Spitsbergen Inhabitants Evacuated To Britain

During WWII, many Norwegians fled to Britain to escape the German invasion. In England, the men joined the army of free Norwegians, while women and children faced a bittersweet farewell to the island that had been their refuge. With the last group of civilians safely evacuated to the British fleet, the main military operations began.

Why did many Norwegians flee to Britain?

• To join the British army

• To escape the German invasion

• To find better job opportunities

• To reunite with family

What was the role of Norwegian men in England?

• They worked in factories

• They became teachers

• They joined the growing army of free Norwegians

• They became farmers

What was the emotional experience for Norwegian women and children?

• Excitement for a new life

• A strange farewell to the island

• Fear of the unknown

• Joy of returning home

What happened to the last boatload of civilians?

• They were sent back to Norway

• They stayed on the island

• They were captured by the Germans

• They were safely taken to the offshore British fleet

What marked the beginning of the raids?

• The signing of a peace treaty

• The end of the war

• The evacuation of civilians

• The arrival of more soldiers