To gain control of the shipment of Swedish iron ore from the Norwegian city of Narvik, as well as control of the Norwegian coastline, the Wehrmacht planned “Operation Weserübung”, the invasion of Denmark and Norway. The British on their side wanted to prevent the Germans from controlling the Norwegian coast. The clash of the great powers would draw Norway into World War II.

On April 9th, 1940, German forces attacked Norway to occupy the most important cities. The operation came as a surprise to Norwegian authorities, and within a few days, most of the attackers’ objectives had been achieved. The exception was in Oslo, where the German cruiser “Blücher” was sunk in the Drøbak Sound, giving the government, parliament, and royal family time to flee the city.

Norwegian forces put up fierce resistance, especially in Northern Norway. The Norwegian General Staff aimed to delay the German advance until Allied troops arrived. The toughest battles took place in Narvik, where British, French, and Polish forces came to the Norwegians’ aid and drove the Austrian alpine troops out of the city.

With the German attack on France, Allied soldiers left Norway to fight on the continent. Norwegian forces could not withstand the Wehrmacht alone and surrendered on the 10th of June. 23 Norwegian cities and towns were completely or partially destroyed by bombing and warfare. The government and royal family fled to England and established an exile government to continue the fight.