Notes on Fleetwood's involvement in Norwegian campaign
Message from Captain A. N. Grey to ships company
As you know the transport of the main body of troops from Aandalsnes on the two nights following our efforts was accomplished without interference from German Aircraft. There can be no doubt that the fight put by the Black Swan and the Fleetwood prevented the enemy from bombing the pier with sufficient accuracy to accomplish destruction. It is now evident that the enemy expended his whole effort in the attacks which were made when the two ships were in the fiord. We therefore have had a proud and important share in the success in evacuating about three thousand five hundred men from Norway.
Signed A.N.Grey Commander R.N.
Copy of letter received from officers evacuated from Aandalnes Norway on April 29th 1940
To the Commanding officer H.M.S. Fleetwood 1st may 1940 We the undersigned officers of the Army and Air Force desire to record our sincere admiration and thanks for the magnificent way in which our evacuation from Aandalnes has been carried out and for the calm confidence displayed by you all during this difficult and dangerous operation We know we are expressing the wishes of the NCO's WO's and other ranks in thanking you for the hospitality and kindness shown by your officers and men and not least are we grateful for the care of the sick and wounded among us. We would like this statement conveyed to all under your command and wish HMS. Fleetwood all good luck in whatever she may be called upon to do in the future Total officers and men evacuated 309 Ships Company 130 The above was signed by 37 officers of the evacuated troops.
Note received from a British Tommy rescued from Aandalsnes.
We were talking about trying to get passed the Germans and be interned in Sweden. Then we heard that a Navy ship was having a go at rescuing some of us. Your sloop came alongside the jetty and we were called in groups to get aboard it was orderly .without any problems I have never seen a ship so crowded. every space was occupied We were being bombed and some lads were killed. We had 3 burial services at sea. I will never forget seeing their bodies riding the waves it was as if they were waving goodbye. (We had not enough weights to sink them.) We all loved the Navy after that. If we got the chance we would step to one side and say make way for the Royal Navy. Even for an Able Seaman.
Picture taken from crows nest
HMS. Pelican in trouble with stern damage in the Norwegian fiord (Picture taken from Fleetwood ) she was towed back to Lerwick
Fleetwood evacuated over 300 Officers and men from Aandalsnes Norway
