The ageing Eidsvold-class ships were purpose-built coastal defenders dating from 1899. Each mounted two 8.25-inch guns, six 5.9-inch guns, lighter weapons, and submerged torpedo tubes. A six-inch belt and heavier protection around the turrets gave them meaningful local staying power even though they were slow. They could not have survived against German capital ships, but their armament still made them dangerous opponents for destroyers. Their destruction at Narvik therefore reflected surprise, readiness, and tactical circumstances as much as age alone.
Notable Point · 30:03-33:23
Norway's coastal-defence ships at Narvik
Norway's ageing coastal-defence ships were heavily armed local defenders whose value depended on readiness and the conditions of the fight.