Norwegians enjoy Wormit Boating Club hospitality

On a bright and breezy recent spring morning a contingent of Norwegian service members, led by Major Thomas and accompanied by their British colleagues, arrived at Wormit Boating Club for the most recent of a long-standing series of visits marking the wartime presence at Woodhaven pier of Number 333 Squadron of the Royal Norwegian Air Force, and the ongoing close ties between the squadron and WBC. The squadron, equipped with Catalina flying boats, conducted clandestine and anti-submarine missions from Woodhaven between 1942 and 1945, making a vital contribution to the Allies’ ultimate victory.

The visitors, currently training at RAF Lossiemouth to fly the new P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, were welcomed by club members and many from the local community and beyond, all of whom support strong ties with the squadron, and several of whom, including John, Jim and Ron, still recall the wartime presence of the Norwegians and enthralled the visitors with tales of those far-off days. Loyal club supporters RAFA also attended, adding a welcome dash of military tradition to the occasion.

Following refreshments, a welcome to the club and a generous presentation of new pictures by friends of the club Dorothy and Gill of Squadron Prints, the visitors chatted with their hosts, toured the pier and surrounding area – which still bear many of the marks of the Norwegians’ presence – and examined a fascinating collection of photographs, books and other artefacts. These were provided with the kind assistance of former commodore David and the Newport history group. In warm sunshine the group then strolled up to Wormit parish church to view the RAF standard, now safely framed, which flew over Woodhaven during the War, together with the plaque presented to Wormit in 1999 in recognition of its wartime support.

Meanwhile at the clubhouse the galley team, led by Ruth, Jenny and Evelyn, were putting the finishing touches to a delicious lunch of soup and sandwiches, with tea and cakes to follow, all greatly appreciated by the visitors who joined together in offering the hard-working caterers a hearty vote of thanks. This was followed group photographs and a presentation by David of gifts to our visitors of hand-tied keyrings.

The day’s activities concluded with a visit, kindly facilitated by manager Geoff, to Sandford House. The visitors were told of the huge wartime contribution made by Sandford’s then owner, Lady Bluebell Walker, to the off-duty wellbeing of exhausted and homesick Norwegians, later marked by her receiving the prestigious medal of St Olaf. After presenting the club with the latest squadron flash, the visit concluded, with all looking forward to continuing in future the proud tradition in which this was the latest chapter.

Thanks are owed to all those club members who worked so hard to make the visit the great success it was, and which showed off WBC at its hospitable and shipshape best.    Dai