Carsten Tank Nielsen

Transcription

The Treaty of Versailles. When the Fuhrer took office - - An impoverished and humiliated Germany becomes a great power. The Third Reich is established. Austria joins the reich. Sudeten released. The Reich Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia was established. The territory of Memel is once again included in the Reich. There is still a gap between the ancient city of Danzig and Reich. Poland and Western powers reject all reasonable solutions. Poland supported. Then the weapons speak. Warsaw. The Polish capital capitulates. Mobilization for the Western Front begins. The new front lines are drawn. Despite the seemingly calm winter 1939/1940 - - Our opponents were looking for an advantageous attack position. Chamberlain believed that England could put the Germans knees - - With a lock. Women and children had to starve. The Russian assault to Finland gave Britain a pretext - - To take important positions in Norway and Sweden. Above all, the port of Narvik, which is crucial for the transport of iron ore. This strategy continued after the Russian-Finnish War was over. The Norwegian government seems reluctant to defend its neutrality. All signs point to an imminent Allied occupation of Norway. A British attack on Germany from Norway and Denmark should be avoided. One can only imagine the consequences for the German army: Northern Germany would be exposed to massive British air raids! When the British destroyer Cossack Jøssingfjorden came in February - - And attacked the German Altmark steam - - The first shots in the battle of Norway were fired. In early April, Allied forces are carrying ships bound for Norway. In our adversaries news later found out this material. Meanwhile, the British are mining Norwegian waters. Out of Stavanger. And Bergen. And Vestfjorden: the important entry port of Narvik. Reliable intelligence reveals enemy intentions of the Fuehrer. German countermeasures were prepared in detail. An order was enough to start instantly. The campaign against the occupation of Norway and Denmark - - It was led by General von Falkenhorst. Secretly, troops and equipment loaded into warships. To avoid exposure, cargo planes with supplies only used later. The fleet is under the overall command of Admiral Carls. Almost all the German navy was ready for battle. This was the only way to transport an entire army to Norwegian quickly. These are the destroyers bound for Narvik. The seizure of the most important ports on the Norwegian coast - - It was a daring and difficult operation. Imagine the distances. A few months later, German soldiers have entered Kirkenes. Not far from the Finnish border. To realize the value that is required must take into account not only the distances. Also keep in mind the imbalance of power between the two navies. In April 1940, the British fleet includes 14 warships. The German fleet has only two. The British have 15 heavy cruisers. The Germans have four. Against 49 light cruisers of Great Britain, the Germans have six. 193 British destroyers against only 20 Germans. In addition, the British navy was nine carriers. The German fleet had none. Against this overwhelming force, the operation was performed. German units planned departure to arrive at the same time. Only in this way, the element of surprise can be secured. For the first time in the history of war, armed forces travel through the air. For example, the important city of Stavanger is taken only from the air. 10,000 soldiers flying to Norway by plane during the first days. Initially, General Geisler was in charge of these airborne forces. Later it was replaced by the high general. The group insurance aviation and marine supplies. Reconnaissance aircraft monitored the movements of the enemy at sea. The transport of German troops is protected by fighter aircraft. For the first time in the history of the war - - Marine British pride is hampered by the powerful air force. This protection service, one has to include Denmark. The consequences of adversary control over Denmark would be incalculable. Denmark is under the protection of the German Wehrmacht. The General Kaupisch is in charge of this operation. Copenhagen. At dawn, the Citadel of Copenhagen is captured. Paratroopers ensure the bridge between Zealand and lolland. At the king's command, the resistance ends even more. Denmark, the decisive stage before Norway, is secured without a fight. And the same day the king rode through the streets as usual. The conquest of the Oslo fjord was the most difficult operation. It took place on April 9, as the landings at the other ports. The fjord is 100 kilometers long and heavily fortified. The Blücher, Lützow and Emden cruises were venturing into the fjord. Two minesweepers and two torpedo boats approaching the military port of Horten. The occupants were met with resistance in the morning. Their determined struggle to bring arsenal of Horten German hands. 