Faroe Islanders As Wartime Britishers

Northern Advocate, 9 May 1940, Page 9

Faroe Islanders As Wartime Britishers

The Danish Faroe Islands, which Britain took over for the duration of the war as soon as the Nazis overran Denmark, adds temporarily to the Empire an area of 540 miles and a population of 25,000. The Faroes (Sheep Islands) lie bej tween the Shetlands and Iceland, on the great submarine ridge that runs right across the North Atlantic. Munken, the southernmost rock of the group, is only 170 miles from the Butt of Lewis, in the Outer Hebrides. Shetland fishermen often visit the i Faroes. Otherwise, except for casual I visits by trawlers, the islands have in j the past had little communication I with the British Isles. Of the 18 islands of the Faroes, 17 are inhabited. The people are of Norwegian descent. The original Norwegian settlers came from the Hebrides and Ireland, and there was a considerable admixture of Scottish and Irish blood. The Faroe language, a variety of the old Norse, has become a written language only within the last century. It was first used in writing by two friends —one at home and one at college in Copenhagen—who corresponded in it. In recent years a number of books have been published in the language. The newspapers issued in Thorshaven, the capital, though mainly in Danish, give poems and sketches in the Faroe tongue. The chief link with Denmark is the Amtmand, or Governor. He is ap- ! pointed for life by the King of Denmark. No trees grow in the Faroes. The chief crop is potatoes but oats, barley, turnips, carrots, and other vegetables are grown. A Faroe cornfield averages ten square yards. All cultivation is done with the spade. The islands have 60,000 sheep. Shears are unknown, and the wool is pulled off. The Faroes have also a pony, akin to the Shetland pony. There have been only two motor cars in the Faroes. The Faroe Islanders depend a good deal on seabirds, which are caught in large numbers. The islanders are skilful and daring cliff climbers. Fishing is also an important industry. Faroe sailing craft carry salt fish direct to Spain. As a station for the Northern Patrol, watching the seas between Scotland and Greenland, the Faroes are handily placed. The harbour of Thorshaven is not good, but there are excellent anchorages for large ships at Vestmanhaven and Vaagfiord.