The German Invasion of Norway: April 1940 [Hardcover]

This book has been many years in the making and it is clear Geirr Haarr has crafted this book with care and attention to accuracy and detail. Perhaps a word of warning for some: This is not a one-sided account of `official histories' but a book which gives equal measure and weighting to the Norwegian, German and British sides utilising a prolific array of primary sources. Indeed, the author has researched extensively in Norway, UK and Germany in his quest for historical accuracy drawing the information together and presenting with great clarity a well-written and balanced account of the invasion of Norway. The book is sizeable; but it is here where we see the author ably demonstrating his energy and potency in presenting the many aspects to what happened as well as engaging and retaining the reader's attention. The numerous images are exceptional providing the reader with additional background and understanding coupled with detailed appendices and references which historians will find immensely useful. The author rightly corrects the many long-standing and accepted so-called facts of various events that occurred and comments on poor decision making where appropriate. In my opinion this book can be regarded as the most authoritative book on the subject of the invasion of Norway: Geirr Haarr has raised the bar to unparalleled heights on historical accuracy to events in Norway and he is to be congratulated.

The German Invasion of Norway is an outstanding book on the topic its name implies. While not a groundbreaking study, it is nevertheless the best effort so far to present an overall picture on the operation.

This book focuses almost exclusively on the naval aspect on the war, the air and land elements are only mentioned briefly when they are relevant to the combat at sea. As such, the topic is somewhat narrow, but this does allow for a deeper, more detailed coverage than other works spanning the entire width of the conflict.

I will especially praise the fact that this work is published in English. While this might deter a few Norwegian readers, it will make the story accessible to a much greater audience. Kudos!

The book goes into great detail on the lead-up to the invasion, and although I have read much of the previously published books on the subject, I am nevertheless struck again by the almost incomprehensible ignorance shown by Norwegian leaders in this period. How they could ignore so many signs and warnings that something was afoot is truly astonishing. Equally, as often mentioned, is how big a gamble the German effort really was, it succeeded only by sheer audacity, willpower and improvisation.

As the combat at sea is the main focus, naturally the Norwegian naval units` efforts are given much space, and it is very interesting to read about the actions of smaller vessels and coastal forts. While ultimately being unable to prevent the invasion, there were many skirmishes and smaller battles that are seldom mentioned, usually being overshadowed by more known events such as those around Narvik.

It also contains many less known photographs (I only wish there were more of them), as an example there is a picture of the British destroyer Glowworm, not just the usual one where she is crossing the path of the Hipper, but also one where she is about to sink, floating with her bow torn of in the accidental collision with the German cruiser.

Alas, the book also has its weaknesses. As mentioned, there should have been more photos, as well as more maps (though the maps that are included are quite good). The editor should also have done a better job, while the language is pretty good considering it was written by a non-native English speaker, it does shine through too often. Norwegian terms are also sprinkled throughout, while this adds flavor, the proper English term should have been given next to it (there is an all too brief glossary included).

It is not easy for non-Norwegian speaker to understand terms as sersjants and oberst for instance, and where does the word pansership come from?

A work on Weserubung should also have included a chapter on the invasion of Denmark. As far as I understand, this was written but left out due to space considerations.
There are also some notable gaps in the story. Considering the impact it had on the conduct of the entire invasion, why is the cause of the German torpedo failure not discussed at length? It is only mentioned briefly that they did not work properly. (FYI, they had faulty depth-keeping mechanisms as well as poorly designed detonators)

While these minor flaws do detract from the overall impression, it is still an excellent book, without doubt the best published on the subject by far.

It is interesting and highly readable, and I can recommend it to novices on the conflict as well as to the seasoned reader.

My father served on the destroyer HMS Havock. The First Battle of Narvik, April 10, 1940, was her first major engagement of many. I have researched much of the history of his ship and through this met with Geirr Haarr who interviewed my father as part of his research for this book. My father died in 2006 aged 88. His abiding memory of his naval service (12 years) was the battles for Narvik. He unveiled a memorial in Narvik in 2003. Because of this 'bit of history' I have a deep interest in the naval aspects of the Norwegian campaign.
I have to say that when I read Geirr Haarr's book I was staggered by how little I knew. He has assembled the definitive work in the English language of the German invasion of Norway. From all of the political, geographic, strategic and international aspects. The detail and research is mind-blowing. The ships, the aircraft, the crews and losses by name and place, whereever possible and, more importantly, the machinations between politicians, governments, military services and personal accounts of much 'behind the scenes' activity. All from original Norwegian, British, German and other necessary sources. His multi-lingual capability has enabled him to provide a balanced input from all of these sources. The book for me is a very clever mix of detailed historical data, as an academic work, combined with a 'story telling technique' that I find second to none in the 'action' events.
I wait with great impatience for his next book, The Battle for Norway, covering post invasion events until June 1940 #including the sinking of the Aircraft Carrier HMS Glorious# which is due out in early 2010 to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the German invasion of Norway.