Born 18th July 1887, Vidkun Quisling was the Norwegian Minister of Defence from 1931 to 1933. Subsequently, he formed the fascist National Union Party (which was subsidised by Germany). After the Nazi invasion of Norway in 1940, his 'Nasjonal Samling' party was the only one they recognised and, in 1942, he was installed as Prime Minister.

Quisling remained in power until May, 1945 and was largely responsible for the persecution of Norwegian Jews and for the introduction of terrorist methods in dealing with those loyal to the King and the government-in-exile. Following the surrender of the Germans in Norway, he was arrested and tried for high treason. He was executed by firing squad on 24th October 1945. His collaboration with Nazi Germany during World War II made his name synonymous with 'traitor'.