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WW2 Pilot's Sacrifice Honored in Remote Norway
16 Aug
Summary
- Historian visited a remote Norwegian crash site of a WW2 pilot.
- Group Captain Wilfred Surplice sacrificed himself in 1944 for his crew.
- Local guide's grandfather aided in rescuing four crew members.
Historian Chris Bullock recently journeyed to a remote Norwegian wilderness, the site of a World War Two aircraft crash. There, he paid tribute to Group Captain Wilfred Surplice, station commander of RAF Rivenhall, Essex. Surplice tragically sacrificed his life in 1944, ensuring his crew could bail out safely during the conflict.
Upon arrival, Bullock, who has researched Rivenhall's history for over a decade, sprinkled soil from the base around a memorial dedicated to the pilot. The visit served as a unique opportunity to honor Surplice and investigate the events of that cold November night, a story Bullock considers a key narrative from the area's wartime past.
Local guide Espen Thronsen, whose grandfather played a role in the resistance by helping four crew members return to Britain, accompanied Bullock. Thronsen noted the emotional impact of the visit, describing it as a moving experience for all involved.
