborg:
Officer Micael Weile, born 11.3.1909.
S/S Erna, 1590 BR. Shipping Line: A/S D/S Vesterhavet (J. Lauritzen) Esbjerg Sieged on 26.06.1940 by (MoWT) Ministry of War Transport, renamed “Erna III”. Torpedoed by U-562 on 22.9.1941. In the convoy ON-16 at 02.44 on September 22nd, 1941, Erna III was hit mid-ship by a G7e-torpedo, and sank in 14 minutes by the stern, this approximately 275 miles east-northeast of Cape Farewell. The ship was traveling from Swansea via Milford Haven to Montreal (Canada) in ballast. On September 21st, 1941, Erna III hit rough weather, and with her limited engine power, she could not keep up with the convoy. Erna became a straggler, and hence an easy target for the waiting submarines. 16 Danes, 9 Englishmen, one Dutch and one Icelandic were killed. Amongst these the Captain from Nyborg:
Knud Sørensen, born 9.10.1898. 16
In remembrance of the lost sailors from Nyborg
M/S Chile, BR. 6956. Shipping Line: ØK. Torpedoed on 7.6.1942 by the Italian submarine Da Vinci. Chile was traveling from Cape Town to Freetown, when the ship at 21.30 was attacked by the submarine Da Vinci, firing two torpedoes against the ship but missing the ship. From the ship, one could see the lines from the torpedoes crossing the stern, missing by few meters. Chile starts zig-zagging to avoid the following torpedoes, but 20 minutes after the beginning of the attack, Chile was hit by two torpedoes exploding in the engine room. The explosion was so powerful, the entire engine room collapsed. One lifeboat was damaged, and two others left the ship with 37 of the 44 of the crew. In addition, two men were picked up. Five men were killed: Three machinists, the chief steward and a Polish stoker. Few minutes after being hit by the torpedo, the stern of the ship raised to a vertical position and sank at 22.03. The survivors of Chile were rescued by a British patrol ship and disembarked at Freetown. Amongst the killed was 3rd machinist of Nyborg:
Bertel M. Augustsen, born 10.2.1901.
S/S Rita br. 523. Shipping Line: D.F.D.S. Mine Explosion 9.5.1942. ‘Rita’ was traveling from Horsens to Copenhagen carrying general cargo. On May 9th, 1942 at 21.20, while the ship was sailing Kattegat just off Vesborg lighthouse, a heavy explosion happened at the rear of the ship. The ship immediately slanted apart and started to sink. During the explosion, Captain C. E. Borris was badly injured in the collapsing wheelhouse. He then let himself fall through a hole in the deck, and into a cabin underneath. He dragged himself out on deck and was 17
In remembrance of the lost sailors from Nyborg
washed over the side of the ship as it keeled. One of the crew, who had saved himself by climbing onto a piece of the wreckage, saw the Captain, and pulled him onto the wreckage. The mine explosion was observed by a schooner, ‘Sine’ from Marstal, who reacted immediately by launching her lifeboat. Two Seamen rowed towards ‘Rita’. The Captain was rescued onto the lifeboat by the two Seamen from ‘Signe’. Fearing to get caught in the tough of the sinking ship, they did not get too close. They noted the lifeboat had slid overboard and expected the crew to be able to reach it. Nine of them did. From the lifeboats, it was observed that Seaman Peter Thomsen was handling Officer Stoumann, who seemed injured. The Seaman later told that he had a rope around Stoumann and had wrapped it around his arm to haul him towards the lifeboat. But as he was pulled down with the sinking ship and came back up, the rope had slipped off his arm. The Officer was not seen again, until he drifted ashore on the coast of Refsnæs. The survivors were shipped to Kolby Kaas by ‘Sine’. From here the wounded were brought to the hospital in Tranebjerg. The inquiry was – of course – held behind closed doors, and as the Germans demanded it, nothing was published in the papers. Not of the three casualties either. The fatality from Nyborg was:
Chief Officer Kaj Morten Stoumann, born 25.2.1903.
