*
banner

New work to pay homage to War heroes

The incredible story of the Shetland Bus heroes is to be celebrated in a new work by Martin Winter performed in a special concert by Tertnes Brass in November.

Shetand
  The tiny fishing boats were used for the covert operations

Tertnes Brass is to pay musical homage to some of bravest heroes of the Second World War who risked their lives crossing the treacherous North Sea in Winter to ferry arms, engineers and special forces fighters under the cover of darkness to help Norwegian resistance against Nazi occupiers.

The Shetland Bus

They have commissioned a new work from trumpet player and conductor Martin Winter entitled 'The Shetland Bus' (Shetlandsgjengen) — the nickname of the clandestine operations that took place from 1942 to the end of the war that disguised small fishing boats to carry their vital cargo.

The boats made an incredible 198 trips to Norway and back to Shetland transporting 192 agents and 383 tons of weapons and supplies. On the return journey they carried back 73 agents and 373 refugees. 43 brave men of the group were killed.

Special concert

The work which will be performed in a special concert on Saturday 28th November tells the story of one specific journey of the 'Shetland Bus', starting from the secret harbour of Lunna in the Shetlands.

During the terrible winter months the boat led by Leif 'Shetland' Larsen, who was to become the most decorated officer outside of the Royal Navy, undertook a mission to northern Norway.

Undertaken in complete darkness, they encountered a particular brutal storm as well as being hunted by both wolf pack submarines and Luftwaffe planes, relying on their Captain's remarkable seafaring skills.

Immense challenges

Martin told 4BR: "Despite the immense challenges of nature and enemy the trip was a success and following the return to Shetland the Norwegian crew celebrated by playing traditional Nordic folk music.

However, the piece also includes 30 seconds of silence in honour of those who were lost on other journeys."

The boats made an incredible 198 trips to Norway and back to Shetland transporting 192 agents and 383 tons of weapons and supplies. On the return journey they carried back 73 agents and 373 refugees. 43 brave men of the group were killed4BR

Remarkable man

Leif Larsen was presented with the DSO, DSG, CGM, DSM and Bar for his incredible service in leading his ships, with renowned historian David Howarth describing him as "one of the most remarkable personalities of the entire Second World War". A statue in his honour now stands in the Bryggen area of Bergen.

Martin also revealed that there is a link between the great hero and the banding community in Norway as Larsen's brother Arlix conducted the then Bjorsvik Band in 1951, shortly before the Bjorsvik merged with Eikanger to form the now world famous band.

Further details about the free live stream concert will be published on 4BR in due course.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Hannah Peel

Radio: Brass Banding with Hannah Peel

April 25 • The first episode of the much anticipated new Radio 3 brass band series starts on Sunday with a musical trip to Norway...


Music

Own choice works revealed for Stavanger

April 25 • A wide ranging selection of major test-piece works will be performed in Stavanger.


NYBBGB

National Youth Band sells out in Halifax

April 25 • The National Youth Band of Great Britain will be joined by the British Army Brass Band for a sell out concert in Halifax this weekend.


bRADOFRD

Bradford boost for Black Dyke Band

April 25 • The Yorkshire champion's involvement in Bradford's celebration as the UK City of Culture on Radio 2 has gained widespread plaudits.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Sunday 27 April • St Wilfrid's Church, Church Street, Kirkby In Ashfield NG17 8LA


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 4 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Contest: European Brass Band Championshiips

Friday 9 May • Konzerthaus, SandvigÃ¥ 1, 4007 Stavanger, Norway


Dobcross Silver Band

April 24 • Great opportunity for a PERCUSSIONIST to join this already talented section in what is already a band with a full brass section. We are looking to enhance our percussion section as we prepare for Nationals in September . Enjoyable playing and social band!


Hathersage Band

April 24 • SECOND TROMBONE. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving non-contesting community band. We enjoy making music and have a comprehensive gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Chinnor Silver

April 22 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are recommencing rehearsals on 28th Monday at 11am in our bandroom and we would love you to join us.. We welcome players of all abilities who just fancy a friendly fun blow with cake and coffee thrown in.. Its all free so join us.


David Hirst

MA, B.Ed (Hons), LTCL
Conductor, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd