Battle of Vinjesvingen
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| Battle of Vinjesvingen | |
|---|---|
| Part of the | |
| Result | The forces at Vinjesvingen capitulated May 5 after all other Norwegian forces in southern Norway had laid down their arms. |
Norway
Germany Thor O. Hannevig (POW)The Battle of Vinjesvingen was a battle of the Norwegian campaign and took place in May 1940 in the Telemark county, Norway. It became one of the two last strongholds of Norwegian resistance in southern Norway during World War II, the other being Hegra Fortress.
Background
Under the command of Second Lieutenant
Battle
A full mobilization was carried out in the area, and at most the force totaled around 300 men, but the number changed constantly. Several small battles were fought, mostly involving Norwegian ambushes on advancing German formations, using
The main battle took place from 3–5 May. Large German forces were eventually deployed to the area, and the German losses were considerable. When it was realized that the entire south of Norway was lost, and that the Allied Åndalsnes task force would not break through from the west, Hannevig initiated negotiations for surrender. The battles of Vinjesvingen had a great symbolic effect during the occupation, and provided a moral boost to a rather depressing occupation. It was however not known to the rest of the country while the battles were fought.
See also
- List of Norwegian military equipment of World War II
- List of German military equipment of World War II
References
- Lødrup, Hans P.(1945). Vinjesvingen. Et lite blad av krigens historie i Norge (in Norwegian). Oslo: H. Aschehoug & Co. (W. Nygaard).