Norway's strategic value is explained through Atlantic geography as well as the Narvik battle. Access to Norway, France, and the Low Countries lets German submarines enter the Atlantic from a much wider frontage. Without Norwegian bases, Allied convoys can be routed farther north and spend less time near the edge of German range; without French and Italian access, they can instead approach from farther south. Those route choices show how coastal access changes submarine endurance, interception opportunities, and the burden on convoy escorts.
Notable Point · 27:11-28:17
How Atlantic bases shape convoy routes
Norwegian and French bases widen the U-boat threat, while denying either coastline lets Allied planners route convoys farther from German operating areas.