Customer Reviews

Denmark and Norway 1940: Hitler's boldest operation (Campaign)

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The German invasion of Norway and Denmark is a fascinating subject in military history that unfortunately has not received a great deal of attention from English-speaking historians since the British Official History was published decades ago. Readers looking for an unbiased account of the military campaign were hard put to find a good single volume reference. However, Douglas C. Dildy, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel, provides that sorely needed reference in Osprey's Campaign No. 183. Not only does the author provide a well-balanced summary of the operations in Norway, but he also details the little-known operations in Denmark, as well. This is a very well put together campaign summary.

In the opening sections, the author lays out the origins of the campaign and the genesis of the German and Allied plans for Norway. The section on opposing commanders covers 3 German army leaders, 1 naval and 1 Luftwaffe leader, but skims over Norwegian leadership and then describes 3 British and 1 French leader. This section was a bit unbalanced, with French General Bethouart - the only Allied leader who accomplished anything of substance in the campaign getting only a nod (no photo), while British commanders who did little (e.g. Mackesy and Auchinleck) get more than their due. This unbalanced perspective is probably a result of over-reliance on the British official history, which slights the contributions of French, Norwegian and Polish officers while exaggerating the role of people who exercised only paper commands. The section on opposing forces is weightier, with 10 pages discussing relevant air, land and sea forces from all participants. A 2-page order of battle is also included.

Graphically, the volume includes five 2-D maps (Deployment of naval forces, 8 April 1940; the invasion of Denmark, 9 April 1940; Deployment of Royal Navy forces to counter the invasion of Norway, 9 April 1940; the German capture of Southern and Central Norway, 12 April - 3 May 1940; Deployment of forces for the Battle of Narvik, 10 May 1940), three 3-D BEV maps (seaborne assaults in Oslo fjord, 9 April 1940; the battles around Lillehammer, 20-24 April 1940; Allied forces recapture Narvik, 12-28 May 1940) and three battle scenes by John White (the destroyer battle in Narvik Harbor, 10 April 1940; the NBFZ B Heavy tank in the Battle of Kvam, 25 April 1940; FAA Skua attack on the Scharnhorst in Trondheim Fjord, 13 June 1940). The author also provides an excellent bibliography.

The campaign narrative lays out the opening German invasion moves in Norway and Denmark with a commendable level of detail for a volume this size. Coverage of the invasion of Denmark is particularly noteworthy, since few works address this subject (although the author does not really discuss why the troops in Jutland failed to defend the border but the palace guards defended the capital). The author then covers each invasion area in about a half-page, with emphasis on the capture of Oslo. The next sections deals with the Royal Navy's response, the arrival of Allied troops in Norway, the Luftwaffe's air superiority and the recapture of Narvik. Final sections cover the Allied evacuation and the last air-sea battles in Norwegian waters. The photographs supporting the text were excellent throughout the volume.

The author sees the German invasion of Norway as a Pyrrhic victory that crippled the Kriegsmarine for the rest of the war, but "as a joint campaign it set the standard and pattern for all other air-land-sea offensives that followed." I'm not sure that the war's outcome would have been much different if the cruiser Blucher and the 10 destroyers lost at Narvik had survived the campaign - after all, the Royal Navy had the Kriegsmarine outgunned before the invasion, so losses in the campaign could hardly be credited with altering the naval balance. The diversion of numerous divisions to guard Norway's coastline was probably more damaging for the German war effort, since about 10 badly-needed infantry divisions sat on the war on a sideshow front. Overall, this is a terrific effort, with the only significant omission being the lack of data on personnel casualties suffered in the campaign or aircraft losses.

I have read quite a bit about the Norwegian campaign, but this slender volume covers much that is new to me. Too often, the focus is on the initial invasion and the naval actions. The land side typically only rates brief mention about how the lack of air cover doomed the Allied counter-invasion. However, Doug Dildy instead focuses on the land side, detailing how the Germans managed to conquer Norway on a shoe-string. It is a remarkable story. There are plenty of maps to help understand the complex operation, the 3-D maps in particular being used to show critical actions in detail. He shows how German airpower was actually employed to help decide the battles; but it is also clear that German aggressiveness, tactical superiority and ability to out-maneuver their opponents was not limited to their panzer divisions.

