Q&A · 2:03:38-2:04:47

Could Swedish reinforcement defeat the invasion of Norway?

Swedish rail access permits a proposed attack on Oslo from the east, combined with an Allied advance from central Norway.

Question

Would Swedish army reinforcement make the German invasion of Norway almost inevitably fail?

Short answer

The answer expects likely German defeat if the Allies use Swedish railways to move Norwegian forces south and coordinate attacks toward Oslo.

Notes

German failure is judged likely if the Swedish army reinforces Norway, although it is not treated as automatic regardless of command decisions. The proposed operation uses Swedish railways to bring the Norwegian army from the north toward southern Norway. Its commander could then lead a combined force attacking Oslo from the east. British, French, and Norwegian forces in central Norway would advance south at the same time. Rearming Norwegian forces would add further resistance rather than leave the fighting to outside armies alone.