Anders Lassen Bust

A young Dane’s defiance echoes here at the Anders Lassen Bust.  He chose a path of extraordinary bravery, far from the peaceful estates of his upbringing.  The Anders Lassen Bust in Churchillparken, Copenhagen, commemorates Major Anders Lassen, a Danish hero of World War II. Lassen, born in 1920, felt the sting of Nazi occupation in his homeland. He left Denmark and joined the British Commandos in 1940, eager to fight back. His natural leadership and courage quickly shone through. Lassen participated in daring raids across Europe and North Africa.  He was instrumental in Operation Postmaster, a daring capture of enemy ships from a neutral Spanish port. This act of bravery earned him his first Military Cross. Later, as part of the Special Boat Service and Special Air Service, he led countless daring missions. His exploits in the Aegean Islands, disrupting German operations, were legendary.  The Anders Lassen Bust stands as a testament to his unwavering courage. His colleagues nicknamed him “The Terrible Viking” – a testament to his ferocity in battle. In April 1945, near Lake Comacchio, Italy, Lassen led a crucial diversionary raid.  Facing overwhelming odds, he and his small team attacked three German positions. Lassen, mortally wounded, still managed to throw a grenade that enabled his men to secure the final objective. He refused evacuation, knowing it would endanger his men. Lassen’s selfless act earned him the Victoria Cross, the only one awarded to a non-Commonwealth soldier during World War II. The inscription on the bust reads: “Fallen for Denmark’s freedom in allied service.” The Anders Lassen Bust, a symbol of extraordinary courage and sacrifice, serves as a poignant reminder of a Dane who fought far from home for the freedom of his nation and the world.