The Orkney Image Library
Help us get organised! If we haven't correctly identified which area this picture is best listed under, please select it below and click Done!
The nephew of T5 Gerald Ottersland, a Norwegian commando and one of 13 killed when their plane crashed at Walliwall on 31st March 1945 when returning from an aborted mission. The family have gifted a memorial to be built into the housing development now going up in the field where the crash took place. See picture #688 for more information. Mr Ottersland (left) is pictured with Charlie Kemp of Orkney Builders, who are building the housing development. In the council chamber of the OIC.
Picture added on 27 July 2015 at 17:06
Kirkwall
We had the farm just below the crash site; the house was called Wivenho; the crash site lay between Walliwall and our home. I am told that I was responsible for the Co-Pilot (the only survivor), who suffered a broken ankle, finding his way to our house on account of my mum taking me for a 'pee' amidst the excitement and forgetting there was no blackout on the bathroom window!
The house has since gone, but I have distinct images sitting on the floor watching my mum, who was a nurse, bandaging the American's leg. I am told that his name was Smith from NY. My father subsequently drove him to Hatston aerodrome. I also have memories walking through the wreckage in the following days, although it was quickly cleared away by the DoD.
The fate of those eight brave Norwegian saboteurs intending to parachute into occupied Norway on a dark and stormy night has haunted me all my life. I trust the builders show true and meaningful respect for 13 men killed that night in service to war effort. I will return!!
[If someone can post a picture of the memorial in situ now that would be great. Preferably on a sunny day! - Steven]