Norwegian Armed Forces in exile

The Norwegian Armed Forces in exile were remnants of the armed forces of Norway that continued to fight the Axis powers from Allied countries, such as Britain and Canada, after they had escaped the German occupation of Norway during World War II.

Background

Norway was neutral in World War I and tried to remain neutral in World War II. Although it was attacked several times by the belligerents, neutrality was maintained until the beginning of 1940. There were many moves to purchase equipment in the run up to WWII including several orders for British, German and American planes.

Occupation of Norway

Main article: Occupation of Norway by Nazi Germany

The RNoN (Royal Norwegian Navy) entered into the war after it was attacked on April 9, 1940 and managed to delay the German invasion of Oslo so that the King of Norway, the Royal family and the government managed to flee to the United Kingdom.^[1] On June 7, 1940 thirteen ships, five aircraft and 500 men from the Royal Norwegian Navy followed the King to the United Kingdom and continued the fight from bases there.

The Germans occupied Norway until the German capitulation on May 8, 1945.

Exiled forces

Army

Main article: Norwegian Army#World War II

Unlike the Navy and Air forces the army was not able to easily escape, and many remained in Norway after the German invasion. These men would form part of the Norwegian resistance forces during the rest of the war until Norway regained freedom in May 1945.

Norwegian soldiers in the United Kingdom formed units including the Norwegian Independent Company 1 and 5 Troop as well as No. 10 (Inter-Allied) Commando. During the years in exile in Britain the bulk of the Norwegian Army consisted of a brigade in Dumfries, and smaller units stationed in Iceland, Jan Mayen, Svalbard and South Georgia. Some units were sent to help the Russian forces and were involved in the retaking of Finnmark.

Navy

Main article: Royal Norwegian Navy#History

The forces that had escaped to the United Kingdom were slowly built up over the next few years. On D-Day (June 6, 1944), the Royal Norwegian Navy attached to the invasion of Normandy numbered ten ships and 1,000 sailors.

During the war the RNoN operated 118 ships; by the end of the war it had 58 ships and 7,500 men in service.^[2]

Air Force

Main articles: Royal Norwegian Air Force#World War II, No. 331 Squadron RAF, and No. 332 Squadron RAF

Norway retained separate air forces for both the navy and the army until 1944.

Some aircraft that were ordered prior to hostilities were delivered but few were ready for combat. After the flight to the United Kingdom a training base was established in Canada and many of the pilots which were recruited joined the RAF in both bomber and fighter commands. Most notable are the two Spitfire squadrons, 331^[3] and 332.^[4]

On November 1, 1944 these squadrons were incorporated into the Royal Norwegian Air Force and were renamed as such along with new squadrons: 330^[5] (Northrop N-3PB, Catalina, Sunderlands), 333^[6] (Catalina, Mosquito) and later 334^[7] (Mosquitos).

Resistance

Main article: Norwegian resistance movement

During German occupation many resistance groups were formed and were successful in actions against the Germans.

See also

• Norwegian Campaign
• Allied campaign in Norway
• Occupation of Norway by Nazi Germany
• Operation Weserübung
• Royal Norwegian Navy
• Royal Norwegian Air Force
• Norwegian Army
• Norwegian resistance movement
• No. 330 Squadron RAF
• No. 331 Squadron RAF
• No. 332 Squadron RAF
• No. 333 Squadron RAF
• No. 334 Squadron RAF
• Shetland bus
• Norwegian police troops in Sweden during World War II
• Operation Doomsday

References

1. ^ World War II. (2009). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved November 18, 2009, from Encyclopædia Britannica Online: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/648813/World-War-II
2. ^ Berg, Ole F. (1997) (in Norwegian). I skjærgården og på havet – Marinens krig 8. april 1940  – 8. mai 1945. Oslo: Marinens krigsveteranforening. p. 154. ISBN 82-993545-2-8. 
3. ^ "331 Squadron". raf.mod.uk. 2010. http://www.raf.mod.uk/history/331squadron.cfm. 
4. ^ "332 Squadron". raf.mod.uk. 2010. http://www.raf.mod.uk/history/332squadron.cfm. 
5. ^ "330 Squadron". raf.mod.uk. 2010. http://www.raf.mod.uk/history/330squadron.cfm. 
6. ^ "333 Squadron". raf.mod.uk. 2010. http://www.raf.mod.uk/history/333squadron.cfm. 
7. ^ "334 Squadron". raf.mod.uk. 2010. http://www.raf.mod.uk/history/334squadron.cfm.