|
Time Line:
April – December 1940
| 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 |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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. |
|
| 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. |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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. |
|
|
|
| 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 |
|
3 |
Reply to Government from King Haakon. His resounding ‘NO’ reached Oslo by courier on July 6 |
|
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) |
|
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. |
|
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’ |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
|