Magnus Hauge
While we were spending the day under the canvas on Strono, Magnus Hauge the leader of the Os Underground Movement was having a very busy day. He had arranged to meet with Einar in a sawmill not far from Einar's home and had cycled there in the early morning. On his way he had seen the build up of troops in the area and he was sure they must be closing in on us.
After exchanging greetings Einar told Magnus of the prior days happenings of how we had been moved from Bjoren to Strono. They both agreed that our refuge on Strono would suffice for a few days but plans for a further move were certainly necessary. Their discussion was interrupted by German soldiers who questioned them regarding their presence in the sawmill. Their answers satisfied them and when alone again they agreed that their two Milorg groups would work closely together for our next movement. Magnus then returned to his home and called one of his associates to tell him that he had "six sacks of potatoes" and wondered what arrangements could be made for their pickup.
Einar along with one of his men arrived at the boathouse later that evening and told us all about the German attempts to locate us. Up to the present Einar said the Milorg was pleased with their success, however he stressed there were still many hurdles to overcome. He also told us all about the German garrison across the inlet and the use that the buildings around the boathouse had been put to. It was only recently they had been vacated by the Germans and deemed as a safe haven for us. Before leaving they again warned us to be extremely careful in our movements. They also brought us a small food parcel which we eagerly opened as soon as they left.
Inside the parcel was a single slab of raw fish which we tried to cut, but without success. We took turns trying to bite off a piece but it was too hard and slippery. It was like trying to bite into an old rubber tire with a fishy smell and salty taste. We finally gave up on trying to eat it. Maurice ended up rubbing it on his Wellington boots to make them waterproof.
Our routine for the next three days and nights remained the same, up the hill before daybreak and down to the boathouse again after dark. Wild berries and our escape kit tablets provided most of our nourishment while the canvas provided shelter when it rained which was quite often. Fortunately, we discovered a small stream which provided us with water for drinking and washing. Although the six of us got along very well the close confines did make for the odd friction among the fellows. I remember complaining to George about his continual use of four letter swear words and before long a full fledged argument developed over this minor incident, all of which was carried out in a whisper.
Meanwhile the search for us by the German troops widened in its scope with the result that the two Underground groups decided that it was necessary for us to be moved from Strono in the next day or two. Our next stop was to be a log cabin, resembling a small ski chalet in the mountains about twenty kilometres north east of 05. In order to get there involved quite a dangerous trip of about thirty kilometres on two fjords followed by travel over land for about five kilometres. The Milorg believed that if they could get by all the obstacles en route we would be safe for a week or two until the excitement caused by our crash landing passed away.
After exchanging greetings Einar told Magnus of the prior days happenings of how we had been moved from Bjoren to Strono. They both agreed that our refuge on Strono would suffice for a few days but plans for a further move were certainly necessary. Their discussion was interrupted by German soldiers who questioned them regarding their presence in the sawmill. Their answers satisfied them and when alone again they agreed that their two Milorg groups would work closely together for our next movement. Magnus then returned to his home and called one of his associates to tell him that he had "six sacks of potatoes" and wondered what arrangements could be made for their pickup.
Einar along with one of his men arrived at the boathouse later that evening and told us all about the German attempts to locate us. Up to the present Einar said the Milorg was pleased with their success, however he stressed there were still many hurdles to overcome. He also told us all about the German garrison across the inlet and the use that the buildings around the boathouse had been put to. It was only recently they had been vacated by the Germans and deemed as a safe haven for us. Before leaving they again warned us to be extremely careful in our movements. They also brought us a small food parcel which we eagerly opened as soon as they left.
Inside the parcel was a single slab of raw fish which we tried to cut, but without success. We took turns trying to bite off a piece but it was too hard and slippery. It was like trying to bite into an old rubber tire with a fishy smell and salty taste. We finally gave up on trying to eat it. Maurice ended up rubbing it on his Wellington boots to make them waterproof.
Our routine for the next three days and nights remained the same, up the hill before daybreak and down to the boathouse again after dark. Wild berries and our escape kit tablets provided most of our nourishment while the canvas provided shelter when it rained which was quite often. Fortunately, we discovered a small stream which provided us with water for drinking and washing. Although the six of us got along very well the close confines did make for the odd friction among the fellows. I remember complaining to George about his continual use of four letter swear words and before long a full fledged argument developed over this minor incident, all of which was carried out in a whisper.
Meanwhile the search for us by the German troops widened in its scope with the result that the two Underground groups decided that it was necessary for us to be moved from Strono in the next day or two. Our next stop was to be a log cabin, resembling a small ski chalet in the mountains about twenty kilometres north east of 05. In order to get there involved quite a dangerous trip of about thirty kilometres on two fjords followed by travel over land for about five kilometres. The Milorg believed that if they could get by all the obstacles en route we would be safe for a week or two until the excitement caused by our crash landing passed away.