Air superiority turns coastal garrisons into delay forces

Lord Cork asks whether Mo, Mosjøen, and Bodø can be held with the small forces being sent, warning that every weak detachment may create another naval commitment. The Admiralty answers that large forces cannot be maintained ahead of established fighter protection under German air superiority. Small parties are therefore to obstruct the enemy advance and fall back gradually rather than hold exposed positions at all costs. Colonel Gubbins begins withdrawing in accordance with those instructions as German pressure grows and local Norwegian forces tire. Without air cover, the landing force can delay the enemy but cannot hold exposed ground indefinitely.