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Fish Friers

Elite Makes Arthur’s Wish Come True

Article Date: 2015-05-21

Ninety-one-year-old war veteran Arthur Harrison has for the first time visited the Norway grave of his brother, who was killed in action 75 years ago.

Arthur, who lives in Lincoln in the UK, had a four-day visit to Norway thanks to The Elite Fish and Chip Company, who paid for and organised his trip after Arthur’s family won a competition.

On Saturday (16th May) Arthur visited Trondheim Stavne Cemetery, the last resting place of brother Private Edward ‘Ted’ Harrison of the 4th Battalion of the Royal Lincolnshire Regiment.

Edward was killed in action near Steinkjer on 22nd April 1940, aged 21.

Accompanied by his son-in-law Trevor Fox, grandson Robert Crosbie and host Paul Kiddell, Arthur laid a Royal British Legion poppy wreath at Edward’s grave. Arthur and his family also visited Krogs Farm, the scene of a World War Two battle, and By Farm where Edward died.

"The weekend was marvellous - out of this world,” said Arthur. "We were treated like VIPs by the wonderful people of Norway. The experience has helped me discover the answers about what happened to my brother and helped me to finalise what was left open all of these years. I’m so grateful to Elite and everyone I met.”

Arthur’s grandson Robert Crosbie said: "We had an amazing weekend. Grandad has a smile from ear-to-ear! Paul Kiddell was a fantastic host and we will keep in touch.”

On Sunday, Arthur and family visited the Steinkjer Memorial and were thrilled to take part in Norway’s National Day in Namsos, where local dignitaries presented them with medals made from salvaged Norwegian silver.

Robert Crosbie added: "We would like to thank the lovely people of Namsos for an amazing day. We were honoured to share their National Day with them.”

Arthur’s daughter Susan Fox said: "They had a truly wonderful time. They were treated like VIPs for the weekend.”

The trip to Norway was organised and funded by The Elite Fish and Chip Company after Arthur’s wish was chosen as the winner of its Christmas Wish competition.

Rachel Tweedale, manager of The Elite Fish and Chip Company’s Sleaford restaurant and takeaway, said: "It’s been an honour and a privilege to have helped in making Arthur’s wish come true.”

Private Edward Harrison was killed in action on 22nd April 1940 at By Farm, two kilometres north east of Steinkjer, when the German Luftwaffe bombed and destroyed Steinkjer. Edward was initially buried in a field. He was reburied at the church in the nearby village of Egge on 17th May 1940 (Norway’s National Day). After the war, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission reburied Edward at Trondheim.


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