Corporal Olav Bjørndalen

Photo and information courtesy of Hans Frederik Schell. [Posted by Nick Collins]

In the spring of 1940, after the occupation of Norway, Olav Bjørndalen travelled to England. After some time he joined the Norwegian Armed Forces and later 5 (Norwegian)Troop, No10 (IA) Commando as a Corporal. After hard and physical training Olav took part in action on the Norwegian coast, before the whole unit was ready for the invasion of the European continent.

During December 1944 and January 1945, 5 troop was attached to 47RM Commando for the assault on the island of Kapelsche Veer in the Netherlands. They were ambushed.

In Memory of 2/Lt. Gabriel Smith (Royal Norwegian Navy, attd. 5 troop)
Trooper Petter Hopen, No.10 (IA) Commando 5 troop
Trooper Bernt Myrvåg, No.10 (IA) Commando 5 troop,
who died on the 13/14th January 1945 at Kapelsche Veer, Holland

and

In Memory of Corporal Olav Bjørndalen,
No.10 (IA) Commando 5 troop
who died on the 13/14th January 1945 at Kapelsche Veer, Holland
Remembered with honour at Hedrum Churchyard Cemetery, Norway

(Olav was buried in Holland but his remains were brought home to Norway and buried in Hedrum churchyard in a ceremony on 1st September 1946.)

They are also Remembered with others from 5 troop on a Memorial at Boulevard Van Schagen in Domburg.