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A 100-YEAR-OLD ROYAL NAVY VETERAN WILL BE AMONG THIS WEEK'S VISITORS TO THE 114-YEAR-OLD S/S HESTMANDEN IN THE TYNE AND HERE'S WHEN THE PUBLIC CAN ALSO BOARD FOR FREE BEFORE THE

WARSHIP SETS SAIL 16:45, 02 Jun 2025 The arrival into the Tyne of a historic Norwegian warship is proving hugely popular, with crowds turning out to see the vessel which played such an

important role in the war-time convoys. The S/S Hestmanden sailed into Newcastle on Saturday for a tour stop-off to mark the 80-year anniversary of VE Day. The cargo ship was a vital part of

the war-time convoys and is the only survivor of both the First and Second World War efforts. As previously reported, the local Maritime Volunteer Service welcomed its arrival with a parade

of sail to escort it from North Shields to the city and now, moored at Spiller's Wharf, it has been attracting lots of attention. It will remain here until Wednesday and until then it

is opening daily to the public who can board for free. And they can take the opportunity to learn more about its fascinating story. The 200ft-long vessel helped the British war effort by

keeping supply lines open and this meant undergoing hazardous voyages. Its work, particularly during the Second World War, included transporting medicine, food, fuel, ammunition and weapons

and it even helped transport soldiers between Nazi-occupied Norway and Shetland as well as evacuating refugees and Allied soldiers. It now serves as a floating war sailors museum and, as

reported, those who visit during its Newcastle stay will be able to see the likes of interactive exhibitions inside its hull and the working of its 114-year-old steam engine. Opening times

for the remainer of its stay, subject to operational issues, will be from 11am until 6pm on Tuesday, June 3. On its last day - Wednesday, June 4 - it will be open to the public from 11am

until 4pm, giving people a final opportunity to board before it sets sail. Its visit has already strengthened maritime bonds between Norway and the North East, with a special chapel service

taking place inside Trinity House on the Quayside on Sunday. Article continues below Anyone keen to arrange a group visit to S/S Hestmanden is invited to contact Trinity House. The

ship's visit has also connected with some local people's family history. Visitors have included those with Norwegian relatives who served on similar ships during the wartime

convoys and on Wednesday a 100-year-old Royal Navy veteran is due to be a very special guest. Roy Elwood was involved in the Arctic Convoys to Russia during the Second World War, serving as

a radar operator on board HMS Zambesi. In a defining moment of the war, the ship was one of four Royal Navy destroyers to take part in the daring rescue of more 500 Norwegian civilians from

the island of Sørøya following the occupying German forces' 'scorched earth' retreat from Norway. He recalls: “The Norwegians had been hiding from German forces in the

snow-covered mountains. "We were proud to help bring them to safety." The Norwegians were later escorted by merchant ships to Scotland on a journey subjected to German U-boat

attacks, storms and sinkings. One ship, SS Henry Bacon, became separated from the convoy and was sunk by German aircraft. In an act of sacrifice, merchant seamen gave up space in lifeboats

for 19 Norwegian evacuees and Roy and his family have stayed in contact with survivors and descendants from the mission. Article continues below JOIN OUR WHATSAPP COMMUNITIES ChronicleLive

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