1943
Shetlopedia - The Shetland Encyclopaedia
January
- 8th.
M/B Reidar (M107A), arrived Lerwick with 3 refugees. - 23rd
Seven Norwegian MTB's of the Norwegian 30th MTB Flotilla, based in Lerwick, along with 50 commandos, make a successful raid to Norway. Later this operation is known as "Operation Cartoon" - 31st
The Royal Norwegian Navy's submarine KNM "Uredd" left Lerwick on a special mission with agents to Bodø. The "Uredd" was never heard of again, 36 men were lost.
May
- 16th
A Handley Page Hereford aircraft, AN148, or R.A.F. 455 Squadron ditched in to the sea after suffering engine failure, at an unspecified location off Shetland.
July
- The Norwegian Royal Air Force 330 Squadron established a base with Sunderland Flying boats at Sullom Voe.
- 28th
U647 escorting the tanker U489 hit a mine east of Shetland. - 30th
The crew of 7, from the Lerwick based Norwegian MTB 345, was executed by the Germans at Ulven, Bergen.
August
- 4th
The tanker U489 was detected close to the east coast of Shetland after an intensive search following the explosion of U647 on 28th July. A Hudson (RAF Sq 289) chased the boat and damaged her before she was sank by the Sunderland „G" (RCAF-Sq. 423) which was lost in that action too.
October
- 26th
The US navy officially transferred three submarine chasers to The Shetland Bus operation. They were the 'Hitra', 'Vigra', and 'Hessa'. These craft were 110 feet long and powered by two 1200HP diesel engines. Capable of a top speed of 22 knots, with a normal cruising speed of 17 knots.
November
- 22nd
An explosion occurred on the British MTB 686, while it was moored beside the Norwegian MTB 626, at the Anglo-Scottish quay in North Ness, Lerwick. Both boats caught fire; seven British and one Norwegian crew members lost their lives.
For more details see The Norwegian MTB Flotilla in Shetland and MTB 686 - Clarke's Story.
December
- 9th
A Fairey Barracuda II, DP927, or Fleet Air Arm 830 Squadron crashed in to the sea off the Ramna Stacks.
