Welcome - The story of Norway War Resistance Peace

Time Line: April – December 1940

APRIL

Notes

1-Berlin	Hitler issues order to invade Norway – ‘Zero Hour’ 0515 April 9th.
3 – 7	German troopships and warships leave for Narvik, Trondheim, Kristiansand, Stavanger, Oslo and Bergen	Operation Weserübung
8	German troopship Rio de Janeiro sunk near Lillesand by Polish submarine ‘Orzal.’ Telegram from British Naval Staff warning of German warships off Norwegian coast.Hectic parliamentary activity in Oslo	Naval Action
9 – OSLO Hamar Oslo Hamar April 9 Hamer Oslo Elverum	0015 - First air raid warning. 0135 - All clear 0410 – Second air raid warning. Electricity cut off 0415 – Planned arrival time of German Forces 0421 – The fortress at Oscarsborg, near Drøbak in the inner Oslofjord, opens fire on the German cruiser ‘Blücher’ causing her to sink. This action delays the arrival of the invading forces in Oslo and gives Norwegian authorities a breathing space to make plans. 0430 – German minister Bräuer presents ’ultimatum’ to Norwegian Foreign Minister Koht. Ultimatum rejected. Decision to evacuate the Royal Family, Government and Parliament. (RFGP) 0500 – First Norwegian aircraft sent aloft at daybreak 0600 – All clear 0700 – Train carrying RFGP leaves Oslo towards Hamar and Lillehammer. Many delays. 0730 – Third air raid warning0735 – Norwegian aircraft attack German invading aircraft 0745 – Planned time of landing for German air forces 0820 – The first German plane lands at Fornebu. Other remnants of the air battles arrive shortly afterwards with their loads of soldiers and supplies. 1245 – A group of 4-500 German soldiers enters Akershus fortress 1300 – The last of 26 trucks loaded with Norway’s gold reserves left the city heading North. 1300 – Train with RFGP arrives. Short Parliamentary meeting followed by meeting of the National Council. 1400 – Oslo’s commander, Col. Schnitler, surrenders the city 1600 – Capt. Spiller, the German air attaché in Oslo, leaves the city with a group of paratroopers, a truck and three buses. Their aim: to head off and capture the King and members of the Government. 1830 – Parliament meets again (142 MPs), to discuss German demands. Decision taken to negotiate. Adjourned 1940 1900 – Spiller’s group reaches Jessheim1930 – Quisling speaks on radio claiming that the Nygaardsvold Government had resigned and that the National Government, with himself as Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, had taken over. 2140 – Parliament convened in gymnasium of high-school. Mowinckel, Lykke and Sundby selected as negotiators. Hambro formulates the important Elverum Mandate that gave the Government authorisation to act “in the best interests of the country’s security and future,” until the next “ordinary” meeting of Parliament could be convened.Crown Princes Märtha and her three children driven towards Sweden.	Blücher Gold
April 10 Midtskogen Elverum Oslo	0130 – Spiller’s group attacks a farm where about 90 Norwegian troops are blocking the road to Elverum. The battle lasts almost two hours. Spiller is fatally wounded and his depleted group returns to Hamar. This is the first land battle of the war and Norwegian ‘success’ again gives the RFGP a breathing space. 0155 – RFGP leave by train ‘Panic Day’– inhabitants flee city on rumours of bombing

