Definition
Andreas Aubert (3 August 1910 – 11 May 1956) was a Norwegian resistance member during the Second World War. He served with the Norwegian Independent Company 1 and was a prominent operative in the sabotage group known as Oslogjengen.
Overview
Born in Oslo, Aubert joined the Norwegian Independent Company 1 (Kompani Linge) in 1942, attaining the rank of ensign. He became one of the key figures in Oslogjengen, a clandestine sabotage unit under the command of Gunnar Sønsteby. Owing to his leadership abilities, Aubert was frequently assigned the most demanding missions carried out by the group.
In early May 1945, he participated in securing the Department of Justice archives, which documented Nazi activities in Norway. Following the liberation, Aubert served as a bodyguard for the returning Norwegian royal family. For his wartime service, he received Norway’s highest military decoration, the War Cross with Sword, as well as the St. Olav’s Medal with Oak Branch and the King’s Commemorative Medal with bar 1940‑1945.
After the war, Aubert led a restless life and died in Oslo at the age of 45. He is interred at Vestre Gravlund cemetery.
Etymology/Origin
The surname Aubert is of French origin, derived from the Germanic personal name Adalbert (“noble bright”). The name entered Norway through families of French or German descent who settled in Scandinavia in earlier centuries. The given name Andreas is the Greek form of Andrew, meaning “manly” or “brave”.
Characteristics
- Military affiliation: Member of Norwegian Independent Company 1; later a leading operative in Oslogjengen.
- Roles and skills: Demonstrated strong leadership, strategic planning, and proficiency in sabotage operations. Frequently entrusted with high‑risk missions.
- Awards: War Cross with Sword (Norway’s highest wartime honor), St. Olav’s Medal with Oak Branch, King’s Commemorative Medal (1940‑1945).
- Post‑war activity: Served as a royal bodyguard; involved in the preservation of wartime documentation.
Related Topics
- Norwegian resistance movement
- Norwegian Independent Company 1 (Kompani Linge)
- Oslogjengen (Oslo sabotage group)
- Gunnar Sønsteby, commander of Oslogjengen
- War Cross with Sword (Norway)
- St. Olav’s Medal with Oak Branch
- King’s Commemorative Medal (1940‑1945)
- Vestre Gravlund cemetery
Sources: Wikipedia entry “Andreas Aubert (resistance member)”, 2023.