Cossack's mission was to suppress German forces in and around Narvik, but a merchant ship obstructed the route into the harbour. Rather than stand off, the destroyer smashed across the obstruction to reach a firing position. Her 4.7-inch guns then worked methodically across ships and shore positions while lighter weapons answered rifle fire. The crew's approach fits aggressive, mission-focused destroyer doctrine: they chose the most direct method of neutralizing the defenses.
Chapter · 34:19-36:37
Cossack at Narvik: forcing the harbour fight
Cossack smashed past a merchant ship blocking Narvik harbour and methodically brought her guns onto German ships and shore positions.