APRIL

Notes

11	German aircraft bomb ElverumOtto Ruge takes over as Commander in Chief Norwegian Forces
14	British Troops to NamsosYoung Norwegians attempt to destroy important bridge near Oslo – perhaps the first act of sabotage?
15	Appeal from some of Oslo’s leading citizens to avoid “sabotage and destruction.”Administrative Council established by Supreme Court in Oslo. Quisling forced to withdraw.RFGP at Otta
16	Bishop Berggrav warns against civil resistance towards occupying forces; “only warriors wage wars.”
17	British Troops to Steinkjer.RFGP to Vagå. National Council Meeting
18	Ill-equipped and unseasoned British troops land at Namsos and Åndalsnes
19	Food rationing imposed
20	French Alpine Troops land at NamsosGerman aircraft bomb Namsos
21	German aircraft bomb Steinkjer
22	Basis for Nortraship laid down at Cabinet meeting in Stuguslåtten in Romsdalen.	Nortraship
23	Åndalsnes bombed by German aircraft
23	RFGP to Molde
24	Hitler appoints Terboven as “Reichskommissar” – Governor – in Norway.
25	Molde bombed by German aircraft
27	In a letter to ‘Nationen’, Knut Hamsun attacks the RFGP which –“gave orders for mobilization and then ran away”.
28	British troops ordered to evacuate from Southern NorwayKristiansund bombed by German aircraft.	Escape by Sea
29	New, stricter rationing laws imposedKing George VI sends telegram to King Haakon and sends HMS Glasgow to evacuate “to wherever you want to go.”
30	Kristiansund and Molde severely damaged by German bombs

MAY

Notes

1	The King, Parliament and Government arrive in TromsøTo avoid German bombing, the King moves to a country house outside Målselv – his home for the next 36 days.Hospital ship ‘Dronning Maud’ bombed by German aircraftNorwegian troops withdraw northwards from central Norway
4	In a letter to several newspapers, Knut Hamsun writes: “Throw down your weapons and go home.” Oslo newspapers refuse to print letter.
5	Hegra Fortress, near Trondheim capitulates to Germans
7	Proclamation from King Haakon printed in ‘Lofotposten’“I implore all Norwegians to support us in our attempts to free the country…Norway’s future is at stake.”
11 - Bergen	Editor of newspaper Bergens Tidende severely censored by German commandant. Newspaper banned 14 to 21 May
12 - 13	British ships sail into Herjangsfjord, north of Narvik and landed French and British troops in the first stage of the plan to drive the Germans from Narvik. Norwegian forces, although outnumbered by elite German forces, manage to drive them from the mountain plateau east of Narvik.
17 - Tromsø	Norway’s Independence Day – King Haakon speaks on radio to Norwegian people, advising of his departure and of his determination never to give up the fight to free the country.Nordahl Grieg reads his poem “Idag står flaggstangen naken” (Today the flag pole naked stands).
20 Trondheim	Shoes rationed in North and South Trøndelag.
22 - Oslo	First publication of the German Newspaper, ‘Deutsche Zeitung in Norwegen.’ Encourages Norwegians “to learn German”.
26 - Oslo	Labour Party Conference. Most of the leaders were in Northern Norway. Trygve Bratteli elected as party secretary. No support for ‘peace wing’ of party.
27 - BodøOslo	Massive destruction by German aircraftTerboven informs leaders of political parties that all political meetings are henceforth prohibited.
28 - Dunkerque Narvik	A Norwegian coal transport, “Hird”, after 14 days enforced stay in the port, takes aboard 3500 British and French troops and civilians, and takes them safely to Cherbourg.French and Norwegian troops drive Germans from Narvik – Hitler’s first reverse.
29 - Oslo	The newspaper ‘Dagbladet’ banned for 8 days because of article describing the German occupation of Belgium.
31 - NarvikBodø	Bombed by German aircraft for first time since German withdrawal.British troops evacuated from peninsula.