M/T Persephone, 12.875 dwt, Shipping Line: Panama Transport Co, Panama (Standard Oil New Jersey) ‘Persepone’ left Aruba on May 15th, 1942, fully loaded with cruel oil for New York. Ten days later, on May 25th, 1942, she left the convoy by the shore of New Jersey, and sailed towards New York. At 20.53, 2.5 miles east of Barnegat Lighthouse, Persepone was hit in the engine-room by the first torpedo. 45 seconds later she was hit by the second, which hit her in side-tank 8 on the starboard side. She was torpedoed by U-593. Persepone sank with the aft of the ship, and broke into two. The stern, with the midst-ship structure, was still afloat. Persepone was driven by the Danish Captain Helge Quistgaard. Out of the crew of 37 men, mostly Danish and Scandinavians, nine lost their lives. Five of them Danish Sailors. 28 men survived the wreck. The stern was later hauled into New York and drained of oil. The aft was blown away by the US Coast Guard, following several ships colliding with it. From Nyborg we lost:
Second Officer Carlo Bejamin C. Vordenskjold, born 2.3.1909.
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In remembrance of the lost sailors from Nyborg
M/T Leda, 16.056 dwt, Shipping Line: Panama Transport Co, Panama (Standart Oil New Jersey) November 1st, 1942 ‘Leda sailed from Caripito (Venezuela) fully loaded with oil, to Port au Spain (Trinidad), to join convoy TAG 18 in return to New York. November 2nd, the convoy left. It constituted 20 vessels. Leda, and a Danish freight ship, Chr J. Kampmann, under Canadian flag since 1940 were the last two ships sliding out through Drago’s Mouth. They had a hard time keeping up with the convoy. At night, around 20.00 hrs, they had caught up. Chr J. Kampmann was slightly aft Leda on the starboard side. Suddenly a ball of fire was sighted in the dark, followed by a deafening boom. This was Chr J. Kampmann being torpedoed. Aboard Leda, Captain Michelsen and Third Officer Emil Petersen were both on the bridge. Michels said to Petersen:’Kampmann just went, I think I want time off when I get to New York’. Captain Michelsen and Third Officer Emil Petersen and many of the crew were on February 23rd, 1942 all torpedoed on board M/T Thalia, another one of the shipping lines larger tankers. Here one Danish naval stoker was lost. At 02.00 Emil Petersen was woken by the alarm-bells and watched from under the bridge two other vessels had been torpedoed. It was easy to see. One of them was a tanker, 16.150 dwt ‘Thorshavet’ from Norway. In the morning of November 3rd, Leda was up. U-160 wrecked five ships in convoy TAG 18 in 12 hours. The chief of the American patrol boat following the convoy said, as Leda was torpedoed the second time, he though everyone from M/T Leda was lost. A monstrous flash appeared over Leda. After the flame, a 1000-foot-high column of smoke rose and descended over the torpedoed tanker. ‘We were less than 500 yards from M/T Leda, and never thought we would see the ship again. But as the rest of the convoy continued, and the smoke cleared, Leda was to be seen floating on the sea. From the smoke came a raft and three rescue vessels carrying the crew.’ Many of the crew were severely burned, after swimming in the sea of burning oil. The two most severely injured were Captain Michelsen and First Officer Arnold Hansen. They were both put in the small Officer’s mess of the patrol boat, Captain Michelsen died from his injuries, and was covered in a blanket. First Officer A. Hansen was asked, if he wished to me moved. ‘No’, the First Officer replied. ‘I have sailed with this man for 8 years, and I wish to stay with him a little longer’. I have never heard of a shipmaster more well-liked by his men than Captain Michelsen. As his passing was known, every member of the crew asked to be allowed into the Officers mess to show him their last respect. Captain Jens Poulsen Michelsen was laid to rest on the cemetery in Curacao. The only casualty Captain Michelsen, was from Nyborg:
Captain Jens Poulsen Michelsen, born 9.7.1898.
