Anatomy of a Campaign: The British Fiasco in Norway, 1940

The British campaign in Norway in 1940 was a failure due to a combination of strategic failures, intelligence blunders, and German air superiority. John Kiszely's book assesses the campaign, its context, and evolution, helping us to understand why more recent military campaigns have found success elusive.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 390 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2019
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The British campaign in Norway in 1940 was a resounding and humiliating failure, often referred to as the fiasco that directly resulted in the downfall of Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain and his replacement by Winston Churchill. However, the reasons behind this failure are far more complex and multifaceted than what is commonly known. In this essay, we will explore the various factors that contributed to the campaign's failure, including strategic errors, intelligence blunders, and German air superiority.

Strategic Errors:

One of the primary strategic errors made by the British was their underestimation of the German forces in Norway. The Germans had already occupied Denmark and were well-prepared for a military campaign. The British, on the other hand, believed that Norway would be a relatively easy target and sent a small force of troops to defend it.

Another strategic error was the decision to divide the British forces into two separate commands, one in the north and one in the south. This decision made it difficult for the British to coordinate their efforts and respond quickly to the German advances.

Intelligence Blunders:

The British also made several intelligence blunders that hampered their efforts in Norway. One of the most significant was the failure to detect the German buildup of forces in Norway. The British intelligence agencies were aware of the German intentions but underestimated the size and strength of the German forces.

Another intelligence blunder was the failure to recognize the importance of the Norwegian coastline and the strategic value of the Norwegian oil fields. The Germans were able to use the Norwegian coastline as a launching pad for their attacks on the British forces, and the oil fields provided them with a vital source of fuel.

German Air Superiority:

Finally, the German air superiority played a significant role in the British campaign's failure. The German Luftwaffe was able to dominate the skies over Norway, making it difficult for the British to launch air attacks on the German forces. This air superiority allowed the Germans to move their forces quickly and efficiently, and it also made it difficult for the British to resupply their troops.

The Performance of the Troops:

Despite the strategic errors and intelligence blunders, the British troops themselves performed admirably in Norway. The troops were brave and resilient, and they fought with great determination and skill. However, their numbers were vastly outnumbered by the German forces, and they were unable to withstand the German onslaught.

The Serious Errors of Judgement by Those Responsible for the Higher Direction of the War:

Finally, the serious errors of judgement by those responsible for the higher direction of the war also played a role in the British campaign's failure. Churchill, in particular, was criticized for his decision to send a small force of troops to Norway rather than committing more resources to the campaign. Churchill was also criticized for his indecisiveness and his tendency to second-guess his own decisions.

Conclusion:

The British campaign in Norway in 1940 was a resounding and humiliating failure that had far-reaching consequences for the war effort. The campaign's failure was due to a combination of strategic errors, intelligence blunders, and German air superiority. While the British troops performed admirably, their numbers were vastly outnumbered by the German forces, and they were unable to withstand the German onslaught. The serious errors of judgement by those responsible for the higher direction of the war also played a role in the campaign's failure.

In conclusion, the British campaign in Norway in 1940 was a complex and multifaceted failure that resulted from a combination of strategic errors, intelligence blunders, and German air superiority. While the reasons behind this failure are complex and multifaceted, it is important to understand the lessons learned from this campaign to ensure that future military campaigns are more successful.

Weight: 638g
Dimension: 153 x 227 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781316646427