This obelisk-shaped statue honors Einar Sverdrup for his contributions to the community. Joining the “Store Norske Spitsbergen Kulkompani” in 1922, he rose to technical director by 1931 and later became the managing director in London in 1940. Sverdrup, also a lieutenant colonel, played a crucial role in establishing a Norwegian garrison during World War Two.
On May 14th, 1942, he fell during an attack on ships outside Barentsburg. The memorial, unveiled on July 13th, 1952, pays tribute to the “true son of Svalbard.”
