Kolbein Lauring

Kolbein Widrik Lauring (15 June 1914 – 31 May 1987) was a Norwegian resistance member during World War II.

Biography He grew up in Ljan (until 1948 a part of Aker) together with later resistance ace Max Manus. The two participated as volunteers on the Finnish side in the Winter War, a war between the Soviet Union and Finland from 1939 to 1940. When Germany invaded and occupied Norway in 1940, Lauring and Manus returned to Norway. They first participated in the Norwegian Campaign, where Lauring was taken prisoner-of-war at Akershus Fortress in the early phase. Lauring could be facing a death penalty, but then Germany released the prisoners-of-war to gain acceptance for their occupation. Lauring and Manus then travelled north together, attempting to reach the Battles of Narvik via Sweden. However, Norway capitulated before they could reach the northern front lines. Instead the two joined the secret resistance movement. During his stay in Møllergata 19, he reportedly helped Secret Intelligence Service officer Sverre Midtskau escape (in December 1941) as he managed to copy the door keys belonging to a German guard. Lauring spent a final year at Grini concentration camp, from 8 September 1942 to 9 October 1943, before being released. Lauring then rejoined the resistance fight, meeting up with Max Manus who had arrived from the United Kingdom by parachute a few days earlier. Among others, he helped in ship sabotage (Operation Bundle).

Another major incident took place on 4 April 1945, when his apartment at Ljan was surrounded by Wehrmacht. This was a part of the German exposure of Operation Derby. There was a shoot-out, but Lauring managed to escape to a safe house. During the shoot-out Kolbein's wife Kari telephoned Max Manus and other associated people about the imminent crackdown, saving many lives. but was later decorated with the British King's Medal for Courage in the Cause of Freedom. He died in 1987, followed by his wife in 1993.

In 2008, Kolbein Lauring was made famous to a broader audience when his character was included in the film Max Manus. He was portrayed by actor Christian Rubeck.