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In remembrance of the lost sailors from Nyborg
S/S Axel Carl, 2170 br., Shipping Line: D/S Heimdal A/S Copenhagen.. The ship was built in 1940, and delivered a few weeks after the occupation of Denmark, on April 9th, 1940. The ship was laid-up in HolbĂŚk Fjord, and the night between July 20th and 21st, a bombing of the ship was attempted by English aircrafts. After this, the German authorities demanded the ship to go to sea. On June 14th, 1941, S/S Axel Carl left for Leningrad (Now Skt. Petersburg), loaded with general cargo. Axel Carl started to unload on June 21st, the day after the Germans invaded The Soviet Union. The following day, the authorities seized the ship, and all landing of crew was cancelled. Armed guards were placed by the gangway. Even under these circumstances, the unloading commenced. On June 26th, as the ship was unloaded and awaiting permission to take off, the Danish Government issued a statement on the decision to terminate all relations between Denmark and The Soviet Union. Hence, they recalled all Diplomatic representation from Moscow. The statement issued by the Danish Government had dramatic consequences for the crew of Axel Carl. The Soviet Union considered Denmark as a puppet to the German Government, Same as England. Hence, instead of being granted permission to sail, the ship was seized, and the crew was detained. Heavily guarded, they were allowed to gather their belongings. The crew then started a long journey through The Soviet Union, stopping over in different prison-camps, suffering many hardships along the way. The crew from Carl offered the Soviet authorities to sign declarations to join the allied forces. In March 1942 they were told to gather their belongings. They were to travel on again, but this time only the crew of the ship. Spirits rose, maybe this time they would accept their offering. Unfortunately, three members of the crew passed from dysentery, one Finnish and two Danish. All three of them were buried side by side in a small cemetery. The Captain performed the ceremony but was not able to obtain their death-certificates. (The KGB files states they died from heart failure.) Now, they were asked to sign a consent to sail for the allied forces. They were told, that they would be handed over to the British in Persia (now Iran). In Teheran they were welcomed by the British commanding officer, treated for their ailments and received new uniforms from the British Forces. Unfortunately, Chief Engineer Niels Oskar Andersen was killed in a traffic accident on his way to a rehabilitation centre in Teheran. The remaining crew later arrived at Alexandria (Egypt), where they joined the allied forces and sailed with them for the rest of the war as promised.
Chief Engineer Niels Oskar Andersen, born 25.1.1903, was buried at the Christian cemetery in Teheran.
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In remembrance of the lost sailors from Nyborg
S/S Daphne, 1.513 br., Shipping Line: (Swedish) I. Fagræus Stokholm. Sailing in Convoy OG-46 from Glasgow to Lisbon, where S/S Daphne was straggling. The unprotected vessel was torpedoed at 04.57 on the 4th of December 1940 by U-37. The ship was loaded with coal and had a crew of only 19 men. 10 Swedish, 8 Danish, and one Norwegian Sailor. 18 men were killed, only one survived. Amongst the lost sailors were
Seaman Børge Hartvig Johnsen from Nyborg, born 4.3.1918.
S/S Rosenborg, 1.997 br., Shipping Line: Dannebrog (C.K. Hansen) S/S Rosenborg travelled in convoy RU-71 from Reykavik to Belfast-Swansea. She was straggling, as she at 01.43 on April 25th, 1943 was hit by two torpedoes, fired from U-386 north of Rockkall. She sank in 30 seconds. Captain Peter Volmer Petersen and 21 crew-members, 4 gunners and two passengers were killed. Two men survived and were picked up by an English rescue boat and set ashore in Clyde. Two of the killed sailors were from Nyborg:
Chief steward Knud Børge Lund, born 16.3.1914 and Naval Stoker Paul Hansen, born 24.1.1923.
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In remembrance of the lost sailors from Nyborg
M/T J.H. Senior, 17.902 dwt, Shipping Line: Panama Transport Co, Panama (Standard Oil New Jersey) Captain Niclas Joensen and his crew of 46 men, mostly Danish sailors and 28 American gunners, joined a convoy late at night on August 19th, 1943 at Halifax. The convoy consisted of 64 vessels, escorted by 10 destroyers and corvettes. J.H. Senior was loaded with fuel and had a deck cargo (unusual for a tanker) of guns, ammunition and airplane parts destined for the American forces in England. In heavy fog, 600 miles east of Halifax, J.H. Senior collided with a 10.000-ton Liberty vessel S/S Pinkey Henderson. S/S Pinkey Henderson was on her virgin voyage and loaded with thousands of bales of cotton, tons of magnesium, glycerine, wax, canned fuel and oil and ammunition. Shortly after the collision a severe explosion happened, and the sea was indulged in flames in a ratio of 100 meters from the ships, making a rescue almost impossible. On board J.H. Senior, 27 of the 28 American Gunners were killed – one was saved. 41 of the crew were killed – only 5 survived. Only three men survived from the S/S J. Pinckey Henderson. Over one hundred men were killed from the two ships, during the explosion. Three of the lost men were from Nyborg:
Captain Niclas Johs. Johnsen, born 10.2.1901. Seaman Paul Bendt Hansen, born 2.12.1924. Telegraphist Knud Møller, born 26.4.1915.
