Denmark prepares to deny its fleet to Germany

Denmark preserved parts of its government and naval command structure after the rapid German occupation in 1940. By August 1943, Germany wanted tighter control but lacked enough available forces to act without giving substantial warning. Danish ships had instructions to scuttle or escape to Sweden when seizure threatened. Their age, condition and inadequate air defences made a passage to Britain impractical. Sweden offered a nearer refuge protected by extensive armament and mobilisation, and German assessments repeatedly found an invasion too costly in the resources then available. Denmark also retained opportunities for exercises and gunnery practice in an area that the Germans largely ignored.