2005 Phoenix Won't Start

Operation Weserübung. Norwegian Campaign 1940.

Origins of the German war in Scandinavia .

After the seizure of Polish Adolf Hitler was planning an immediate attack France. Beating the country with a one of the strongest army in the world , he felt able to raise even the powerful colonial empires. Used by the German desire for revenge for the humiliation after losing the war. But elite of the Third Reich Military seeing overt stupidity of this plan, with difficulty persuaded führer to abandon it. Preparation country to the new campaign as the time needed for planning and development of tactical moves of the army. The rest of the procedure practiced for centuries among the military in the world. Implementation This required a powerful economic base, raw materials, food, trained military personnel and the favorable geographical layout. To this end, the Germans planned to attack Denmark and Norway . Occupation of Denmark was a necessary condition for the gain of Norway, which was the main objective of this military operation. Denmark was simply a line of transit between Germany and Norway. The deal guaranteed the acquisition of Norway's favorable operating bases to the sea and air operations against Britain and the German industry of war to ensure supplies of Swedish iron ore imported by the Norwegian port of Narvik. addition to subjugate those areas Germans guarantee more security for the fighting in western Europe. This eliminated the potential "Scandinavian allies" France, Belgium and the Netherlands that could force Germany to fight on the new front.

situation on the eve of the war .

After the German invasion of Poland, France and Britain declared war on the Third Reich 3 September 1939 , however, did not respond to his ally attacked any support. So, he lasted so. Strange War, which Germany is termed Sitzkriegu (sitting war). In this way, Poland, not the first time with the rest, has been betrayed by the west. Repeat This is also the peace conference in Tehran , Yalta and Potsdam . In September 1939 the military situation was very favorable for the Allies. The army of the Third Reich is almost entirely bound was fighting on Polish territory. immediately to fight the Western countries would in this case to address in Germany. Such a move would end the war barely begun. This would prevent the death of tens of millions of people who died as a result of war and political repression, in subsequent years of war. In addition, the obvious question after defeating Germany in Poland was attacking Western Europe in order to revenge for the previous conflict. But Western policy makers behave as if they wanted to develop a new global conflict. Only the prospect of losing its position in the western countries forced to interrupt a passive attitude. It happened just after the German aggression against the Scandinavian countries.

beginning of this war.

German attack on Denmark and Norway, which started 9 April 1940 , held codenamed "Operation Weserübung" . German successes were the result not only surprise but also the first once used on such a scale sabotage and diversionary sympathizers living in Norway, the national-socialist (and including the Norwegian and German), forming the so-called. "fifth column" . The Nazis used here for the experience acquired during the Soviet międzysojuszniczych contacts. Each of their shares to the Soviets supported the activities of foreign sabotage the local communist organizations.

The war .

9 April 1940 1931 General Leonhard Kaupischa body arrives in Denmark. Copenhagen is occupied in 12 hours. Country falls in one day. Against Norway, Germany staged 21 Corps. It consisted of five infantry divisions (69 , 163, 181 , 196 and 214 ) 2 (incomplete) and three Mountain Division, 40 Battalion and Armoured . At the head of the corps stood creator of "Operation Weserübung" General Nikolaus von Falkenhorst-Yastrzhembsky ^* . The Norwegian troops in the first stage of the war commander, General Kristian Laake . After his resignation of office "Norwegian Forces commander" took General Otto Ruge . The fighting in Norway, with the support of expeditionary troops from France, Britain, and Polish, elongated mid-June. Allied troops have had only one significant success in the defense of Narvik . Particular attention should be paid to Polish Brigade Riflemen under the command of General Zygmunt Szyszko-Bohusz , which is very deserved in this battle. In the battle of Narvik also earned troops French Foreign Legion. During the fighting at the "Norwegian Campaign" were used against ships Polish Navy. Particular covered themselves with glory, " ORP Orzel" (rumored that the British were behind the sinking, like the death of General Wladyslaw Sikorski ) ORP Burza ", ORP Lightning and ORP Grom , although the latter was sunk by a German bomb. The Kriegsmarine , under the command of Grand Admiral Erich Raeder, officially issued: 3 battleships (Lützow, Scharnhorst and Gneisenau), two heavy cruisers ("Admiral Hipper" and "Blücher" ); four light cruisers ("Cologne", "Königsberg", "Karlsruhe" and "Emden"); 14 destroyers, torpedo boats 8; 19 motor torpedo boats ; 7 trawl boats, 4 minesweepers and several other supporting ships. It is the main region struggles Norway became the sea. Navies of both sides of the conflict, in support of ground and air forces, largely contributed to these and other results are not specific encounters. Were helpful in the shelling of enemy positions, which are grouped in this campaign, especially in port cities. The exception was of course less numerous inland fighting. On the German side also played an active role Paratroopers . Because of their shares have suffered a number of significant successes.

end of the war.

