Norwegian Resistance Movement - Initial Defense

Initial Defense

Although some politicians across the political spectrum had advocated strengthening the country's defense capabilities, a longstanding policy of disarmament following World War I had left the Norwegian military underfunded and undertrained by the late 1930s. As a result, forces in Southern Norway were largely unprepared for the German invasion, and the invading German army met little initial resistance.

One notable exception was the sinking of the German heavy cruiser Blücher by the Oscarsborg Fortress at Drøbak sound, which delayed the capture of Oslo long enough for the government to escape the capital.

There was also spirited defense at other locations, including Midtskogen, Hegra and Narvik but these were largely the result of improvised missions by isolated military units and irregular volunteers. The battles slowed down the German advance by several days, allowing the Norwegian government to evade capture and conduct critical constitutional business.

The Allies, British and French began landing on Norwegian soil within a week of the German invasion.