JUNE

Notes

1	Government advised that Northern Norway must capitulate as last allied forces leave. But Norwegian troops continue to fight.
2 - Narvik	Heavy bombing by 23 German aircraft. British fighters shoot down 7 but much damage to building in town and 35 civilians killed
7 - Tromsø	The King, Parliament and Government leave Norway on board HMS Devonshire bound for England
8 - Bergen North SeaNarvik	Extensive fires followed by huge explosion, Many Norwegian civilians and German troops killed..British aircraft carrier ‘Glorious’ sunk by ‘Scharnhorst and Gneisenau.German troops re-enter Narvik – the battle for N. Norway ends.
9 – Tromsø	Norwegian forces capitulate after resisting the invasion for an unexpected two months. Tromsø radio broadcasts proclamation from Government stating that the struggle to drive the Germans out of Norway had not ceased: “On the contrary, we will continue the struggle from outside the country.” General Otto Ruge, in his speech right after the proclamation, promised eventual victory and closed with the stirring words: “This promise will be kept, perhaps not by me…But those who continue the struggle abroad and you who are young, will keep the promise when the time comes.”
10 - Scotland	King Haakon lands in Grennock, near Glasgow. By train to London.
11 - Oslo	German demands to administrative council
15 – Bergen	Huge British air-raid - more than 100 building destroyed.
16 – Ålvik	First sabotage action in occupied Norway. Power station damaged.
19 - Scotland	Norwegian Army Headquarters established by General Fleischer.
20 – London	Norwegian Marine Headquarters established under Admiral Diesen and two other officers.
24	Butter and margarine rationed
25 - Bergen	First Norwegians tried and convicted of spying. Thirteen condemned to death, but later reprieved.
27 Oslo	President Council in Oslo, after fruitless negotiations with Germans, requests King Haakon to abdicate

JULY

Notes

3	Reply to Government from King Haakon. His resounding ‘NO’ reached Oslo by courier on July 6	King Haakon
5	Major Olaf Helset and Capt. John Rognes released from Grini
5	Quisling ‘sent’ to Germany – Terboven trying to get him exiled. Rosenberg and Ræder support Quisling
7	The first regular radio connection established between Oslo and London.
9	Bernhard Håvardsholm arrives in Lerwick. Audience with King in London – confirms that King has full support of Norwegians
10	Government in London receive letter from prominent Norwegians confirming their support and asking Govt. to do utmost to strengthen the fight against Germany.
11	Terboven til Berlin but Hitler rejects his attempt to exile Quisling
15	Britain and Norway protest to Swedish Government about the transit of German forces through Sweden.
17	Meeting of Government in London – all governing bodies appointed in occupied Norway must be considered ‘Temporary’
19	SOE Established in London
21	Terboven returns to Oslo
31	Edict forbids flying of Norwegian flag on King Haakon’s birthday. (Aug 3)

AUGUST

Notes

3	King Haakon’s birthday – no flags – but Haakon 7 in a large V drawn, painted and carved everywhere.
6 - London	Unsuccessful attempt by Arne Sunde to force Foreign Minister Koht to resign.
9 - Tromsø	A curfew from 2300 – 0500 is imposed after burning of building and discovery of two German bodies in wreckage.
13	Hitler orders Von Falkenhorst to position special troops in N. Norway – preparatory to attack on Soviet Union.
15	Back to school for the first time since April 8 for most.
16	Crown-Princess Martha and her 3 children leave Finland for the USA.

SEPTEMBER

Notes

4	Terboven meets Hitler in Berlin – advises against co-operation with NS in Norway and no position for Quisling
5	Quisling meets Hitler in Berlin – requests NS majority in Norway – and a replacement for Terboven.
7	Hitler’s decision – both Quisling and Terboven to remain – negotiations to continue.
Canada	Norwegian Airmen begin to train at Toronto Flying Club – beginning of ‘Little Norway’	Little Norway
8	Discussions continue – German demand that King Haakon should abdicate remained unconditional.
9	Group and president meeting in Parliament – majority for acceptance of German demand.
12	‘Border Zone West’ established in Sogn og Fjordane, Hordaland, Bergen, Rogaland Aus tog Vest-Agder and parts of Telemark, Vestfold and Østfold. Travel restrictions imposed.
13-15	Terboven and Quisling again to Berlin. German demands stand
13	Norway’s two athletic organisations agree to merge. Olaf Helset, Foreman and Rolf Hofmo Vice-foreman.
18	After further fruitless negotiations – no agreement.- members of Parliament resign.
20	Freemason activity in Norway banned, property expropriated
21	Royalist Doctor Johan Scharffenberg, in Oslo speech to Student Union, supports King Haakon as icon for Norwegian hopes and independence. Standing ovation.
23	Demonstration in Bergen against travel restrictions
24	Oslo’s Chief of Police, Kristian Welhaven dismissed by Nazis. He was later arrested and sent to Germany
25	Christian Advisory Council for the Norwegian Church established
25	All weapons and ammunition in civilian hands in Norway to be turned in to German authorities before October 4
25	Final chapter in struggle for constitutional power in Norway - Terboven bans all political parties except NS, dissolves Administrative Council, installs Commissioner Government of 13 men, 9 of whom were NS members. Start of ‘nyordningen.’
26	Dr. Scharffenberg and Student Union President Johan Sanness arrested.
28	The Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation and other public institutions re-organised with ‘reliable’ NS heads.
28	In a Stavanger newspaper editor Trond Hegna criticizes Terboven’s Comissioner Government. Hegna was arrested and the newspaper closed down the same evening.

