Norway's operational geography shaped the war at sea. Control or reliable neutrality would help protect Arctic convoys and strengthen Britain's hold on the North Atlantic approaches. German U-boats based in France would still need to reach those bases or pass through an anti-submarine barrier between Britain and Norway before circling into the Atlantic. Without Norwegian bases, Germany would also lose air attack and scouting opportunities over northern waters. The counterfactual rests on submarine attrition and convoy defense.
Notable Point · 16:32-18:01
Norway, Arctic convoys, and the North Sea ASW barrier
A neutral or Allied Norway would protect Arctic convoys and force German submarines through a more dangerous route into the Atlantic.