GRIMSTAD CEMETERY
Skagerrak
Norway
Location Information
Grimstad, on the Skagerrak, is on the south-east coast between Kristiansand and Arendal.
From the E18 in Grimstad turn onto the 404 in the direction of Herefoss, then turn first left by the sign to the cemetery (Kirkegard). Follow this road into Klingremoveien. Along here on the right is a large parking area next to a school. The cemetery is next to the parking area.
Enter the cemetery by the white garage then take the first path on the right. Follow past the crosspath and the Commonwealth war grave is about 30 metres on the right.
Historical Information
During the Second World War, Norway was of strategic importance to the Germans. Their invasion on 9 April 1940 was sudden and widespread and despite Allied intervention, the entire country was under German occupation by early June. Thereafter, Allied activity in Norway was confined to raids and special operations, with the Commonwealth air forces providing support to Norwegian resistance groups until the German capitulation in May 1945. There are no Commonwealth war cemeteries in Norway, those who died there being buried in civil cemeteries and churchyards.
Grimstad Cemetery contains the grave of one Commonwealth airman.
Burial Details
425319 Flight Sergeant Francis Magnus Larnach, Navigator in 489 Squadron, Royal New Zealand Air Force, died 30th July 1944, aged 33. Son of John Magnus and Jane Larnach; husband of Helen Larnach, of Strathmore Taranaki, New Zealand.
Pictures © Åge Jakobsen
Grimstad, on the Skagerrak, is on the south-east coast between Kristiansand and Arendal.
From the E18 in Grimstad turn onto the 404 in the direction of Herefoss, then turn first left by the sign to the cemetery (Kirkegard). Follow this road into Klingremoveien. Along here on the right is a large parking area next to a school. The cemetery is next to the parking area.
Enter the cemetery by the white garage then take the first path on the right. Follow past the crosspath and the Commonwealth war grave is about 30 metres on the right.
Historical Information
During the Second World War, Norway was of strategic importance to the Germans. Their invasion on 9 April 1940 was sudden and widespread and despite Allied intervention, the entire country was under German occupation by early June. Thereafter, Allied activity in Norway was confined to raids and special operations, with the Commonwealth air forces providing support to Norwegian resistance groups until the German capitulation in May 1945. There are no Commonwealth war cemeteries in Norway, those who died there being buried in civil cemeteries and churchyards.
Grimstad Cemetery contains the grave of one Commonwealth airman.
Burial Details
425319 Flight Sergeant Francis Magnus Larnach, Navigator in 489 Squadron, Royal New Zealand Air Force, died 30th July 1944, aged 33. Son of John Magnus and Jane Larnach; husband of Helen Larnach, of Strathmore Taranaki, New Zealand.
Pictures © Åge Jakobsen
