|
The Faroe Islands between Scotlnd and Iceland were strategically important in the North Atlantic/Nowegian Sea. The islands were a transit area for convoys sailing from America to Murmansk as part of Lend Lease shipments to the Soviet Union during World War II. They were partof Denmark, but 3 days after the Germans invaded Denmark (April 1940), the British quickly seized the islands to prevent a Grrman invasion. Te British recognizing theauthority of thg Løgting. The British occupation proved very beneficil for the islnders. The island economy was based on fishing. And they were able to sell their catch in Britain at higher prices than as partof Denmark. The British built an airfield on Vágar Island, RAF Vagar. After the War it fell into disuse, but s now Vágar Airport. The British sert up coastal artillery, some of which are preserved at Skansin Fortress in Tórshavn. There were also five radar stations, at Mykines, Eiðiskollur (on Eiði), Borðan (Nólsoy), Søltuvík (Sandoy) and Suðuroy (Akraberg). Some 200 Faroese seamen werekilled during the War. Faroese vessels were either bombed or sunk by German U-boats or by drifting sea mines.
Navigate the CIH World War II Pages:
[Return to Main World War II Atlantic island page ]
[Return to Main World War II island page ]
[Return to Main World War II country page ]
[Biographies]
[Campaigns]
[Children]
[Countries]
[Deciding factors]
[Diplomacy]
[Geo-political crisis]
[Economics]
[Home front]
[Intelligence]
[POWs]
[Resistance]
[Race]
[Refugees]
[Technology]
[Bibliographies]
[Contributions]
[FAQs]
[Images]
[Links]
[Registration]
[Tools]
[Return to Main World War II page]
[Return to Main war essay page]