70 men taking 1,200 prisoners. Meanwhile, three more cruises sail in the fjord. In its narrowest part by Drøbak, reach the innermost fortification. They have to pass between the arms and Drøbak Oscarsborg torpedo battery. The coastal defense shooting from 500 meters. Blücher is severely affected. Two torpedoes decide the fate of the proud ship. Troops landed Lützow and Emden. Can not find any major resistance on the way to Oslo. The battery torpedo that sank the Blücher. It is tucked away in the mountains. The torpedo is brought to water. This is the aiming device. This is the trigger mechanism of the torpedoes. The viewing slots are well hidden behind a hedge. At first, it was impossible to Oslo by sea. But soon the planes approach the Norwegian capital. Machine guns that Norwegian had placed at the airport, were defeated. Some German aircraft are destroyed due to the short runway. The infantry soon join and march towards Oslo. The fjord is still locked in Oscarsborg. On 09 April, the fort is attacked with heavy artillery from the Lützow. He then bombed from the air until the resistance was crushed. Now the channel is also open oslo. The cruiser Emden has docked in the port of Oslo. The Blücher wounded are brought ashore. The deceased are paid the ultimate honor. For the musical accompaniment, the troops march through downtown Oslo, - - Past Major General Engelbrecht. The next day, panic breaks out because British radio emissions. Reportedly, the British naval attack in Oslo a few hours. But this was a false alarm, of course. While the troops are pressing on the Oslo Fjord - - The landing takes place in Kristiansand. The first attempt fails. In thick fog, strong resistance should be crushed by the troops to land. This Kristiansand. On the return trip, the cruiser Karlsruhe is achieved by British torpedoes. The königsberg cruise bound for Bergen. Bergen is busy. The city is not opened by the sea, - - But behind a chain of islands. It only comes through narrow channels. The approach is heavily fortified, but the risk of breaking. It's a tough fight! The batteries that protect the western and northern entrances are captured. General title joins the first troops to enter the city. It lies with the Norwegian commander and urges him to capitulate. The next day, British planes sink the cruise königsberg damaged. The capture of the batteries with the massive support of the Air Force. Currently, the first German planes land at the port of Bergen. The ten destroyers sailed bound for Narvik to Trondheim group - - Heavy cruiser and four destroyers. They are accompanied by the battleship Scharnhorst and Gneisenau. Reconnaissance planes are crucial to the success of the operation. They regularly report the position of the enemy at sea. On the afternoon of April 9, four of the ships broke - - For the narrow and heavily guarded Trondheim Fjord, at full speed. In Trondheim. And the British? Even before April 8, ie. Before the German landing - - The boats were loaded, and some were on their way. British surveillance aircraft reported German battleships in the North Sea. The British Admiralty immediately called her cargo. British battleships quickly tried to stop German unity. It was too late. On the way to Narvik, German forces are caught in a storm. Equipment and boats are challenged to extremes. Successful, thanks to their perseverance. No pilot or navigational aids, destructors must enter the fjord Ofot. Near Narvik are stuck in the fog. The headlights are off. But poor visibility makes it easier to reach the harbor unnoticed. Two Norwegian armored ships trying to stop the Germans with gunfire. Both are sunk. General dietl leave their destructive and goes ashore. His negotiation skills avoid senseless bloodshed. 25 cargo aircraft from various nations are docked in the harbor. Most of them are loaded with ore. A German whaling oil stocks are a welcome support. Under the plan, the destroyers were to sail the same night. However, the output was postponed again and again. The oil transfer was a problem. Tankers en route to Narvik has been lost with the enemy. As troops occupy Narvik, mountain troops have landed in Bjerkvik. They have taken the elvegårdsmoen camp. Its mission is to insulate Narvik from the north. At night April 9, all major coastal ports are seized. In Narvik and the task has been carried out as planned. The Navy has done a splendid achievement. The next day, five British destroyers get near the port - - Through the fog and drifting snow. Shoot at the Germans. The destroyer wilhelm Heidkamp sinks. the death of a hero. It is British material. The British collect their survivors. Two of his five destroyers are lost. Three damaged ships escape. Two German destroyers are also lost. A third destroyer is on fire. After much effort, they manage to extinguish the fire. After the British attack. Much is required of reconnaissance aircraft. Based in Trondheim is located 650 kilometers from Narvik. The first aid of their country of origin: A large transport plane arrives with ammunition and provisions. Why this tough battle for Narvik? It's all about iron ore. In Kiruna, Sweden, there are abundant reserves of iron ore. There is a railway line from Kiruna to Luleå. In winter, this port is frozen for 5-6 months. Narvik is important. The Gulf Stream keeps the port open all year. So Narvik is a great port of transhipment and a battlefield. This is the mountain of ore in Kiruna. In peacetime, ten percent of the ore was sold to England. Ninety percent went to Germany. The iron ore train from Narvik. For weeks, this house was home Björnfjell General Dietl. The last stretch of railway line passes through the fjord Rombaken. Arrival in Narvik. This was the mineral that the German armament industry - - It was dependent. The British wanted to end the shipments. Germany therefore