70 years commemoration of the recapturing of Narvik today 28th of May 2010
The battle of Narvik
– a truly multinational sacrifice
| International and Norwegian WW2 Veterans remembering Narvik |
Narvik was considered strategically valuable in the early years of the Second World War.
Germany’s war industry needed iron from Sweden, and Narvik was the most important harbour for shipping the metal southwards. For this reason Narvik was equally important in Winston Churchill's eyes. Control of Narvik would mean stopping most German imports of iron ore
during the winter of 1940. On April the 8th 1940, the British Admiralty launched
Operation Wilfred – laying anti-shipping minefields around Narvik in Norwegian territorial waters. The next day, when Germany invaded Norway, ten German destroyers were sent to the area. The Battle of Narvik had begun. Allied soldiers from many countries were sent to the city, and under the leadership of General Carl Gustav Fleischer Norwegian, French, Polish, and British forces recaptured Narvik on May 28th 1940. This is also considered the first Allied infantry victory in World War II.
The force consisted of brave soldiers, sailors and airmen, originated from the French Alpine Battalion, French Foreign Legion, Polish Podhale brigade, joined by Britishand Norwegian servicemen. Through their joint effort, despite hard resistance, facing treacherous terrain and harsh climate conditions, they prevailed. Today, the battle of Narvik stands as a symbol of a true multinational sacrifice.
70 year have passed since the battle of Narvik. Norwegians still have a profound respect for the soldiers’ dedicated effort . We honour the memory of those who gave their outmost sacrifice. After the War, the nations that fought in Narvik together with others started a new alliance – NATO – an alliance that is still trying to uphold peace across the world. Our nations are working together with an overarching intent.
HARALD SUNDE
General
Chief of Defence Norway
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