The naval side is hardly slighted and Dildy also covers the invasion of Denmark, something usually completely ignored. It is very impressive how he was able to cram so much in just 96 pages; this book ranks among the best of the Osprey Campaign series.

When it came to discussing operational matters during WW2, many of Germany's most senior officers privately referred to Hitler as; "that Bavarian corporal." Whilst his position as supreme commander of all armed forces may well have led to Germany's initial successes at the beginning of WW2, his lack of requisite experience of military matters at every level became the main factor in Germany's inevitable failure and final defeat on all fronts.

No country can sustain several campaigns - by air, land and sea, in different theatres of war at the same time and expect to win them all. Hitler, of course knew better. In this book, retired US Army colonel Douglas Dildy examines a much overlooked part of WW2 during which Hitler sought to dominate Denmark and Norway.

In a work which is very well researched, I was staggered by some of the facts and figures produced about a campaign I previously knew little about. With all opposing sides including their commanders, troops, ships and aircraft carefully described, I was particularly surprised to discover how small the British fleet was on the day Britain declared war - even though this was the most powerful fleet in the world at that time. Similarly, I was not aware that Germany lost one heavy and two light cruisers, ten destroyers and six U Boats in this particular operation with only one battle cruiser, one heavy and one light cruiser and four destroyers surviving.

Having skilfully outlined all the protagonists and the forces available to each, this book contains an enthralling account of what actually happened in those northern climes in 1940. I was most impressed by the range of historic photographs which include several Allied personalities in addition to British and German individuals, ships, aircraft, actions and so forth. Once again, Osprey Publishing has included a selection of first-rate artwork to support an equally first-rate product.

This book covers one particular aspect of WW2 with great style. As such, it will fill a gap in the knowledge of a great many people and probably lead to further personal research on the part of many. It certainly has with me.

NM

As France and the low countries fell to the Nazi's in 1940, the fall of Denmark and Norway was almost a side show to it all, but there were important lessons learned in it and these are reported in one of the best Osprey Campaign books I've read in a long time.

Dildy explains why, with the major conflict about to break out in western Europe both sides suddenly started pouring resources into a fight elsewhere. He details the very careful plans of the Germans who moved divisions and their support forces and the almost laughably poor plans of the British who sent battalions and expected the locals to provide transport.

Reports of the fighting could get complicated in places as they range along the jagged coast and through mountain passes but Dildy is very careful in his pacing and keeps the reader well abreast of the action as it creeps up the Norwegian coast line. He alternates skillfully between the land, air and sea battles and points out the weaknesses and strengths of each side, the elements of dumb luck each side enjoyed and the fortunes of war that could have rolled either way.

If I were nitpicking for flaws it would be in the conclusion section that I would find them. Dildy misses the significance biggest casualty of the campaign, mentioned only in passing. As the shambolic nature of the British response in Norway became clear, the Conservative government of Chamberlain fell, the British parliament formed a coalition government. Dildy misses the crucial detail that because ultimately Chamberlain failed in Norway, as the war progressed, Hitler's Germany would be facing a Britain lead by Winston Churchill, quite possibly one of the most significant events of the entire war.

In the end though, as with most Osprey titles this is no where near the last word on its subject, the Scandinavian campaigns in 1940, but for someone with a casual interest or someone looking for a good starting point to learn more about this part of the second world war, it is an outstandingly good addition to the bookshelf

This is one of the most thorough accounts available of the 1940 northern campaigns. Although of vital importance, little has been written about operations in Denmark and Norway during World War 2. The Germans invaded both countries in April 1940 to ensure a continued flow of iron ore from Scandinavia and to secure additional northern naval bases so that their fleet would not be bottled up as it had been during the First World War. The campaign covered a huge area, involved some intense combat and was one of the only German operations to involve all military branches.

The author seamlessly weaves together a narrative of the complex naval, air and land actions of the campaign. The writing is exceptionally clear and easy to follow. The 2D maps are fantastic. They include: an overview of the operational area and initial fleet movements; the invasion of Denmark; the Royal Navy's response to the invasion; land movements from April 12 to May 3; the Battle of Narvik. This is a excellent account of a little known World War 2 campaign. It is also a example of the Osprey Campaign Series at its very best.

