Q&A ยท 1:07:18-1:08:19

How often was Denmark's navy seized?

Two British seizures were followed by Germany's 1943 Operation Safari effort to disarm Denmark and take control of its fleet.

Question

How often did Denmark have its navy stolen?

Short answer

Britain seized it twice, and Germany made a third major attempt during Operation Safari in 1943.

Notes

The answer counts two earlier Royal Navy seizures of the Danish fleet and then turns to the German occupation. During Operation Safari in August 1943, German forces moved to disarm the Danish military and secure its ships. Danish resistance caused casualties, while thousands of soldiers were captured. The episode explains why Danish planners were acutely aware that a fleet could become the target of a great power even when Denmark sought neutrality.