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In remembrance of the lost sailors from Nyborg
M/S Amerika, 10.218 tons, Shipping Line Det Østasiatiske Kompagni (ØK) In May 1940, M/S Amerika was acquired by The Ministry of War Transport (MoWT), to sail under the English flag. On April 14th, 1943 Amerika sailed from Halifax towards Liverpool in convoy HX-234. She was carrying 8.844-ton general cargo, 600-ton picrate, metal, flour, meat, and 200 mailbags. Amerika was at the end of the convoy. The convoy consisted of 43 merchant vessels and 13 escort ships – Support 4 Group. Eight days before the departure, Captain Chr. Nielsen had written the convoy authorities, describing the ship in detail, and pointed to the fact, that he was carrying 53 Canadian R.A.F passengers, 600 ton picrate (hazardous goods), and politely asked the authorities consider this, together with the valuable vessel and the placing in the convoy. Little did it help. Amerika had a crew of 87, of which 53 were Danish, three of them stewardesses. The rest mainly Englishmen, and amongst them were 15 gunners from the army and the navy. In addition, 53 passengers (Canadian Royal Airforce). The crew has spoken amongst themselves of the unfortunate placement as the last ship of the convoy. The closest vessels in the convoy were loaded with aviation spirit (high octane aviation fuel), and speculations were done as to whether Amerika was placed in this position as protection for the other ships. Amerika – assumed the largest vessel in the convoy – appearing quite large, and as the last ship in the convoy, she was an easy target for submarine attacks. Amerika sailed through lots of ice, and from the bridge one could observe many large icebergs. The weather was hurricane winds, with snow and temperatures at zero degrees Celsius – a large swell coming from Danmarksstrædet. At 20.40 on April 21st, at the time-zone of the convoy, Amerika was stationed in relation to vessel 64 and 74. This was still the case 10 minutes later, as two torpedoes hit the ship, one after another. U-306 fired the torpedoes, and sunk Amerika south of Cape Farewell, just south of the tip of Greenland. The sinking of Amerika in convoy HX-234 was the greatest tragedy of the Danish merchant fleet, measured in losses and human sufferings: 42 crewmembers, 29 of them Danish, 7 gunners and 37 passengers – all in all 86 people were killed. The many reports on the wreckage contains a number of testimonials of cold-bloodedness and sacrifice, evoking the admiration and faith in human dignity for the times to come. Captain Chr. Nielsen and 29 of the crew members, 8 gunners and 16 passengers were shortly after the wreckage picked up by ”HMS Asphodel (K 56)” and set ashore in Greenock. After the war Captain Chr. Nielsen received the British Order O.B.E and Lloyds Medal of Honour Two of the killed sailors were from Nyborg:
Chief Machinist Ernst Peter Georg Mühring, born 22.2.1897. Third Machinist Johan Carl Frederik Wismar Mühring, born 20.9.1911.
