Paterson, Lawrence/Groult, Edouard A. (Illustr.) Kriegsmarine Norway Command 1940–45

The naval war on the northern flank

The invasion of Norway was intended to secure Germany's northern flank and provide access to the Atlantic and important Scandinavian resources. It was the Kriegsmarine's largest, most demanding and most costly amphibious operation, and victory only brought new demands on the beleaguered surface fleet. Here, naval historian Lawrence Paterson examines the presence and operations of the Kriegsmarine in occupied Norway, where the fleet struggled to secure its new waters and launch offensive operations, first against the British and later against the Soviets. This theatre of war is best known as the last refuge of the German battleships and for operations against the Arctic convoys, but the operations covered the entire spectrum of naval warfare. The protection of convoys, the security of the coasts and the blockade were of crucial importance throughout the war and relied heavily on the German outpost boats. Illustrated with rare and unpublished photographs, original artwork, diagrams and maps, this book illuminates the entire history of the Kriegsmarine in Norway. From warships and combat operations to their strategic tasks, complex and confusing command structure, reconnaissance, logistics, security and facilities, it is the first comprehensive history of the German fleet in the far north.