Germany's attack on Denmark on 9 April left Norway little time to correct years of weak preparation. The cabinet ordered only a partial, discreet mobilization, hoping to gain time without alarming the public or exposing how unprepared the country was. Of Norway's six divisions, only the northern 6th Division under Carl Gustav Fleischer was semi-mobilized and ready for immediate operations. Denmark did not fall in a separate preliminary phase before the Norwegian attack, because Germany's first troops and supplies were already moving north. Securing Denmark supported later phases by helping move the remainder of the force and its logistical support toward Norway.
Notable Point · 44:17-48:18
Denmark's invasion and the Norway campaign timetable
Germany attacked Denmark and Norway almost simultaneously; Denmark helped sustain later echelons while Norway's leaders still hoped for time to mobilize quietly.