The Woman Who Smiled at Dive Bombers

These sources document the vital contributions and immense sacrifices of the Norwegian merchant fleet, known as Nortraship, during World War II. Following the 1940 German invasion, Norway’s government-in-exile requisitioned over 1,000 vessels, forming the world's largest shipping company to supply the Allies with essential oil and materials. The texts highlight the bravery of individual sailors like Margit Johnsen, who maintained morale under heavy fire during dangerous "death convoys" to Malta. Personal testimonies further detail the harrowing experiences of crew members surviving torpedo attacks, freezing lifeboats, and the psychological toll of the conflict. Collectively, the materials emphasize that the Allied victory, particularly in the Battle of Britain, depended heavily on the courage of these "war sailors." Historical research and modern media portrayals continue to honor this legacy, ensuring their proportional casualty rate, among the highest of the war, is not forgotten.