Ferdinand Anker Norwegian businessman Date of Birth: 12.12.1876 Country: Norway

1. Early Life and Education
2. Business Ventures
3. Industrial Leadership
4. Philanthropic and Social Roles
5. Political Involvement and Controversies
6. Trial and Conviction
7. Post-War and Final Years

Early Life and Education

Ferdinand Anker was born in Christiania (present-day Oslo), Norway. He attended a commercial school and spent time in Germany and France from 1897 to 1899, acquiring business knowledge.

Business Ventures

In 1899, Anker established his own company, primarily dealing in iron, steel, and construction metals. He later expanded into agricultural machinery production. In 1910, he took over his father's company, 'P. Schreiner sen. & Co.'

Industrial Leadership

Anker became involved in several prominent industrial corporations. In 1910, he joined the board of 'Kværner Brug' and became its chairman in 1914. He also managed 'Myrens Verksted,' 'Moss Værft & Dokk,' 'Landbruk Maskin,' 'A/S Staal & Jern,' and 'Jernmetal.'

Philanthropic and Social Roles

Anker held leadership positions in various organizations, including the 'Elektrisk Bureau', 'Nationaltheatret', 'Christiania Bank og Kreditkasse', and two charitable foundations supported by his family. From 1909 to 1916, he served as a member of the finance committee of the Conservative Party of Norway's Central Council.

Political Involvement and Controversies

Anker was politically active, joining the Employer's Association in 1925. In February 1946, during the post-World War II "purge" in Norway, he was arrested along with his manager on charges of "economic treason."

Trial and Conviction

Documents revealed that Anker had stored 8,000 tons of tin for the German military, stockpiled 12,100 tons of iron for the German navy, used forced labor, supplied spikes to the German Air Force, built whaling ships for the German navy, and carried out various assignments for the German command during the war.

Anker maintained his innocence, blaming his manager who handled his day-to-day operations. He was found guilty of treason, sentenced to one year in prison, and fined 3 million Norwegian kroner (now equivalent to approximately $10 million).

Post-War and Final Years

In 1950, Anker was sued by 'Sobral,' claiming that his company 'Moss Værft & Dokk' had breached a contract to build two ships during the war by diverting resources to build warships for Germany. The trial lasted seven years, reaching the Appellate Court in 1954.

Anker had been awarded the insignia of the Belgian Royal Order of the Lion before World War II. He passed away in 1954 and is buried in the Western Cemetery near Oslo.