German forces conquered Denmark in roughly six hours, making the threat to Norway unmistakable. Norway nevertheless declined to issue an immediate radio mobilisation order. Authorities relied on telegrams telling reservists to report as late as 11 April, two days after the invasion had begun. The delay avoided an immediate break with the government's pre-war political posture at the cost of military reaction time. Ports and garrisons therefore met the German landings without the prepared manpower that even a limited call-up could have provided.
Chapter · 23:53-26:08
Denmark's fall and Norway's slow mobilisation
After Denmark fell within six hours, Norway's reliance on delayed call-up messages rather than immediate mobilisation left ports and garrisons dangerously unprepared.