Kirkenes
Minka of Southampton - Cruising Log
Edmund Wigan
Sun 31 Jul 2011 07:25
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Position N69 43.2 E030 04.5 Kirkenes Sailing
Club
Kirkenes is designated as a city but only has a
population of 9,000. This is in the context of the Norwegian total population
being 4 million. Because of its location and the local iron ore and nickel mines
it was seen as a key strategic target during the world war II. The Germans
occupied it and the Russians bombed it until not much was left standing. Only 8
locals were killed largely because a substantial bomb shelter was built in
the rock under the town. When the Germans retreated they burnt the remaining
buildings so that the Russians would have no shelter. Only 20 buildings remained
recognisable.
This is the church
 and the high street
 and finally a group of houses.
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