Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Ritmester

Unit:

1st Norwegian Division

Citation:
"Whilst serving with the 1st Norwegian Division, Rittmester IBSEN, by gallant and distinguished conduct rendered invaluable help to British Forces in the LILLEHAMMER area during the night April 21-22 140.

With full knowledge of the fact that German troopes were entering Lillehammer from the South, at great personal risk and on his own initiative, he returned to contact the British rear-guard, which during the night April 21-22 was withdrawing by march-route through the hills to the East of the town, and personally organised the collection of Norwegian lorries. By this action he prevented the whole of two companies of the 1/5 Leicesters being cut off.

During the early hours of April 22nd, the above mentioned rear-guard, whilst lorry-born and with-drawing through the North-eastern outskirts of Lillehammer, came under machine-gun fire from two civilian cars carrying Fifth Columnists. Rittmester Ibsen, who at the time was standing by the side of the road directing the lorry column personally engaged the enemy with a British Anti-tank Rifle, knocked out both cars and by his prompt and effective action, with complete disregards for his personal safety enabled the column to clear the town, which was then already occupied by enemy troops.

The whole of the above action was carried out entirely on Rittmester Ibsen's own initiative and appreciation of the situation as the situation as the official Norwegian Liaison Officer attached to 1/5 Leicesters had become a casualty."

WO 373/108/642