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In remembrance of the lost sailors from Nyborg
S/S Volmer, tugboat 111 br., Shipping Line Det Dansk Petroleums Aktieselskab (DDPA) The sinking of Volmer was not a war-sinking as such. But a consequence of the war, nonetheless. Volmer was sailing from Danzig to Thisted with the oil-barge Heimdal of 500 ton in tow. Volmer wrecked May 30th, 1943 in the Baltic Sea at approximately 00.05 hrs in a northern gale wind, wind-force 7-8, and with heavy seas washing over the deck. Positioned 7-8 miles off Rixhöft Lighthouse, Volmer took in a heavy sea across the deck. The approved load for Volmer was 20-ton freshwater and 50-ton coal, but due to the war and the following lack of coal, the ship had loaded an extra 10-ton coal on the deck - 10% more than the ship was built to carry. The heavy sea shuffled parts of the reserve coal load on the deck, and subsequently created a loop-sidedness of 45 degrees, which caused the loss of steering of the boat. Following the loss of steering, she took in more water, and increased the loop-siding and she capsized. The towline was cut, and the lashings on the lifeboat was loosened. Three men made it to the lifeboat and were picked up 10 hours later by a German submarine. The remaining six members of the crew lost their lives. The oil-barge – Heimdal – on tow was useless without engine power. From the barge, the crew could only watch the drama from a distance, as they themselves were lost to the whim of the sea, not knowing where they would drift off to. The situation worsened, everything indicated the the wind would carry them directly into a mine field, which had been laid out for ‘Hela’. The survivors from Volmer were shipped to Danzig and accommodated at the sailor’s hostel, only to be united with the crew of Heimdal who arrived a few hours before. The sailors from Nyborg, who were lost were:
Captain Karl Georg Christensen Wegeberg, born 30.6.1892. First Machinist Rudolf Valdemar Willads Petersen, born 19.4.1884. First Officer Poul Martin Chr. Jacobsen, born 22.6.1908. Machinist Karl Åge Christiansen, born 4.3.1902. Machinist John Engelberg Solander, born 5.10.1917. Chief steward Peter Johannes Larsen Holst, born 20.3.1899.
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In remembrance of the lost sailors from Nyborg
S/S Fria Rock, 5.427 tons Shipping Line: Waterman Steamship Co., Mobile AL This ship was originally built as the Italian freight ship, S/S Arsa. She was detained on June 10th, 1940 in New York and acquired by the American government on June 6th, 1941. The US War Shipping Administration re-named her ‘Friar Rock’ and registered her under the Panama flag. Friar Rock was traveling New York – Sydney – Lock Ewe – Archangel, loaded with general cargo. The vessel left Sydney in convoy SC-64, on January 9th, but turned back as she could not keep up. January 13th, 1942, the unescorted ship was torpedoed by U-130. The torpedo hit the vessel between the bridge and the chimney, and the ship sank rapidly. The crew counted 37 men, of which 31 was killed – 6 survived. HMS Montgomery (G95) picked up seven men. One of the seven men rescued, a Danish Second Officer died after being set ashore. The First Officer was also Danish, the only two Danes aboard Friar Rock. First Officer Lief Stærmose was from Nyborg. Leif Stærmose was married at the beginning of the war. His wife gave birth to a daughter, unfortunately Leif was never to see his daughter grow up
First Officer Leif Stærmose, born 2.4.1915. Leif ’s wife received a letter from the US Congress: The letter read: Dear Mrs., Stærmose: ‘By authority of the Congress of the United States, it is my honour to present to you, the wife of Leif Stæremose, the Mariner’s Medal in commemoration of the greatest service anyone can render cause or country. Mr. Stærmose was lost, as his ship S/S ‘Frida Rock’ was torpedoed and sunk by the enemy on the 14th of January 1942. He was one of those men who so gallantly upheld the traditions of the hardy mariners who defied anyone to stop the American flag from sailing seas in the early days of this republic. He was one of those men upon whom the Nation depended to keep our ships afloat upon the perilous seas; to transport our troops across those seas; and to carry to them the vitally needed materiel which kept them fighting until victory was certain and liberty secure. Nothing I can do or say will, in any sense, requite the loss of your loved one. He has gone, but he has gone in honour and in the goodly company of patriots. Let me in this expression of the country’s deep sympathy, also express to you its gratitude for this devotion and sacrifice’.
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In remembrance of the lost sailors from Nyborg
Four-masted schooner Gerda, 334 br. Shipping Line: Lehmand Lemvig. Hans Bøje Sørensen, grandchild of pilot Bøje, Nyborg, was aboard, signed on as a seaman, in order to log his remaining time at sea, before going to school to join the next class of officer candidates. Sailors are known to be calm, and often people believe in spiritual intervention, as they are told of the incredible adventures at sea. The old pilot Bøje had an unrestful night on February 28th, and come morning as he rose from bed, he had to visit the neighbour to tell him of a dream, in which he saw his bellowed grandson, Hans, in the doorway of the bedroom, wearing his sailors uniform; ‘Grandfather, I have come to say goodbye to you, as I am going on a journey from which no-one returns’. Unfortunately, pilot Bøjes sad message became true, Hans Bøje was on board Gerda on her last voyage. The ship had loaded concrete in Aalborg, and bound for Copenhagen in Kattegat, the ship was blown by a mine. The entire crew was lost on February 28th, 1945.