had to take control of Narvik at all costs. On April 13 the British entrarn in the fjord with a battleship and three destroyers. A German ship reports on the attack. A fierce battle begins. Three more destroyers depart from Narvik to join the battle. After the remaining German ships firing their shots and torpedoes - - Towards Rombaken were placed. They have to get away from enemy ships. German forces flying its remaining four destroyers - - Having recovered the crew and some of the guns. The port of Narvik is severely damaged. Most of the ships are destroyed and sunk. Against all odds, the British did not try to land at Narvik. The forces of the Damned rombax both boats have risen - - The steep -Faces to the railway rocks. Meanwhile, soldiers from Narvik mountain railways have used. The crews of the destroyer, about 1500 men, join the mountain troops. The ship transported the soldiers in extreme mountain conditions. For weeks, fighting in unknown territory against superior forces. Navy soldiers stand both as sailors and soldiers. General Dietl on the slopes above Rombaken. Alarm! British destroyers sailing in the fjord and bomb the train! We've only got guns. No heavy weapons. Artillery has not yet reached Narvik. Already during the first days, the soldiers repel mountain - - The Norwegian troops remaining in Björnfjell the border with Sweden. At first, the troops in oslo are too weak to hold the interior. A motorized unit that has almost come to Elverum, - - It's about capturing the Norwegian government fled. After reinforcements arrive, progress is finally starting. The Norwegians are well equipped with skis, sleds and winter clothes. They also feel comfortable in the difficult terrain. 1939/1940 winter is especially long and hard. Even on the coast, there is still snow and ice. The first targets are the southeast and Honefoss and kongsberg areas. Then troops advance towards Trondheim Oslo and Bergen. Southeast Norway busy with Swedish limited with only small units. The German vanguard remains close to the enemy. Norwegian prisoners. Their weapons were confiscated. Two units kongsberg leverage a field without a fight. Hønefoss is reached after a two-day battle. The occupation of southeastern Norway, Kongsberg and hønefoss crushes - - The Norwegian first division. Meanwhile, you get to the southern tip of Mjøsa in the march in Trondheim. Bergen railway line is used to bridge operation stops. Trondheim. Soldiers occupy the first mountain railway line in Sweden. The expected British counter-attack does not occur before April 14 des. Extensive Åndalsnes British ground forces. These orders have to face the German troops of Oslo. A few days later, a British / French squadron fell Namsos. Trondheim will be attacked from the north. The Germans take the following steps: First, the group must secure the connection oslo Trondheim - - Through the valleys and gudbrandsdalen Østerdalen. Second, the Air Force should terminate the landing at Namsos and Andalsnes. The railway line ÅNDALSNES - Dombås must be destroyed. Third, the Navy employs all means, including submarines - - For the transportation of aviation fuel and aircraft artillery to Trondheim. Fourth: Paratroopers attack dombas important railway hubs. They have obstructed the Norwegian deployment for several days - - And only relented when they had spent their last ammunition. Fifth, the reinforcements are carried by air Trondheim. The view shows the difficulties that German troops had to overcome. The backbone for progress in Trondheim Highway 50 is classified. Along Mjøsa, Lillehammer and passed through a dombås gudbrandsdalen. By stealing over the Norwegians on ice in Mjøsa - - The Germans forced the enemy to abandon strandløkka and withdrawal. A day later, Hamar is taken. The second most important connection is through Østerdalen Trondheim. Here Elverum is busy. The convoy west of Mjøsa get gjøvik after several commitments. The loss of cargo transport supplies complicated. German forces are lack of equipment, vehicles and guns. Under these conditions, its performance is impressive. These pictures give an impression of the Norwegian landscape and tactics. These difficulties had to be overcome everywhere in southern Norway. Winding roads allow the adversary to carry out surprise attacks. Norwegian construiyen wooden barricades to stop the advance. Usually defend these locks for a short time - - Before leaving a few hundred meters to the next obstacle on the road. Major highways are often blocked this way for many miles. Go ahead, pioneering! A block of road built from rocks. Some tanks are indeed at hand, give up. Blocks and ruined bridges often force the vanguards in gross diversions. Alternatively, they have to build makeshift runways. Again, a bridge blown in the eyes of the troops trends. The frozen river allows the infantry to proceed. The abandoned road necessary fight through deep snow. Pioneers immediately begin repairing the bridge. Major bridges are also flown by the enemy. Artillery crushes the enemy resistance on the road to Mjøsa Hamar. German minesweepers and anti-sub destroyer on a dangerous mission: Elimination of water from the mind of transport ships. Attack submarine depth charges! Thanks to the navy and air force, the supplies can not be delivered. There is currently a lot of supplies. At home, everyone works for the front! Most of the commercial