The northern port of Narvik became a contested fight during Germany’s Norway invasion on April 9, 1940. The port is only 110 miles from Sweden’s vital iron ore mines. The Germans needed to secure Narvik for shipment to Germany and better Atlantic access. The Allied strategic objective included supporting Norway, obtaining the ore too, and capturing Narvik to weaken the Nazi war effort.
What Made Swedish Ore Valuable for Both Sides?
Sweden’s iron ore was of better quality and contained an unusually high iron content. It contained far fewer impurities and was far less brittle after smelting. Ideally, this made for better weapons and military goods. Also, German ore production was insufficient; before 1940, Sweden supplied 40% for use.
For both sides, Narvik’s reliably ice-free port enabled year-round shipping. While Germany imported the ore, Britain knew about the dependency, and occupying Narvik would deny this and secure Sweden’s ore for its own needs.
When did the Battle of Narvik Start?
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Sign up to our Free Weekly NewsletterThis hard-fought battle began on April 9, 1940, and lasted over two months. The Germans struck first on April 9, invading Norway with naval, aerial, and land forces. Narvik was one of four landing sites. The Allies rushed troops to the area by April 14, primarily by ship, adding their forces to the Norwegians already fighting. The Norwegians slowly built up their army as reservists showed up.
How Did the Germans Attack Narvik?
Germany’s well-planned attack, code-named Operation Weserubung, hit Norway before they realized the war had now landed on their doorstep. In the darkness on April 9, ten Kriegsmarine destroyers carrying 1,900 soldiers slid into the fjord near Narvik. They sank two Norwegian defense ships and quickly seized Narvik and the surrounding area. Any Norwegian troops got pushed aside. The Luftwaffe flew in reinforcements over the next few weeks, mostly elite 7th Air Division paratroopers.
When Did the Allies Counterattack?
The Allies reacted quickly on April 10, 1940, as the Royal Navy dispatched five destroyers. In the first naval battle in the fjords around Narvik, five British destroyers attacked their German counterparts, hitting and sinking several. After a seesaw battle, the British retreated but lost two destroyers. More British ships kept the Germans trapped in Narvik’s fjords. Soon, the British brought in a battleship and a carrier, whose biplane bombers attacked the destroyers first. In a short fight, the British sank most of the German ships; German crews scuttled the rest.
The British achieved their first strategic objective-preventing any German ships from leaving Narvik. However, the Wehrmacht still controlled Narvik and used surviving Kriegsmarine sailors as ground troops. However, with ten destroyers sunk, the German navy lost half of their destroyers in one fight, leading to problems later in World War Two. But this kept the Royal Navy distracted for the moment.
What Did Both Sides Do Next?
For the first time since 1939, the Allies gained the upper hand at Narvik. The Germans numbered 4,000 combined with troops and navy. The Luftwaffe flew in another 1,000 soldiers. The Norwegian Army numbered more than 6,000 men. The Allies began a buildup with French Foreign Legion units and Polish troops. The total British numbered 24,500 soldiers, sailors, and airmen.
The Narvik fighting spread to the mountains around. On April 14, the Allies flew or shipped in their troops, landing on either side of the port. They attacked quickly, but command or communication issues slowed progress. As the Allies attacks gained ground, the German commander, Eduard Dietl, grew concerned. Outnumbered, his options dwindled, which were to fight, surrender, or retreat to Sweden and be interned. Given Germany’s need for iron ore, his superiors knew how important Narvik was. Also, this battle split their attention with the upcoming invasion of France.
On May 28, 1940, the Allies recaptured Narvik, inflicting Germany’s first defeat. The Germans escaped east towards Sweden because of Allied communication problems.
What Did the Allies Hope to Achieve?
The Allies had their strategic objectives: capture Narvik and keep Swedish ore from Germany. The Germans fought hard despite being at the far end of their supply lines. Some reinforcements came through Sweden (with its cooperation). Despite their victory, events elsewhere forced an evacuation.
The June 1940 German invasion of France sliced through Allied lines, causing Allied panic. The Narvik troops became needed there, angering the Norwegians. Allies left Narvik by June 8, 1940, leaving Narvik in German hands. After this, they mostly used the port for iron ore shipments and supply. The port stayed in German hands until their May 7, 1945 surrender.
