As the world marks a significant milestone, Count Folke "Ockie" Bernadotte, a humanitarian and diplomat, turns 90 years old. Born on February 8, 1931, Ockie Bernadotte is the son of Count Folke Bernadotte af Wisborg and Countess Estelle Bernadotte, a family deeply rooted in European nobility. His paternal grandfather, Prince Oscar of Sweden, was a prominent figure in the royal family, and his maternal grandfather, Hiram Edward Manville, was the president of the Johns-Manville Corporation.
Count Ockie Bernadotte's life has been marked by remarkable achievements. His father, Count Folke Bernadotte, was a renowned humanitarian who negotiated the release of around 31,000 prisoners from German concentration camps during World War II. Ockie Bernadotte himself played a significant role in international diplomacy, serving as the United Nations Security Council mediator in the Arab–Israeli conflict of 1947–1948. His life is a testament to the enduring legacy of his family's commitment to humanitarian work and diplomacy.
what was count folke bernadotte's role in world war ii
Count Folke Bernadotte played a significant role in World War II as a humanitarian and diplomat. He negotiated the release of around 31,000 prisoners from German concentration camps, including 450 Danish Jews from the Theresienstadt camp. Additionally, he was involved in the rescue operation known as the "White Buses" where he led the effort to transport interned Norwegians, Danes, and western European inmates from German concentration camps to hospitals in Sweden. This operation, which took place in the spring of 1945, resulted in the safe passage of around 15,000 people, including a few thousand Jews.
what was the sveriges scoutforbund and how did count folke bernadotte integrate it into sweden's defense system
The Sveriges Scoutforbund, also known as the Swedish Boy Scouts, was an organization that Count Folke Bernadotte was involved with. He integrated the Sveriges Scoutforbund into Sweden's defense system by training the scouts in anti-aircraft work and as medical assistants. This integration allowed the scouts to contribute to the country's defense efforts during World War II.
what was the purpose of the sveriges scoutforbund
The purpose of the Sveriges Scoutförbund was to promote and organize Scouting activities in Sweden. It was one of the main organizations involved in the development and growth of Scouting in the country, particularly among boys.
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| Count Ockie and Countess Christine Bernadotte. |
On 8 February 1931, Count Folke "Ockie" Bernadotte af Wisborg was born at Pleasantville, New York, as the second son of Count Folke Bernadotte af Wisborg (1895-1948) and his wife Countess Estelle (1904-1984; née Manville). Ockie Bernadotte made his entrance to the world at the home of his maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. H. Edward Manville. He joined an older brother, Count Gustaf Eduard (1930-1936). Upon the birth of their second child, Folke and Estelle received congratulations from King Gustaf V of Sweden and other members of the royal family.
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| Prince Oscar Bernadotte. |
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| Princess Ebba Bernadotte. |
Count Ockie Bernadotte (b.1931) is the paternal grandson of Prince Oscar of Sweden (1859-1953), Duke of Gotland, who married Ebba Henrietta Munck af Fulkila (1858-1946) in 1888. As a result of this marriage, Oscar gave up his royal and ducal title as well as his rights of succession and was created Prince Bernadotte and Count af Wisborg. The latter title, Count(ess) Bernadotte af Wisborg, is borne by the descendants of Oscar and Ebba. Count Ockie Bernadotte is the maternal grandson of Hiram Edward Manville (1872-1944), the president of the Johns-Manville Corporation, and his wife Henrietta Estelle Romaine (1878-1947).
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| Countess Estelle Bernadotte. |
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| Count Folke and Countess Estelle with their sons Gustaf Eduard and Ockie, 1934. |
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| Count Folke and Countess Estelle with their sons Ockie and Bertil on Rhodes, February 1948. Photograph (c) Getty Images/Frank Scherschel. |
In 1928, Count Folke Bernadotte, son of Prince Oscar and Princess Ebba Bernadotte, married Estelle Romaine Manville, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. Edward Manville. Folke and Estelle had four sons: Count Gustaf Eduard (1930-1936), Count Folke "Ockie" (b.1931), Count Frederik (1934-1944), and Count Bertil (b.1935). Ockie's father Folke was a Swedish diplomat. During World War II, Count Folke Bernadotte negotiated the release of around 31,000 prisoners from German concentration camps, including 450 Danish Jews from the Theresienstadt camp. In May 1948, Folke Bernadotte was unanimously chosen to be the United Nations Security Council mediator in the Arab–Israeli conflict of 1947–1948. The count, aged fifty-three, was assassinated at Jerusalem in September 1948. In 1973, his widow Countess Estelle Bernadotte married Carl Erik Sixten Ekstrand (1910-1988).
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| Ockie Berndotte and Christine Glahns. |
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| The cover of Svansk Damlidning: Count Ockie and Countess Christine. |
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| Count Ockie and Countess Christine Bernadette af Wisborg. |
On 2 July 1955, Count Folke "Ockie" Bernadotte af Wisborg married
Christine Glahns (b.1932) at Grangärde. The couple have four children, two daughters and two sons: Countess Anne Christine (b.1956; married Per Larsen), Count Carl Folke (b.1958; married Birgitta Elisabeth Larsson), Countess Maria Estelle (b.1962; married Umberto Ganfini), and Count Gunnar Fredrik (b.1963; married Karin Lindsten).
We wish Count Ockie many happy returns of the day!
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As we conclude our journey through the remarkable life of Count Folke "Ockie" Bernadotte, we are reminded of the profound impact he had on the world. His tireless efforts to rescue prisoners from concentration camps during World War II, including the White Buses operation, saved countless lives and left a lasting legacy. His dedication to humanitarian work and diplomacy was unwavering, and his contributions to the United Nations, particularly in the Arab-Israeli conflict, were instrumental in shaping the course of history. As we celebrate his 90th birthday, we honor his memory by reflecting on the lessons he taught us about compassion, perseverance, and the power of human connection.
Count Folke Bernadotte's life serves as a testament to the enduring importance of humanitarian work and diplomacy. His story is a beacon of hope, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there are individuals who will risk everything to make a difference. As we move forward, we would do well to draw inspiration from his example, striving to emulate his courage, compassion, and commitment to the greater good. May his life and legacy continue to inspire future generations to work towards a world where all people can live in peace and harmony, free from the scourge of war and oppression. May we never forget the lessons of Count Folke Bernadotte, a true hero of our time.
what were some of count folke bernadotte's notable achievements during his lifetime
Count Folke Bernadotte's notable achievements during his lifetime include:
Negotiating the release of prisoners from German concentration camps: He successfully negotiated the release of around 31,000 prisoners, including 450 Danish Jews from the Theresienstadt camp, during World War II.
Integrating the Sveriges Scoutforbund into Sweden's defense system: He transformed the Swedish Boy Scouts into a defense organization, training scouts in anti-aircraft work and as medical assistants, thereby contributing to Sweden's defense efforts during World War II.
Leading the "White Buses" rescue operation: He organized the rescue of interned Norwegians, Danes, and western European inmates from German concentration camps to hospitals in Sweden, saving around 15,000 people, including a few thousand Jews.
Serving as the United Nations Security Council mediator in the Arab-Israeli conflict: He was chosen unanimously to mediate the conflict in 1947-1948, attempting to broker a peace agreement between Arab and Jewish leaders.
Receiving a German surrender offer from Heinrich Himmler: He was approached by Himmler with a German surrender offer, although it was ultimately rejected by the Allies.
These achievements demonstrate Count Bernadotte's dedication to humanitarian work, diplomacy, and his role in shaping the course of international relations during World War II and its aftermath.
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