After reading this book I must agree with the other reviewers that this is a good Osprey book.

It covers a very important episode in World War 2, namely the German attack and occupation of Denmark and Norway, happening at the brink of the French invasion and being a complex sea, air and land campaign.

The book has detailed and helpful maps and the author has skill in presenting his subject and it has none of the hurried feel that some Osprey Books have of late. As a book in English on the Danish and Norwegean Campaings this is without the best and has everything you would need to know and great photographs to boot, if somewhat stiff and less than impressive colour plates but I have never found these to be indispensable.

There is only one area I would criticise and that is the conclusion. Here I think the author is guilty of overexamination. He states the German Objectives at the start and all of these were met and throughout the war Germany did appropriate considerable resources from both countries yet the author does not take this into any account. So I think his conclusion is over simplified.

Where he does shine is in style and the amount of detail he presents and he does all nationalities justice, this is a book about the French, Norwegean, Polish and Danish forces as well as the German and British.

I heartly recommend this book to anyone with interest in World War 2 and not just those who would take a paticular interest in this campaign.

Douglas Dildy, a retired Air Force colonel, does an excellent job in covering both the sea and ground action that began in early April, 1940 and included contingents of British, French, Polish and Norwegian forces going up against the Germans. This was just a month before Hitler attacked Belgium and France and the author shows this connection as Operation Weserubung lingers longer than expected. Hitler was obsessed with defeating France and all he could think about was that defeat; he overlooked the flanking benefits of controlling Norway and Denmark until his admirals reminded him that if Germany didn't control Denmark and Norway and their waters then Britain would. Under British controll access to the Atlantic would be closed and Germany would be landlocked as it was in WWI and most likely lose their critical source of iron ore. Once it was realized the importance access to the Atlantic for their u-boat squadrons would be, Hitler was more determined to go ahead with the invasion that would include ground, naval and air resources.
In Opposing Plans, Mr Dildy also shows the reactive attitude the overstretched British had in combating this threat, this opportunity as well as the underestimation of what the German response would be in controlling both Denmark and Norway. The French, concerned about defending a land invasion from Germany, also had a trepid response.

The layout of the book is traditional Osprey Campaign and the author allocates the proper space for each chapter. The opening chapters were brief yet still informative to allow more extensive coverage of the Opposing Forces and the Campaign. Sixty pages are devoted to the campaign while 12 pages are provided for describing the forces that would be involved in this expanding operation. This chapter included a nifty two page Orders of Battle which could come in handy. This would be the only successful operation of the war that included all three services for the Germans.

In the introduction the months leading up to the invasion are explained very well and will give a new reader a good understanding of the coming events and included the key personalities as well as the countries that would be involved. To bolster that understanding, a two page chronology is presented that covers the period of Sept, 1939 to July 1940 that includes the invasion of Poland, Belgium and France.
Opposing Commanders was only three pages but it was sufficient to develop brief profiles of the careers of Falkenhorst, Dietl, Lutjens and Geisler for the Germans and Boyle, Evans, Mackesy and Auchinleck for the British. Many of these officers saw action in the First War. Norway and Denmark are briefly mentioned. Quisling, the head of the Fascist party in Norway is especially mentioned for his traitorous deeds.
The coverage of the campaign was excellent and included the landing at the five important ports and the subsequent fighting to the north to capture the critical town of Narvik. The coordination of the navy and air force in supporting roles is also well done.

Included with the narrative are some of the best maps Osprey has offered. There are five 2-D and three 3-D maps and all the maps include annotation that really helps the reader follow the battle action. The maps include the opening deployment of forces, invasion of Denmark, assault on Oslo, the British response to the invasions, the German capture of southern and central Norway, the battles near Lillehammer, the battles for Narvik. Also included are three action illustrations which are good as well.
There are many photos that also cover the action on the ground, on the seas and in the air which will add to your experience.

Mr Dildy also includes a Bibliography and a suggested reading list if further study is desired. This is a very capable campaign and would be a great primer for those who want to read about this underrated chapter in the early months of the war. Its highly recommended.