After the capitulation of Norway, 10 June 1940 was established in Norway collaborative government pursuing the political guidelines of the Third Reich. Prime Minister of this government has been known to the Norwegian fascist Vidkun Quisling. His name will become a symbol for all European governments collaborating during World War II with the Third Reich. None decisiveness in action on the part of the British and French contributed to the fall of Norway. Germany after the occupation of this country have achieved their intended objectives. In Norway, the Germans built the base for many of its ships and aircraft. The victory in the campaign gave them the opportunity to refine the system struggle against Great Britain with the harmonious interaction of the Luftwaffe and Kriegsmarine , harassing the British coast, particularly base at Scapa Flow on Orkney . German losses amounted to almost 5,296 people, and the loss of Allied almost 4400. Losses Polish Tatra body is and 100 killed 200 wounded . In addition, both sides have lost many important warships. Germany lost three cruisers , 10 destroyers, one torpedo 8 and U-Bottów . Losses of German aviation equipment is 242 . While the Allies lost one aircraft carrier , 2 cruisers, destroyers 8 and 6 submarines . Allied Air is a loss of 50 aircraft .

German campaign in Denmark and Norway 1940.

Events during the war, "the Norwegian Campaign" .

• April 9, 1940. aggression of Germany against Denmark and Norway. German 31 corps, General Leonhard Kaupischa lands in Denmark. Country surrendered in one day. Copenhagen falls after 12 hours. From different parts of Norway (including by using paratroopers) affects 21 Corps Gen. Nikolaus von Falkenhorst.
• April 10, 1940. First Battle of Narvik . As a result, Germany captures the city and become stronger there. During the battle, the allied air and sink submarines Germany cruiser "Königsberg " and damage battleship Lützow . On the fjords of Narvik, Germany and the Allies lose the two destroyers. The Government of Norway and the royal family leave Oslo. Germany outside Narvik deal: Bergen, Trondheim , Oslo, Arendal , Stavanger, Egersund and many other major cities.
• April 11, 1940. From the standpoint of "commander in chief of the Norwegian forces," gives General Kristian Laake . After his resignation of the office include General Otto Ruge .
• April 13, 1940. Second Battle of Narvik. Germany lose 8 destroyers. Allied Plane sinks U-Bott. Notes merit in the battle ship Line (battleship) Warspite .
• 1914-1918 in April 1940. Allied landing in progress.
• April 17 1940. British land in Andalsnes forming their positions there. Similar landings take place with the other sections of the front. Ongoing heavy fighting, bombing and gunnery ostrzały the allied groupings.
• April 19, 1940. British 146 Brigade is supplanted by the Germans from Namsos to Steinkier .
• April 20, 1940. Namsos is badly bombed. Germans are approaching towards the position of Norwegians in Lillehammer .
• 1922-1924 April 1940. British 148 Brigade is attacked by the Germans near Lillehammer.
• April 23, 1940. British Landing near Molde and Andalsnes .
• April 24, 1940. German forces reach the Rendawa. Loading bombardment of Narvik. Its intention is to surrender of the German garrison.
• April 25, 1940. Norwegians unsuccessfully attacked Narvik.
• April 27, 1940. British evacuation from Namsos and Andalsnes. Andalsnes be bombed.
• May 1, 1940. official end of the British evacuation of. The loss of most of their equipment.
• May 2, 1940. Germany reach Andalsnes. Last allies leave Namsos.
• May 8, 1940. The Harstad lands Riflemen Brigade Gen. Zygmunt Szyszko-Bohusz with intent to support the Allied forces in Narvik.
• May 13, 1940. French attack on Narvik ends with the capture of the city. The German commander of the garrison in Narvik, General Eduard Dietl is forced to retreat toward the borders of Norway and Sweden.
• May 14, 1940. sinking part of a convoy of the Royal Guard Brigade ^** .
• May 31, 1940. Front slowly breaks down. Following the evacuation of Allied Bodo. At this point, the Allied military capabilities increase.
• 4-8 June 1940. Allied evacuation from the area of \u200b\u200bNarvik. Podhalańczycy Loading screen and leave the evacuation of Norway as one of the last.
• June 10, 1940. Capitulation victory of the Allies and the Germans.

^* General Nikolaus von Falkenhorst had Polish nationality. The house was called Yastrzhembsky. He was born in Prussian territory, forcing him to make a career in the German army. For a time he hid his "Polish name", until the consolidated its position thanks to the huge military talent. He was certainly a genius in his field, and there is nothing in the way of the "Polish grant to the General," the more that was not any "war criminal". If Germany should be granted to Nicholas Copernicus, the Polish people should be granted to Nikolaus von Falkenhorst-Jastrzembskiego.

^** knowledgeable enthusiasts would ask for details about this information. Information from the World War II Chronicles .

Based Chronicles World War II, all the books and papers prepared by: Peter Mark