fleet is to provide supplies. Weapons, ammunition and supplies continually arrive in Norway. Meanwhile, the advance continues through Østerdalen. On the way forward 50 lundehøgda, a fierce fight breaks out. The enemy is chased away. The next morning lillehammer is attacked and occupied. Here, for the first time, the Germans faced the British. British documents that fell into their hands here - - Orders for the planned occupation of Norway from April 8 contained. Progress continues gudbrandsdalen deep valley. Fierce resistance has to be fought to Kvam. A German unit breaks through all obstacles. Division commander, Lieutenant General Pellengahr. By outta the rail is less damaged than the road, and use. Dombås already reached April 30. Progress in Trondheim and Østerdalen gudbrandsdalen using - - In the third week. The group has Østerdal and fight hard battles. For Gausdal largely Norwegian second division - - They are surrounded and captured after several days of fighting. 200 staff of 3,500 men. Meanwhile, the group has held Steinkjer Trondheim - - After fighting with the British. 11,000 British, French and Norwegians against only 4,000 Germans. But the superior allied forces could not move towards Trondheim. The occupied sector can now be extended to the south. After a skirmish in Støren, the roads to the south is open. On April 29, three weeks after the occupation began - - Vanguards of Trondheim and Oslo link above. The most important work in southern and central Norway has been carried out. Secretly, the British Council on board, Åndalsnes and Namsos. Meanwhile, General stumpf has taken command of the air force. Senior General Milch was assigned to the campaign in France. Air Force makes a hell of shipment for the enemy! This is what the Yorkshire Post wrote about the German success: We have withdrawn without low one. This is an achievement that will stand out in the history of warfare - - As one of the largest of its kind. What was the real nature of retirement? On 03 May, the Air Force dispersed the British naval forces in Namsos. The Air Force operations in Norway, with the bombing of ships from the air - - It is a turning point in the history of naval warfare. The Air Force spans the coastal territory for hundreds of miles. The top British navy contributes only tentative efforts. After fleeing, the Norwegian second division delivered by Åndalsnes. The fifth brigade and near Snåsa. After a few weeks, before the decisive Battle of Narvik - - The Norwegian prisoners were released. During the last week of April, western Norway was cleaned. Connections from Oslo to Bergen and the Sognefjord were established. General Engelbrecht gjøvik leaves, moving towards the Sognefjord. Advance continues. In bagn, Norwegians offered a stubborn resistance. A convoy goes past. They block the way to the Norwegian Sognefjord Borlaug. The high mountains preclude any movement north. The fourth brigade with 3,000 Norwegian men have to lay down their arms. The group bergen under great overall title continues with weak forces - - Along the line of Bergen and Hardangerfjord. Partially transferred by the Navy in the fjords, the troops advantage voss - - After the match, a march mountain and the support of the Air Force. From there, the troops go through about 6 km long tunnel Myrdal - - Until we are halfway to the goal. On 01 May, the soldiers of Bergen are linked to the Oslo group. The same day, the Sognefjord is reached. Now all the important connections between Oslo and Trondheim - - And between Oslo and Bergen are established. There is peace in the south and central Norway! While the Army and the Air Force jointly fulfill their tasks - - The coast artillery was secured by the navy and antiaircraft guns. Any vessel or aircraft approaches will encounter strong resistance. The German advance means loss of many commodities of Great Britain. In Scandinavia, Britain lost 81% of its imports of cellulose. 73% of timber imports. 35% butter and 10% of imports of iron ore. Now this has to be provided via maritime routes extended. Raw materials of Scandinavia are now a German asset. Through the occupation of the Norwegian coast, - - Air raids in England and Scotland have been provided. New air bases have been established to monitor the movements of the British fleet. Norwegian ports are valuable foundation for the German navy. Narvik. For five weeks, the forces of General Dietl have been in combat here. The news of the Battle of France began, was received with enthusiasm - - In the heart of Narvik fighters. After the landing of Narvik, the coast was secured. The railway was busy all the way to the border with Sweden. The group moved north from elvegårdsmoen the next fjord - - And it ended with a Norwegian battalion. Dietl group with less than 3,500 men available in the Narvik area. Meanwhile, the British have established a base in Harstad. The destroyers continually bombarded Narvik and the railway line. They succeed in sinking the ferry Rombaken - - The destruction of the connection between Narvik and the northern group. The supplies for the northern group now have to be transported - - For the difficult mountain road Björnfjell. In early May, enemy pressure is felt in several places. By Elvenes of Norwegian forces. In Gratangen soldiers of Frenchmen mountain - - And southwest of Narvik in English and Polish. Reinforcements for the railway, near