S/S Wanja & M/V Mim: ships changed strategies in the North Atlantic in WWII

Speaker: Synnøve Marie Kvam

In the space of a couple of weeks in October-November 1939, at the very beginning of WWII, Scandinavian merchant ships S/S Wanja and M/V Mim were lost on Orkney. Both ships had Royal Navy prize crews onboard at the time of loss and had been diverted to Kirkwall for inspection when they ran aground. The fate of these ships led to significant changes in routines and orders, including changes in Royal Navy Northern Patrol orders, changes in instructions from Norwegian shipping companies to their captains, a British and a German propaganda campaign, and a post-war trial against the Admiralty that set precedent. The events are intertwined with the sinking of the HMS Royal Oak, a Nazi assassination, and a suicide - all in a situation with unclear responsibilities and alliances in the making.

About the speaker

Synnøve Marie Kvam is a researcher for the S/S Wanja & M/V Mim project. She is an archaeologist, with a degree from UCL and is experienced in studying shipwrecks and in related archival research.

Synnøve is the CEO of her own consulting business and coordinates a number of explorations and related projects. In addition, she leads the Explorers Club, Norway Chapter, and was a former board member of the central board. Synnøve also has an MA in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of Sydney.

This event is open to the public and free to attend both in-person and online (via Zoom). In-person spaces are limited, so register now to secure your spot!