OCTOBER

Notes

1	Sale of anything bearing an image of King Haakon or his family prohibited.
1	Axel Stang, the new, ‘appointed’ minister for ‘labour service and athletics’, warns that a three month compulsory ‘labour service’ (CLS) will be implemented from Spring, 1941.	Labour Service
2	Church litany changed – prayer for ‘King and his house’ deleted.
3	Union Leaders Elias Volan and Jens Evensen dismissed and replaced by NS man, Jens Tangen.
3	The Supreme Court issued an opinion on Terboven’s ‘nyordning’ – conclusion that Germany could only implement ‘temporary military power.’ The opinion was generally ignored.
4	Terboven edict to all public employees, including teachers: “join NS or lose job”
4	General Otto Ruge from his Grini prison, appoints Olaf Helset and John Rognes as his representatives when he is sent to Germany.
12	Norwegian Athletic Association met with Axel Stang to discuss the Association’s political and athletic independence
17	Quisling visits Bergen – anti-Quisling demonstrations.
18	All clothing rationed.
22	Interior Minister Hagelin issues new orders bringing all local councils under NS control.
23	Coastal Steamer ‘Princesse Ragnhld’ sinks after hitting a mine – 300 persons died.
25	Terboven proclaims that all political cases to be tried by a special court.

NOVEMBER

Notes

7	Resistance leaders met at Professor W. Werenskiold’s home. Organization plan for R-Group approved for civil and military.	Resistance
9	Divorce Law changed to allow divorce if one of couple is abroad
10	Jonas Lie visits Bergen - further anti-NS demonstrations.
10	Canada -‘Little Norway’ – the training camp for Norwegian airmen officially opened.
16	NS Justice Minister Riisnæs advises that his department henceforth will be responsible for all ‘hiring’ and ‘firing’ of judges and other judicial official.
17	Norwegian Farmers’ Association votes against joining NS-controlled association.
17	Larvik- peaceful demonstration against NS minister.
19	London – Foreign Minister Koht given sick leave for 3 months. Trygve Lie temporary replacement.
19	The Norwegian Supreme Court rejects the Justice Department’s edict of November 17.
20	A large majority of teachers refused to sign under acceptance of Terboven’s ‘loyalty oath’ of October 4.
21	All previous athletic associations disbanded and reformed as the Nazi-dominated Norwegian Athletic Association
25	Oslo University Professor Jac. S. Worm-Mữller suspended from duty because of his anti-NS opinions.
28	Dr. Goebbels visited Oslo. Students arrested for turning their backs on him as his car drove up the main street.

DECEMBER

Notes

1	Passenger ship ‘Oslofjord’ sunk in Tynemouth by acoustic mine
2	Wearing of badges in support of Royal Family prohibited
4	Ålesund – 32 arrested for demonstrations against NS control of town
6	The Justice Department advised that the retirement age for all public officials was reduced from 70 to 65. The Supreme Court argued that this move was illegal.
12	All Supreme Court judges resign in protest against Nazi policies
14	Oslo – Widespread demonstrations against Nazi and NS rule.
15	London – Trygve Lie, in a speech on BBC, says that the one aim of the exile Government is to…free Norway.
21	New High Court judges appointed – all Nazi sympathisers.
21	‘Fuhrer’ principal introduced at local government level.
23	Kristiansand – The entire police force resigns in protest against the order instituting the ‘Hitler salute’ (Heil Hitler)
24	British planes bomb snow shelters over railway tracks near Finse.