Björnfjell. There are no airports in mountain areas near Narvik. Each meter has to be defended against a superior force, 5 - 6 times larger. No roads, no accommodation. The fight of the German soldiers in the mountains is terribly difficult. Paratroopers join defense operations. The railway soon ruined part resets and starts running. A lieutenant - commander and chief of station. In this harsh landscape, it is difficult to rescue the injured. For the hospital. Allied forces prepare to attack annihilation dietl group. From Bjerkvik they will attack group in the north flank and rear. On May 13, fourteen ships of French mountain troops reach Bjerkvik. French Material gives an overview of the development of the operation. Bjerkvik is on fire. This section of the front consists of a company of Marines. For hours, they are under heavy attack. The enemy shoots at over 100 2-28 inches caliber weapons. Against this superior force, the Germans have guns and machine guns. Landing craft of the adversary. French's career forward at high speed. Here and there, shooting from concealed positions. The triumph of the higher forces. Narvik fighters taken prisoner. But the enemy's strategy fails. The northern group escapes clutches of the enemy. It occupies a small defensive position. The French land more troops. The state of the small German force is increasingly critical day. The weather is cooler. Sledges can no longer be used. Ammunition and supplies must be carried through difficult terrain. The troops do not get any surprises. There is little ammunition. No skis or outerwear. And snow goggles matches or ski wax. Relief in an outpost. For weeks, Narvik fighters living in snow and ice, cold and moisture. General Dietl arrives! He is not inferior soldiers anyway. He is an example to them. From the country of origin, there is little help. Mountain Soldiers have training only a few days in skydiving. When the French and Norwegian land at Narvik in May 28 - - The people must be delivered after heroic resistance. The withdrawal is made along the railway track and Beisfjord. A line of defense was drawn between Strommen and sildviksjøen lake. Two days later, the front is reduced again, this time in Rombaken. The northern group also has to yield to the pressure of the enemy. Despite the desperate situation, no one believes resign. During the retreat, the railway line and destroyed power lines. Immediately after fleeing British Namsos - - German forces move north to support groups Dietl. Norwegian and British bodø resist. They are defeated. German troops advance steadily north past Mosjoen. The icing makes the single muddy and barely passable road. In some places, the fjords stand in the way. Fairies are destroyed or removed. But our troops is not delayed. They have to move on. Every day counts. While the vanguard crossed the mountain, a ferry improvised - - With the aid of a truck. After the match in Hemnesberget and finneid - - And crossing rivers and fjords, the Arctic Circle is reached on May 23. Some of these men have marched 1,100 kilometers from Oslo. The troops are still fighting the way to go. General Feuerstein. The leader of this mission. Some of the materials are transported north on cargo planes. To facilitate the efforts of the Air Force in the operation of Narvik - - Relentless work is carried out at an airfield by the Arctic Circle. 30,000 trees are cut down to build the foundation of the track. So the Air Force is not compatible with fighters from Narvik, also with Stukas. This encourages them to resist. The Army relief operation must be carried out Sørfold - - Along the border with Sweden and in an area of ​​uninhabited mountains. Among Sørfold and Narvik, four areas have been established. Provisions and ammunition must be reduced by parachute. The landscape creates enormous problems. Weather conditions are favorable. There is no road or path where the mountains intersect - - Through the areas where no man has previously set on foot. Soon troops Narvik be reinforced with several thousand men. On 09 June, the largest battalion reached Camp II. The vanguard is already near Narvik. For fighters of Narvik, things have gotten worse. The enemy is approaching. Soldiers still persevere. Suddenly, the Allied forces stop the attacks on the group dietl. On 08 June, leaving Narvik. Why? The defeat of Dunkirk, the efforts of the stuka units - - And Southern troops forced the enemy to withdraw. Fierce resistance, the small force crushed the hopes of the enemy. Upon returning home, British and German ships are bound for Narvik. A battle ensues. A freighter sank 21,000 tons, along with a tanker. Finally, 22.500ton glorious carrier is in sight. A British destroyer tries to save the company, but without success. The aircraft carrier and the destroyer to the bottom of the sea. The Germans did not suffer losses. Norwegians realize the futility of further resistance. On June 10, signed the capitulation - - The Britannia Hotel in Trondheim. The battle against Britain in Norway has been decided! The Fuhrer praised the achievements of the Wehrmacht with these words: This was the bloodiest battle in the history of German war. This commitment was only possible thanks to the attitude - - Demonstrated by all the soldiers involved. What the army, navy and air force achieved at the Battle of Norway - - Designates as supreme soldiers. Subtitle GmitU.