Harry Jurgensen

Jun 17 2008 by David Charters, Liverpool Daily Post

SOME would have said, in the nicest possible way, that there was a hint of Jack-the-lad in the blue-eyed smile of the wee man, who knew how to charm the ladies.

Even when the passing years had slowed his dancing feet, he had a way about him.

But then they all had, those Norwegian boys and men, who came to Liverpool to continue fighting. Their country had fallen to the Nazis, in April, 1940. Hitler’s puppet Vidkun Quisling was in charge – the man who gave his name to shame.

But many Norwegian sailors were still at sea, free men. So about 1,000 ships from the Royal Navy of Norway, or its Merchant Navy, were drawn into the Allied war effort under the banner of Notraship (the Norwegian Shipping and Trading Mission).

Many sailed to Liverpool, where they joined the Battle of the Atlantic, helping carry essential supplies and weapons to the Soviet Union.

Harry Jurgensen had been enjoying a drink at the Del Monica, in Cape Town, when news of Norway’s defeat was broadcast.

They could go back to Norway and be under the Germans, or sail with Notraship.

The arrival of so many handsome blond Vikings was a delight for girls in Liverpool, who were growing accustomed to austerity and bleak news from abroad.

Soon they were dancing cheek-to-cheek as the big bands played in the shimmering dance halls.

Harry, who had been brought up near Tonnesberg, stepped ashore in Liverpool in 1941. He met Mildred Shorrock at a dance in St Joan of Arc church hall, Bootle.

They married on July 3, 1943, in the nearby St Matthew’s Church.

Harry was later decorated by both the British and Norwegian governments for his service in the Battle of the Atlantic. In 2003, in common with other members of the Merchant Navy Veterans’ Association, he was made a Freeman of Liverpool.

In civilian life, he was a painter and decorator, working for a while with Costain’s.

Harry liked what is now called bling-bling, believing that if you had jewellery it should shine.

He and Mildred, who died three years ago, had a daughter, Astrid, and two grandchildren and two great- grandchildren.

His funeral service was held at the Scandinavian Church, Park Lane, Liverpool, which helps keep his community together.

Harry Jurgensen, Norwegian sailor; born August 15, 1921, died May 29, 2008.