Hans Bøje Sørensen, born 8.4.1925.
N.G. 517, Brødrene from Nyborg, 10 br. At approximately 11.45 on August 8th, the fishing vessel ‘Brødrene’ was at sea between Kløverhage and Vresen. Whilst towing the seine a heavy explosion occurred, and the aft part of the vessel was blown away. One of the two people aboard, Hans Pedersen, was picked up by an arriving vessel. The rescuing vessel was Gerda of Nyborg, driven by the brothers Blok. Peter Pedersen went missing and was found one month later as he drifted ashore at Langeland. He was then buried at Nyborg Cemetery. The lost fisherman from Nyborg was
Peter Carl Vilhelm Petersen, born 24.11.1880. 26
In remembrance of the lost sailors from Nyborg
Fishing Vessel Else from Stubbekøbing, 11 reg tons Else was fishing in the Great Belt, and on October 24th, 1942 at approximately 14.30, she was fishing using a seine about half a mile southeast of the red marker at Vresen puller lighthouse. During the tow of the seine, when the seine was about 10 meters from the ship, a heavy explosion happened. Else started sinking immediately. The two aboard tried to keep afloat on wreckage, but after a short while fisherman Lars Thomas Petersen disappeared, was not sighted again. The second fisherman aboard was rescued by a fishing vessel in the near proximity.
Fisherman Lars Thomas Petersen from Hjulby, Nyborg, born 24.10.1884.
S/S Marianne Toft, 2203 reg tons, Shipping Line: Jutlandia. Loaded with iron ore on a journey from Oxelø-Sund to Barrow -in-Furness. At approximately 00.15, Marianne Toft was about 9 miles north of Chicken Rock, traveling about 7.5 knot in south-southwest gale winds and fog. Marianne Toft sounded her fog-horn, and another horn was heard in the distance. This later turned out to be the American S/S Cornelius Ford. The engine was stalled immediately due to the sound of the warning from the approaching vessel, and Marianne Toft had almost come to a halt, while still sounding the fog-horn. The second the top-lantern from the other ship was sighted, it was evident, that the oncoming vessel was at full speed, and headed straight for Marianne Toft. Starboard signal was given immediately, and the rudder was shifted. A few seconds later the vessel was hit by the approaching ship. The damage could be sighted from the bridge, and it was evident, that Cornelius Ford had collided at full speed. The American ship did turn on the projector, but it was turned off again the minute it was possible to lower a boat into the water. Cornelius Ford continued her journey unaffected. 10 sailors were killed, amongst them one sailor from Nyborg:
Boatswain Sofus Andreasen, born 9.9.1906.
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In remembrance of the lost sailors from Nyborg
S/S JĂŚgersborg, 1.245 tons Shipping Line: D/S Dannebrog A/S (C.K.Hansen) S/S JĂŚgerborg left Copenhagen on December 14th, 1939, loaded with farming equipment for Leith. On December 17th, 1939, at 05.36 she was torpedoed by U-59. The neutral and unarmed ship was sunk, hit midst-ship, 50 miles east/southeast of Peterhead. The crew of 18 men were lost. On December 20th some of the wreckage was found, together with a lifeboat holding the body of a man, later identified as Assisting Machinist Otto Eivind Larsen from Haslev. One of the killed sailors was from Nyborg:
Donkeyman Carl Marius Niels Rasmussen, born 2.10.1909.
S/S Aase, 1206 tons Shipping Line: A. Schmiegelow & Axel Kampen Copenhagen Aase was traveling from Valencia to Bristol loaded with fresh fruit. At 05.45 on February 15th, 1940, the neutral and unescorted ship was torpedoed by U-37 and sank after breaking into two pieces. From the 16 men crew, 15 were killed. One sailor survived the wreck. One of the killed sailors was from Nyborg:
Chief Steward Axel Ebbe Lauritsen, born 9.3.1897.
