Magnhild Bugge

A female Salvation Army major became well known to prisoners in those days, not only to Norwegian prisoners but also to those of other nationalities. Her name was Gunvor Wilberg, and she worked tirelessly to improve life for the prisoners. She had lived on the Philippines for many years, and during the attack on Manila she got a hold of an old truck and drove out to the front with supplies to the soldiers, carrying a pass from General MacArthur himself. During the so-called death march, she was again able to bring both physical and moral comfort to many of the prisoners. The headquarters for the Salvation Army in the US received a thank you note from E. P. King Jr., requesting that his personal and heartfelt gratitude be conveyed to Miss Wilberg "for her efforts to improve conditions for my men during the unfortunate days following Apr. 9-1942. Even where her attempts were blocked by the Japanese I can assure you that her kindness did much to give the men new hope, and helped them endure the terrible march. Many survived who I believe would not have, had it not been for her efforts." Later, she smuggled in food and tobacco to the prisoners of Santo Tomas, and was able to pass on news and continue to give moral support. Her friend, Magnhild Bugge, who lived in Manila with her little son also helped out. Lise Lindbæk says her husband was interned after his ship was captured on Dec. 7-1941, but I believe this is an error. Her husband must have been the Anton Sofus Bugge who is listed under Proteus on my POW's page; this ship was scuttled on March 2-1942. Both women received Haakon VII's frihetskors. ("Tusen norske skip", Lise Lindbæk).