DENMARK AND NORWAY, 1940: HITLER'S BOLDEST OPERATION
DOUG DILDY
OSPREY PUBLISHING, 2007
QUALITY SOFTCOVER, $18.95, 96 PAGES, ILLUSTRATIONS, PHOTOGRAPHS, MAPS


Starting in the spring of 1939, the British admiralty began to view Scandinavia as a potential theater of war in a future conflict with Germany. The British government was reluctant to engage in another land conflict on the continent that they believed would be a repeat of World War I. So they began considering a blockade strategy in an attempt to weaken Germany indirectly. German industry was heavily dependent on the import of iron ore from the northern Swedish mining district, and much of this ore during the winter months was shipped through the Norwegian port of Narvik. Control of the Norwegian coast would also serve to tighten a blockade against Germany.

In October, 1939, the chief of the German Kriegsmarine, Grand Admiral Erich Raeder, discussed with Hitler the danger posed by eventual British bases in Norway and the possibility of Germany seizing these bases before Great Britain could. Raeder argued that the possession of Norway would allow control of the nearby seas and serve as a staging base for future antisubmarine operations against Great Britain. But at this time, the Wehrmacht wasn't interetsed, and Hitler had just issued a directive stating that the main effort would be a land offensive through the Low Countries.

Toward the end of November, Churchill, as a new member of the British War Cabinet, proposed the mining of Norwegian waters. This would force the ore transports to travel through the open waters of the North Sea, where the Royal Navy could interdict them. This proposal was turned down by Chamberlain and Halifax, due to fear of an adverse reaction among neutral nations such as the United States. After the start of the Winter War between the Soviet Union and Finland in November, 1939 had changed the diplomatic situation. Churchill again proposed his mining scheme but once more was denied. In December, 1939, Great Britain and France began serious planning for sending aid to Finland. Their plan called for a force to land at Narvik in northern Norway, the main port for Swedish iron ore exports, and to take control of the Malmbanan railway line from Narvik to Lulea in Sweden on the shore of the Gulf of Bothnia. Conveniently, this plan would also allow the Allied forces to occupy the Swedish iron ore mining district. The plan received the support of both Chamberlain and Halifax. They were counting on the cooperation of Norway, which would alleviate some of the legal issues. But stern warnings issued to both Norway and Sweden resulted in strongly negative reactions in both countries. Planning for the expedition continued, but the justification for it was removed when Finland sued for peace in March, 1940.

Operation WESERUBUNG was the German codename for Nazi Germany's assault on Denmark and Norway during World War II and the opening operation of the Norwegian Campaign (the term means WESER EXERCISE or Operation WESER, the Weser being a river in Germany.)

In the early morning of 9 April 1940-Wesertag ("Weser Day"), Germany invaded Denmark and Norway-ostensibly as a preventive maneuver against a planned (and openly discussed) Anglo-French occupation of both these countries; upon arrival, envoys of the invading Germans informed both countries' governments that the Wehrmacht had come to "protect the countries' neutrality" against Anglo-French aggression. Significant differences in geography, location, and climate between the two countries made the actual invasions very dissimilar. The invasion fleet's normal landing time-Wesserstein ("Weser Hour") was set to go at 0515 German time (that would be 0415 Norwegian time.)

Operation WESERUBUNG didn't include a military assault on neutral Sweden-there was no need. By holding Norway, the Danish Straits and most of the shores of the Baltic Sea, the Third Reich encircled Sweden from the north, west, and south-and in the east, there was the former Soviet Union, which was on friendly terms with Hitler according to the terms of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. A small number of Finnish volunteers (an ambulance unit) helped the Norwegian Army fight the Germans.

DENMARK AND NORWAY, 1940: HITLER'S BOLDEST OPERATION saw a few firsts: joint land-naval-air operation and the operational deployment of paratroopers. This book does an outstanding job of describing the events of this tumultuous campaign that not only led to Churchill's appointment as British prime minister but also saw the German Kriegsmarine crippled as a fighting force.


Lt. Colonel Robert A. Lynn, Florida Guard
Orlando, Florida

Douglas C. Dildy's DENMARK AND NORWAY 1940: HITLER'S BOLDEST OPERATION tells of an assault which represented the first joint air-land-and-sea campaign in the history of warfare, and thus marked a turning point not just in one battle, but in military strategy as a whole. The campaign led to Winston Churchill's appointment as British Prime Minister and was a key event beyond the ordinary: as such this history needs a place in any serious World War II or general military bookshelf.