Rolf Arne Berg was a Norwegian officer and fighter ace during World War II. After completing secondary school in 1938, he trained at the Army Flying School at Kjeller, earning his wings in 1939. He served with neutrality patrols in Norway before departing for the UK in 1940, later helping to establish Little Norway in Toronto, where he worked as an instructor.
In 1941, Berg returned to Britain to help form No. 331 (Norwegian) Squadron RAF. After further training, he joined the squadron in Scotland and moved with it to North Weald in 1942, taking part in missions over occupied Europe. He scored his first combat success in May, damaging a German Me 109. Following a rest period and advanced tactical training, he became squadron leader and later Wing Commander Flying of 132 Wing, flying a Spitfire marked “RAB” in Norwegian colors.
On February 3, 1945, though scheduled for rest, Berg joined a mission to attack a German airfield near Groningen. His drop tank failed to release, but he continued the attack and was shot down by anti-aircraft fire, crashing in Eelde-Paterswolde. Initially buried as an unknown airman, he was reinterred in Orkanger, Norway, in 1946.
Berg was credited with six enemy aircraft shot down, two probable kills, three damaged in the air, and six destroyed on the ground. His decorations include Norway’s War Cross with Sword, St. Olav’s Medal with Oak Branch, and War Medal, as well as Britain’s Distinguished Service Order and Distinguished Flying Cross with bar.
