The reply to Forbes begins turning the Trondheim concept into an assault force with separate objectives. A regular brigade is assigned to seize the aerodrome, about one thousand Canadians are divided between the coastal forts and contact with Norwegian troops, and two hundred Royal Marines are to help capture the defences. HMS Glorious is selected with a planned force of 45 fighters, HMS Furious is set aside, and the planners consider how to relieve HMS Warspite. Command arrangements remain fragile: Major-General Hotblack falls ill, and his replacement, Major-General Victor Fortune, is seriously injured in an aircraft accident. Both losses further compress an already hurried planning timetable.
Notable Point · 4:14-5:47
Matching the Trondheim assault plan to troops and commanders
The Admiralty's reply assigns regulars, Canadians, and Royal Marines to the assault just as accidents force abrupt changes in its senior command arrangements.