Norwegian soldier honoured and remembered at Myrus Cemetery in Macduff
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A NORWEGIAN World War II soldier who died in Macduff has been honoured and remembered at Myrus Cemetery.
Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire, Mr Andrew Simpson, was accompanied by Vincent Stuart, a volunteer representing the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), as he placed a tribute card and flowers at the grave of Korporal Birger Bratsberg.
Birger Bratsberg, born in Trondheim, Norway, in 1915, was killed in a shooting accident on Duff Street on September 17, 1943.
He was an engineer with the Norwegian merchant fleet before transferring to the army, where he achieved the rank of corporal. He married in Macduff in 1942, a year before his untimely death.
The tribute placed at his graveside has ribbons the colour of the Norwegian flag, with Korporal Bratsberg being one of many who were remembered throughout Scotland in time for Norway's Constitution Day on May 17.
Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire Andy Simpson said: "For many years the bonds between Norway and the Banffshire coast have been numerous and strong.
"At the time of the Second World War, this partnership did much to secure freedom for our Scandinavian neighbours.
"It was a privilege to join Vincent Stuart to remember and honour the memory of Birger Bratsberg – and with him the others who gave their lives for freedom for us all.
"On Norweigian Constitution Day, it is good to celebrate the continued partnership that is seen in commerce, social links and to keep alive our historical ties."
The CWGC honours the graves of men and women who died in the World War I and World War II, ensuring they will never be forgotten.
Vincent Stuart, who is from Aberlour, added: “As a resident of Banffshire, it’s an honour and a privilege to represent the CWGC at a local level in the north-east of Scotland.
"If any groups wish to hear about the work and history of the organisation then please book a talk through the Kantor Speakers programme on the CWGC website.”
