The German Occupation in Norway: A Mixed Experience
The occupation of Norway by German troops during World War II was a complex and multifaceted experience, marked by both relative ease in some areas and intense hardship in others. This article explores the varied experiences of German forces in Norway, the reception they faced post-war, and the lasting legacy of the occupation.
German Troops in Norway: Relatively Easy Alongside Intense Challenges
The German occupation of Norway, which lasted from 1940 until 1945, saw German infantry encountering limited combat. The number of battle engagements was relatively small, making life relatively easier for German ground troops in comparison to other theaters of war such as the Eastern Front. However, the German Navy and air personnel faced much more intense and challenging conditions. The sea and air battles in the region were particularly fierce, with constant bombing raids and naval skirmishes.
In contrast to the Eastern Front, where the sheer scale of combat and the strength of the Soviet partisans made for a much more arduous experience, the German troops in Norway experienced some respite from direct combat. However, the Norwegian population was overwhelmingly pro-Allies, and many Norwegians joined the resistance, making the occupation a difficult task for the Germans.
Life After the War: A Grim Reality for German Troops
Post-war, things took a much darker turn for German troops in Norway. According to historical accounts, almost none of the German soldiers who served in Norway remained in the country after the war. The locals viewed them as unwelcome intruders, and the Allies pursued a policy of repatriation and prosecution for war crimes, particularly those committed under the Quisling regime. The resistance remained relatively isolated and had limited impact on the daily lives of German troops, but the stigma of their involvement in the occupation was significant.
Personal Accounts: The Case of the Uncle
A personal anecdote illustrates the aftermath of the war for a German soldier. One of my uncles survived a mission to sink the battleship Tirpitz, which was anchored in a Norwegian fjord. He was heavily injured and returned home to his mother after a few weeks of treatment in a hospital. His story is still shrouded in mystery, with my grandmother experiencing out-of-body experiences, sensing his presence and immediate safety.
My uncle never returned to Norway after the war. He dedicated his life to breeding German shepherds, a profession that he found particularly supportive and meaningful, with the dogs sold exclusively to military organizations.
Life for German Troops in Northern Norway
The experience of German troops varied significantly based on their location. Northern Norway faced some of the harshest conditions of the war, with extreme winter temperatures reaching -50°C and short, mosquito-infested summers. Pilots and submariners in this region had to contend with some of the coldest and most challenging environments, with minimal rescue options available.
In the southern part of Norway, the primary challenge was boredom due to the limited target for resistance activities. Allies' air attacks were infrequent, and food supplies were relatively stable, provided one was fond of fish. Relationships with Norwegians, especially the romantic encounters that led to some 10,000-12,000 children born during and after the war, provided a small but poignant counterpoint to the otherwise grim experiences.
Conclusion
The German troops' experience in Norway was a mosaic of varied challenges and limited combat. While they faced easier conditions compared to some other frontlines, their occupation was marked by intense and at times hostile local resistance, making the post-war environment particularly challenging. The stories of individual soldiers like my uncle highlight the human cost and lasting impact of the war, offering a more nuanced understanding of the complex realities of occupation and liberation.
As a former occupier, Germany has taken significant steps to remember and reflect on the Second World War and its occupation of Norway. The legacy of the occupation is a reminder of the importance of remembrance and reconciliation.