SKIEN CIVIL CEMETERY
Lake Norsjo
Norway
Location Information
Skien is near Lake Norsjo, south-west of Oslo, and a few kilometres inland from Larvik.
From the E18, turn onto the 36 to Skien. Follow this road through the town to the junction with the 357 and turn left onto the 357 in the direction of Skotfoss. Cross the bridge to the traffic lights then turn right onto the 32. Follow the 32 to the first roundabout and bear left in the direction of Valebo. At the crossroads turn left into Slemdalsgaten, then take the second turning on the right. The cemetery is at the end of this road. From the entrance follow the path to the left of the chapel, turn right and walk down the path behind the chapel. Then take the first path on the left. The Commonwealth war graves will be found along here on the right next to the path.
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.
Skien Civil Cemetery contains the joint grave of two Commonwealth airmen.
Burial Details
102061 Flight Lieutenant William Knowles, D. F. C. Pilot in 235 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, died 30th March 1945, aged 28. Son of William and Maria Rebelo Knowles, of Carcarelos, Portugal.
1451698 Flight Sergeant Lawrence Thomas, Navigator/Wireless Operator in 235 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, died 30th March 1945, aged 23. Son of William Charles and Ann Maria Thomas, of Grimsby, Lincolnshire.
Picture © Åge Jakobsen
Skien is near Lake Norsjo, south-west of Oslo, and a few kilometres inland from Larvik.
From the E18, turn onto the 36 to Skien. Follow this road through the town to the junction with the 357 and turn left onto the 357 in the direction of Skotfoss. Cross the bridge to the traffic lights then turn right onto the 32. Follow the 32 to the first roundabout and bear left in the direction of Valebo. At the crossroads turn left into Slemdalsgaten, then take the second turning on the right. The cemetery is at the end of this road. From the entrance follow the path to the left of the chapel, turn right and walk down the path behind the chapel. Then take the first path on the left. The Commonwealth war graves will be found along here on the right next to the path.
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.
Skien Civil Cemetery contains the joint grave of two Commonwealth airmen.
Burial Details
102061 Flight Lieutenant William Knowles, D. F. C. Pilot in 235 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, died 30th March 1945, aged 28. Son of William and Maria Rebelo Knowles, of Carcarelos, Portugal.
1451698 Flight Sergeant Lawrence Thomas, Navigator/Wireless Operator in 235 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, died 30th March 1945, aged 23. Son of William Charles and Ann Maria Thomas, of Grimsby, Lincolnshire.
Picture © Åge Jakobsen
