General Nikolaus von Falkenhorst's XXI Army Corps drew on elements of five German infantry divisions and one mountain division, rather than landing six complete divisions at once. The first wave numbered about 8,850 troops, compared with a Norwegian Army that could theoretically field roughly 55,000. Even forty percent mobilization would have given the defender a numerical advantage over the opening German force. Norway also had coastal geography, land bases, and difficult terrain in its favour. Everything depended on mobilizing before simultaneous landings disrupted command, transport, and reinforcement.
Notable Point · 35:01-37:17
Why force totals conceal the importance of timing
Norway's theoretical manpower advantage mattered only if reserves mobilized before Germany's smaller first wave seized the places needed to organize resistance.