Q&A · 3:10:33-3:11:46

How fully crewed Norwegian defences could have changed Operation Weseruebung

Fully manned Norwegian coastal defences could deny Germany the invasion, expose withdrawing ships to the Royal Navy, and give the Allies valuable bases.

Question

How badly would Operation Weseruebung have gone if Oscarsborg and other Norwegian defences were fully crewed?

Short answer

Germany would probably fail to secure Norway, lose much of the invasion force, and face Royal Navy attacks during any withdrawal.

Notes

Fully crewed Norwegian coastal defences would probably stop or badly damage the German landing groups, leaving Germany unable to secure the country. Ships trying to withdraw, especially those sent farthest north, would then face the Royal Navy on the return voyage. An unconquered Norway would threaten German sea routes and give the Allies bases for maritime patrols and bombers. These losses would not end the war immediately, but they would impose a serious strategic burden beyond the invasion force itself.