The Norway Campaign in World War Two

Page 2 of 7

• 1. Hitler's gamble
• 2. German troops land
• 3. Attack and counter-attack
• 4. Narvik
• 5. Evacuation
• 6. Britain's strategic failure
• 7. Find out more
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German troops land

By April the British had changed their plan, and reduced it to a relatively less complex mining operation. Then, as luck would have it, both the British and German operations went ahead at almost the same time. British mine-laying began early on 8 April, but was disrupted by news of major German fleet movements.

The Admiralty, on its own initiative, decided that all strength should be diverted to dealing with the German fleet at sea, and troops already aboard British cruisers and intended for the likely landings were disembarked. Hitler's troops landed on Norwegian soil the following day.

'The German operation was generally successful, but did not go entirely according to plan.'

The German operation was generally successful, but did not go entirely according to plan. At Oslo the brand new heavy cruiser Blucher was sunk by Norwegian coast defences in Oslo Fiord. This delayed the occupation of the capital, and allowed the members of the Norwegian government and royal family to escape.

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Published: 2004-06-07