The Liberation Convoy 2025

More about the Shetland Bus, as the little convoy of ships makes its way down the east coast to arrive at Newcastle before setting off again to cross the North Sea and home to Norway.

The ships have been at Leith and unfortunately I was not able to visit, but some more on the history and also a link to the website named The Liberation Convoy 2025

Please visit.

The Shetland Bus: A Hidden Lifeline in WWII

In the shadow of Nazi-occupied Norway, a daring operation unfolded on Britain’s northern edges. Known as the Shetland Bus, this covert effort used humble fishing boats from the Shetland Islands to secretly transport people, supplies, and secrets across the North Sea. A blend of courage, geography, and quiet heroism, the Shetland Bus became a vital lifeline for resistance fighters—and a dangerous game for those who manned the boats.

Why the Shetland Bus?

When Germany invaded Norway in 1940, the country’s resistance was cut off. Smugglers and saboteurs needed a way to reach their homeland. A young British intelligence officer named Frank Johnson noticed something remarkable: the Shetland Islands, just 140 miles from Norway, were home to fishing boats with captains who knew the treacherous waters by heart. Some of these crews had Norwegian heritage, adding a layer of connection. Johnson saw an opportunity.

Starting in 1941, modified fishing vessels would "coincidentally" appear near Shetland ports. Local fishermen—often recruited under tight secrecy—would sail these boats late at night, carrying everything from arms and radios to Norwegian resistance fighters and British spies. The boats’ unassuming appearance made them ideal; they blended into the usual traffic, helping them avoid Nazi patrols.

Risks and Rewards

The missions were perilous. A single misstep could lead to capture—one captain later recalled waiting until a U-boat moved out of sight before dropping anchor to unload agents. In one harrowing episode, a bus was rammed by a German mine layer; the crew barely escaped with crates of sabotage tools. Despite these dangers, dozens of Shetlanders and Norwegians took part, driven by a shared goal: to resist occupation and restore freedom.

The Shetland Bus also helped save lives. Norway’s king and government fled earlier in 1940, but as the war dragged on, British intelligence worked with resistance groups to bolster efforts. The boats delivered forged documents, intelligence, and even a British journalist who documented the occupation under fake names. In return, some Shetlanders received quiet rewards: a jar of smoked haddock or a few extra pounds in their pockets.

Legacy in History

By 1945, over 100 missions had been carried out. Though the numbers seem small, the impact was outsized. The Shetland Bus not only supported sabotage efforts behind Axis lines but also inspired hope in a trapped nation. Many Shetland captains who sailed the route spoke little about it afterward, preferring to let their actions speak for themselves.

Today, the Shetland Bus is remembered as a testament to ordinary people doing extraordinary things. A museum in Lerwick, Shetland, preserves artifacts and stories from the operation, while annual ceremonies honour the bravery of those who kept a vital link open during one of history’s darkest hours.

This tale of quiet defiance reminds us that even the smallest communities can shape the course of war—and that courage often hides in the most unexpected places.

Please spend some time with a visit to The Liberation Convoy 2025