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In remembrance of the lost sailors from Nyborg
M/S Anø, 189 br Shipping Line: Anholt A/S Copenhagen. Anø was traveling from Copenhagen to Aalborg carrying general cargo and passengers, as it was sunk after an explosion on the 21st of August 1940. At 11.30, while Anø was anchored approximately 5-600 meters North/West of Hals Barre Lighthouse, the explosion happened under the aft of the ship. The ship was so badly damaged, it sank within 2-3 minutes. Out of the 12 people on board the ship, the eight men on the deck were successful to get off board using boats and rafts. Shortly after, they were picked up by rescuing steamboat. The search for the remaining 4 men was in vain. One of the perished sailors was from Nyborg:
Chief Maschinist Oscar Krabbe Nielsen, born 22.9.1900.
Naval Stoker Chr. Petersen, born ca. 1892. It has been determined, that the family – one brother and one sister – has heard nothing of the brother, Chr. Petersen, and has not been able to get any further information after the war. Hence, he is presumed killed, nevertheless without clear evidence.
Naval Stoker Carl (Carlo) Henriksen. A sister of Carl Henriksen received a package from The United States after the war. The package contained personal effects from Carl Henriksens lodging, which he had held during the war. The package was sent with a short note from the landlord, that he presumed Henriksen to be dead. This as the rent – which otherwise was paid promptly, had been unsettled for some time. Besides the note, the family has heard nothing.
Naval Stoker Svend Åge Hansen, born 13.5.1918. presumed killed on 25.11.1943. It has not been possible to trace on which ship he lost his life. It is known from the sign-on list in Newcastle, that he was signed on to Chr. J. Kampmann. However, he does not figure on the list of the ten Danish sailors, who lost their lives by its torpedoing on Nov. 3rd, 1942. 29
In remembrance of the lost sailors from Nyborg
Captain Jens Poulsen Michelsen Amongst the sailors from the Nyborg area who were lost were Captain Jens Poulsen Michelsen, born on July 9th, 1898 and a resident of Nyborg. He was severely injured as M/T Leda’s wreckage (see page 19) and died shortly after. Captain Michelsen was decorated by the Congress of the United States for his deeds.
DDPA – Det Danske Petroleums Aktieselskab – The Danish Petroleum Company During the years 1917 to 1919, a fuelling plant and a 10-meter deep oil pier, was constructed at Avernakke, south of Nyborg Havn. At the time, this was the largest fuel-import harbour in the Nordic region, and from here fuel was distributed to the entire country. The American Standard Oil Company of New Jersey obtained stock in DDPA during the years, and in 1939 they were registered as the owner. Standard Oil also owned the German company: Deutsche Amerikanische Petroleum Gesellsschaft (DAPG). DAPG commanded a large fleet of oceanic tankers, registered in the free town of Danzig. In 1935, as the collision course of the German Nazis takeover towards the western world became clear, Standard Oil faced the consequences, and moved the entire fleet to be registered under Panama Flag (Panama Transport Company). Provisionally, the German crews continued without issue, but at the break of the war September 3rd, 1939, they were set ashore and replaced by
other nationalities, and later by Danish sailors. The shipping company DDPA had to recruit people to maintain and operate the 18 Panama Transport Company tankers, hence as a natural cause of this, many of the Danish sailors in Standard Oil’s fleet were ailing from Nyborg and the region. DDPA kept in contact with the vessels and the crew for as long as possible, but after April 9th, 1940, the crew was handled by Standard Oil in New York. Most of the crew continued to sail the Standard Oil fleet for years to come, and many stayed on in The United States and became citizens. 30
In remembrance of the lost sailors from Nyborg
Captain Niclas Johannes Joensen Captain Niclas Johannes Joensen, born February 10th, 1901 on the Faroe Islands and resident of Nyborg, died by the wreck of M/T J.H.Senior’s wreckage at Halifax (see page 22). Captain Joensen was awarded the following orders by the U.S. Department of Transportation: Victory Medal, Atlantic Warzone Bar, The Merchant Marine Combat Bar.
The Merchant Marine Combat Bar. Atlantic Warzone Bar.
Victory Medal.
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In remembrance of the lost sailors from Nyborg
Ernst Rasmus Guldbrandt Madsen Ernst Rasmus Guldbrandt Madsen, born on February 20th, 1904 at Knudshovedvej 4 in Nyborg, sailed as 2nd Chief Engineer on ships of East Asiatic Company (Ă˜K), across the Atlantic Ocean in service of the allied forces. During a voyage bound for Murmansk, the ship was torpedoed south of Greenland. He survived in this nightmare together with 5 of the crew for 14 days, before he was picked up by an English war-vessel. Later he joined the allied forces and participated in the various invasions in Sicily and Italy, not least in the Canal on D-Day. He survived the war, but for the rest of his life he was a broken and shattered man. He died in 1983.
1.
He was awarded the following orders: 1. The 1939-1945 Star 2. The Atlantic Star 3. The Italy Star 4. The War Medal. The war medal is given together with any of the Star medals. It can also be given, if a merchant sailor has done service with the allied forces for more than 28 days.
2.
3.
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4.
In remembrance of the lost sailors from Nyborg
Without name. Unknown. Hidden deep I the sea. No grave for us to decorate in flowers. My good boy, your deeds will never be forgotten. The future of this land, you helped to build. Doze in the great sarcophagus of the sea Where so many Danish boys are resting Know: You live with us here today When the bright May smiles in freedom Sigfred Pedersen (Maritime publications, 1955)
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In remembrance of the lost sailors from Nyborg
Photos from the inauguration
Wednesday, June 6th, 2018.
Navy Marching Band marching from the Marine den to the Town Square. Here they play a short concert, and return to Kongens Skibsbro.
Nyborg Marine Associations choir entertains.
The prelude Many people showed to take part in the inauguration. 34
In remembrance of the lost sailors from Nyborg
Flag in position
War-sailor flag and flag guard is carried to the war-sailor memorial.
Erland Porsmose welcomes at the event.
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In remembrance of the lost sailors from Nyborg
Speeches Evald Brinck (veteran) gives a moving speech.
Chairman of the Marine Association Kurt Verner.
Naval chaplain Ejgil Bank Olesen (War sailors).
Mayor Kenneth Muhs, Nyborg Municipality.
Director of the Albani Foundation Paul Nissen. 36
In remembrance of the lost sailors from Nyborg
Mayor Kenneth Muhs reveals the memorial - the wind catches the tarp.
The unveiling
Navy Marching Band.
The guests are sheltered from the fresh breeze in the tent. 37
In remembrance of the lost sailors from Nyborg
Laying of the wreath
Marine Association.
Albani Foundation.
. War Sailors
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In remembrance of the lost sailors from Nyborg
Laying of the wreath
Nyborg Municipality.
Navy Reserves. 39
In remembrance of the lost sailors from Nyborg
Closing The Danish salutation by Nyborg’s Fortress Salutation Guild.
TV2 Fyn has a feature the same night.
The workgroup chats with Evald Brinck. 40
In remembrance of the lost sailors from Nyborg
The parade with the marching band leaves the Marine Association.
Reception
Following a reception in the marine den and the outside tent. The marching band plays a couple of songs – songs of sailors. Sandwiches and drinks are being served. The Royal DanishNavy is also present amongst the guests.
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In remembrance of the lost sailors from Nyborg
Speeches are made, and gifts are presented in the den.
Reception Evald Brinck gives a speech of thanks. He is very happy to have participated.
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In remembrance of the lost sailors from Nyborg
Nyborg Marine Association Nyborg Marine Association, Board and staff, May 2018:
Kurt Verner, chairman.
Henry Schmidt, member of the board.
Arne C. Petersen, vice chairman.
Jørgen F. Rasmussen, member of the board.
Charlotte Jørgensen, treasurer.
Kurt K. Taanquist, member of the board.
Knud G. Rasmussen, President of the mess.
Jørgen L. Rasmussen, Quartermaster.
Eivind Rasmussen, IT editor.
Erik D. Rasmussen, secretary.
Per Petersen, alternate.
Nyborg Marine Association founded December 7th, 1913. Ebbe Rasmussen, member of the board.
Glenn Bartels, alternate and editor. 43