Faroe Islands with the foundation of political parties of the Faroe Islands. In the first year of World War II, on 12 April 1940, British troops occupied the Faroe Islands, shortly after the Operation Weserübung with the Nazi German invasion of Denmark on 9 April 1940. In 1942–1943 the British Royal Engineers, under the leadership of Lt. Col. William Law MC, built the only airport in the Faroe Islands, Vágar Airport. Control of the islands reverted to Denmark following the war, but Danish rule had been undermined, and Iceland's independence served as a precedent for many Faroese. The Faroese independence referendum, 1946
Church of the Faroe Islands his absence, and sits "ex officio" on the Church of the Faroe Islands ministerial council. There are around twenty-five ordained priests serving the churches and chaplaincies of the Church of the Faroe Islands. Around 60 churches and chapels are grouped into 14 parishes across the country. The Church of the Faroe Islands clergy directory lists 25 parish priests "(Sóknarprestur)", of whom one also serves as hospital chaplain, and one as diocesan exorcist. "For pre-Reformation bishops see Ancient Diocese of the Faroe Islands" Church of the Faroe Islands The Church of the Faroe Islands (, "people's church") is one of the