Norwegian SOE agents operating from Chiltern Court, London

I have some written and verbal evidence that Norwegian SOE agents were briefed in various flats in Chiltern Court, which is a block of flats above Baker Street underground station. I would like to have a plaque erected to these brave men. Does anyone have any information about Norwegian SOE agents at Chiltern Court?

This must be up Bob Pearsons alley

Hi there,

Yes, Chiltern Court the building above Baker Street tube station was used for the briefing, de-briefing and general work for Norwegian SOE. Other country sections also used the building as well as other buildings nearby. As far as I am aware there are no plaques dedicated to the men and women of Norwegian SOE attached to the building or tube station, but I have not visited that particular area for a while so I may be wrong. However, a memorial to SOE in general has just been unveiled on the Albert Embankment, London.

Of course, there were other buildings and areas used for Norwegian SOE, particularly in Scotland, and I believe there are stones and plaques dedicated to Norwegians close to these places, but a plaque adorned to Chiltern Court would be very appropiate.

Somwhere amongst my books I have a list of buildings/places that concerned Norwegian Section SOE. I will endeavour to find that list and publish it on the forum.

Cheers

Bob

Thanks, Bob. I'd be really pleased to have some book references to help me compile a dossier to present to Westminster. I have some but probably not enough.

The daughter of one of the heroes of Telemark told me that there was a reference to Chiltern Court in one of Malcolm Munthe's books but I can find only a reference to 64 Baker Street. She recalls her father pointing out Chiltern Court to her as they passed on the bus.

I went to the unveiling of the SOE monument on Albert Embankment and there is a plaque on it to the heroes of Telemark but that's the only plaque in London. There is one to the Norwegian government in exile on Kingston House North, but that's a different group of people!

Sue

Hi Sue,

I will do my best to assist. Please give me a few days as I am up to my eyes with other Norwegian projects, but I will get back to you.

For those who happen to be in London or are planning a trip there then the following may be of some help:

The memorial to SOE is close to Lambeth Bridge (on the Thames Path) next to Lambeth Palace. This is near St Thomas' Hospital Dental school. Opposite you will see the Houses of Parliament. Not far away is the Battle of Britain memorial - truly an awesome monument to those who fought against tyranny.

This link will certainly be of assistance:

http://www.thepublicmemorialsappeal.org/

Mvh

Bob

Thanks, Bob. No time pressure. I worked on this a few years ago and have recently taken it up again.

Forgot to say that the Munthe book that I read was 'Sweet is War'.

Sue

Hi Sue,

Apologies for the delay, but I have been heavily involved with various projects.

From my own collection it would appear that the only book that mentions Baker Street, in particular 'Chiltern Court' is William McKenzie's excellent tome - 'The Secret History of SOE - Special Operations Executive 1940-1945'. It's available in hard and soft back and should be available via your local library.

In the book McKenzie states that Norwegian SOE occupied Chiltern Court, but I have been informed by one ex-Norwegian SOE worker that others were also stationed there, including for a time, General de Gaulle. However, the information that McKenzie provides on Chiltern Court is sketchy at best. Mckenzie does mention other establishments which Norwegian SOE used, such as 'Holding Houses' and training camps. This is quite useful.

Chiltern Court, as you know, is above Baker Street Tube Station and I guess its most famous resident, aside from Norwegian SOE and de Gaulle, was the late Hughie Green!

Finally, I am always very interested in the first Norwegians who worked for SOE. Principally, there were 6 men - enlisted ranks, but I am also interested in officers - Fenriks and above - who joined SOE at the beginning, this includes Norwegians who worked for 'D Section' and SO2.

Cheers

Bob

BTW Perhaps Professor Salmon of Newcastle University would be in a better position to add more detail to Chiltern Court. He specialises in Scandinavian studies and is particularly interested in Norway during WW2 - just a thought

Thanks, Bob. Your reply was very helpful. I will get the book out of the library.

I used to live in Chiltern Court. There is evidence of a shooting gallery in the basement and Joachim Rønneberg tells me that he practised shooting there.

Is Professor Salmon part of this user group? Alternatively, do you have contact details for him?

Sue

Bob Pearson wrote:Hi Sue,

Apologies for the delay, but I have been heavily involved with various projects.

From my own collection it would appear that the only book that mentions Baker Street, in particular 'Chiltern Court' is William McKenzie's excellent tome - 'The Secret History of SOE - Special Operations Executive 1940-1945'. It's available in hard and soft back and should be available via your local library.

In the book McKenzie states that Norwegian SOE occupied Chiltern Court, but I have been informed by one ex-Norwegian SOE worker that others were also stationed there, including for a time, General de Gaulle. However, the information that McKenzie provides on Chiltern Court is sketchy at best. Mckenzie does mention other establishments which Norwegian SOE used, such as 'Holding Houses' and training camps. This is quite useful.

Chiltern Court, as you know, is above Baker Street Tube Station and I guess its most famous resident, aside from Norwegian SOE and de Gaulle, was the late Hughie Green!

Finally, I am always very interested in the first Norwegians who worked for SOE. Principally, there were 6 men - enlisted ranks, but I am also interested in officers - Fenriks and above - who joined SOE at the beginning, this includes Norwegians who worked for 'D Section' and SO2.

Cheers

Bob

BTW Perhaps Professor Salmon of Newcastle University would be in a better position to add more detail to Chiltern Court. He specialises in Scandinavian studies and is particularly interested in Norway during WW2 - just a thought

Hi Sue,

Professor Patrick Salmon is now Chief Historian at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. I am not sure if he visits this site, probably unlikely, but if he does then he has never revealed himself.

The link to the FCO is:

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/

I have no direct contact and so you will have to try their main switchboard or mail them. The last time I chatted to Prof Salmon was a a few years back and it would be highly unlikely that he would remember me! However, I found him to be a first class chap, very polite and very helpful.

Hope it helps a little

Kind regards,

Bob