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Opening times for historic warship's Newcastle visit before it leaves on WednesdayA 100-year-old Royal Navy veteran will be among this week's visitors to the 114-year-old S/S Hestmanden in

the Tyne and here's when the public can also board for free before the warship sets sailCommentsBarbara Hodgson Life Writer16:45, 02 Jun 2025The Historic Norwegian War Ship SS Hestmanden

visits Newcastle The arrival into the Tyne of a historic Norwegian warship is proving hugely popular, with crowds turning out to see the vessel which played such an important role in the

war-time convoys. The S/S Hestmanden sailed into Newcastle on Saturday for a tour stop-off to mark the 80-year anniversary of VE Day.

The cargo ship was a vital part of the war-time convoys and is the only survivor of both the First and Second World War efforts. As previously reported, the local Maritime Volunteer Service

welcomed its arrival with a parade of sail to escort it from North Shields to the city and now, moored at Spiller's Wharf, it has been attracting lots of attention.

‌ It will remain here until Wednesday and until then it is opening daily to the public who can board for free. And they can take the opportunity to learn more about its fascinating story.

‌ The 200ft-long vessel helped the British war effort by keeping supply lines open and this meant undergoing hazardous voyages. Its work, particularly during the Second World War, included

transporting medicine, food, fuel, ammunition and weapons and it even helped transport soldiers between Nazi-occupied Norway and Shetland as well as evacuating refugees and Allied soldiers.

It now serves as a floating war sailors museum and, as reported, those who visit during its Newcastle stay will be able to see the likes of interactive exhibitions inside its hull and the

working of its 114-year-old steam engine. Opening times for the remainer of its stay, subject to operational issues, will be from 11am until 6pm on Tuesday, June 3.

On its last day - Wednesday, June 4 - it will be open to the public from 11am until 4pm, giving people a final opportunity to board before it sets sail. Its visit has already strengthened

maritime bonds between Norway and the North East, with a special chapel service taking place inside Trinity House on the Quayside on Sunday.

Article continues belowRoyal Navy veteran Roy Elwood served as a radar operator on board HMS Zambesi during the Second World War Anyone keen to arrange a group visit to S/S Hestmanden is

invited to contact Trinity House. The ship's visit has also connected with some local people's family history.

Visitors have included those with Norwegian relatives who served on similar ships during the wartime convoys and on Wednesday a 100-year-old Royal Navy veteran is due to be a very special

guest. Roy Elwood was involved in the Arctic Convoys to Russia during the Second World War, serving as a radar operator on board HMS Zambesi.

‌ In a defining moment of the war, the ship was one of four Royal Navy destroyers to take part in the daring rescue of more 500 Norwegian civilians from the island of Sørøya following the

occupying German forces' 'scorched earth' retreat from Norway. He recalls: “The Norwegians had been hiding from German forces in the snow-covered mountains.

"We were proud to help bring them to safety." The Norwegians were later escorted by merchant ships to Scotland on a journey subjected to German U-boat attacks, storms and sinkings.

One ship, SS Henry Bacon, became separated from the convoy and was sunk by German aircraft. In an act of sacrifice, merchant seamen gave up space in lifeboats for 19 Norwegian evacuees and

Roy and his family have stayed in contact with survivors and descendants from the mission.

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