Lütjens privately told Raeder that the Norway operation risked disaster, then briefed his officers confidently and promised success. He hoped bad weather would screen the force, but clear skies brought RAF attacks and British reporting that compromised surprise. Even so, he remained tightly focused on reaching the landing timetable. Two sailors went overboard during the voyage and no rescue attempt interrupted the schedule. A man-overboard response normally belonged to the ship's captain, so the precise responsibility is uncertain. The admiral's repeated emphasis on timing may have shaped the captain's decision.
Notable Point · 1:44:14-1:46:20
Norway's timetable carried a human cost before battle began
Two sailors went overboard without rescue attempts as Lütjens pressed his captains to maintain the invasion timetable; his influence on the decision remains an inference.