The Naval Battles Of Narvik

Perched amidst majestic fjords and rugged mountains, Narvik is a place where breathtaking natural beauty meets a rich and tumultuous history. For history enthusiasts visiting Northern Norway, the waters surrounding Narvik hold echoes of one of World War II's most dramatic naval confrontations: the Battles of Narvik. These pivotal clashes were part of the German invasion of Norway, codenamed Operation Weserübung, and played a crucial role in shaping the early stages of the war.

Operation Weserübung

IIn April 1940, Nazi Germany launched Operation Weserübung, a bold and audacious plan to secure strategic footholds in Norway and Denmark. Control of Norway’s ports and fjords was critical for safeguarding iron ore shipments from neutral Sweden, a lifeline for the German war machine. Narvik, with its ice-free harbor and proximity to the Swedish ore fields, became a primary target.

On April 9, 1940, the Kriegsmarine arrived in Narvik under the command of Commodore Friedrich Bonte. The destroyer flotilla where confronted by the  Norwegian coastal defense ships Eidsvold and Norge, though outmatched, prepared for combat and engaged the German destroyers with remarkable bravery.

Ready by the guns,it’s time to fight boys!

Captain Odd Isaachsen Willoch

Commander of the Norwegian PS Edsvold

Eidsvold, under Captain Odd Isaachsen Willoch, attempted to attack but was tragically sunk after being struck by German torpedoes. Norge followed shortly, fighting until it too was destroyed

This resistance, though ultimately unsuccessful, showcased the determination of Norway's defenders against overwhelming odds. Despite initial resistance from Norwegian forces, the Germans quickly seized control of the town and port. However, their success was short-lived as the Allies, recognizing Narvik’s strategic importance, mobilized to retake the area. What followed was a series of fierce naval engagements that would go down in history as the First and Second Naval Battles of Narvik.

The First Naval Battle

Just one day after the German occupation of Narvik, the Royal Navy launched a daring attack. On April 10, 1940, a flotilla of five British destroyers, led by Captain Bernard Warburton-Lee aboard HMS Hardy, entered the fjord under cover of darkness. Their mission: to surprise and neutralize the German fleet.

The British attack on the Kriegsmarine in Narvik harbours was a stunning initial success. They sank two German destroyers and several supply vessels while inflicting heavy damage on the remaining ships. Even as the attack unfolded, Captain Bernard Warburton-Lee demonstrated extraordinary leadership and courage. Mortally wounded by a shell that struck the bridge of his flagship HMS Hardy, he continued to issue commands until the end, epitomizing steadfast resolve in the face of overwhelming odds. 

Continue to engage the enemy..

Captain Bernard Warburton-Lee

Commander of the British 2nd Destroyer Flotilla

However, the tide turned when German destroyers regrouped and counterattacked, leaving HMS Hardy and HMS Hunter severely damaged and sinking. Captain Warburton-Lee was killed in the action, and his valor posthumously earned him the Victoria Cross. His final command, immortalized by his unwavering dedication to duty, remain a powerful symbol of courage and sacrifice.

The citation reads as follows: "For gallantry, enterprise and daring in command of the force engaged in the First Battle of Narvik, on 10th April, 1940. On being ordered to carry out an attack on Narvik, Captain Warburton-Lee learned that the enemy was holding the place in much greater force than had been thought. He signalled to the Admiralty that six German destroyers and one submarine were there, that the channel might be mined, and that he intended to attack at dawn. The Admiralty replied that he alone could judge whether to attack, and that whatever decision he made would have full support. Captain Warburton led his flotilla of five destroyers up the fjord in heavy snow-storms, arriving off Narvik just after daybreak. He took the enemy completely by surprise and made three successful attacks on warships and merchantmen in the harbour. As the flotilla withdrew, five enemy destroyers of superior gunpower were encountered and engaged. The captain was mortally wounded by a shell which hit the bridge of H.M.S. Hardy. His last signal was 'Continue to engage the enemy'."

This was the first VC to be gazetted in the Second World War. He was also, posthumously, awarded the Norwegian War Cross. Bernard is buried in the CWGC plot Ballangen New Cemetery, 25km southwest of Narvik.

Giving a report on the naval action in the House of Commons, on 17th April 1940, Mr Winston Churchill said:

From what we heard at the Admiralty late on Tuesday night, we thought the operations so hazardous that at 1 o’clock in the morning, we told the captain of the flotilla that he must be the sole judge of whether to attack or not and we would support him whatever he did and whatever happened. In these circumstances, Captain Warburton-Lee entered with five destroyers and attacked the enemy destroyers and such guns as they could have landed.

Sir Winston Churchill

First Lord of the Admiralty

Despite suffering losses, the First Naval Battle of Narvik highlighted the resilience of Allied forces and disrupted German supply lines, setting the stage for further confrontations.

The Second Naval Battle

Determined to regain control of Narvik, the Royal Navy returned on April 13, 1940, this time with a larger and more powerful fleet led by the battleship HMS Warspite. Supported by aircraft from the Fleet Air Arm, the British task force launched a relentless assault on the German ships trapped in the fjords.

The Second Naval Battle of Narvik was a decisive victory for the Allies. The entire German destroyer flotilla, out of ammunition and fuel, were scuttled or destroyed by British forces in the fjords around Narvik. HMS Warspite’s firepower proved overwhelming, and the Germans’ remaining naval presence was effectively eliminated. 

This marked the end of significant naval resistance in the region, though the ground battles for Narvik continued for several weeks, ultimately leading to Hitler’s first defeat in the Battle of Narvik.

Legacy Of The Naval Battles

The naval battles of Narvik were among the earliest and most intense engagements of World War II. They demonstrated the strategic importance of Norway and the ferocity of modern naval warfare. For Narvik, these battles were transformative, leaving behind a legacy that remains integral to its identity today.

Visitors to Narvik can explore this history through the Narvik War Museum, which houses artifacts, personal accounts, and exhibits that vividly recount the drama of 1940. 

Additionally, the high density of well-preserved shipwrecks scattered across the seabed near Narvik Harbor and the surrounding fjords has made the area a popular destination for wreck diving. These underwater relics offer a unique way to explore the history of Narvik from a submerged perspective. For a closer look at the underwater world of Narvik, be sure to visit Underwater Narvik's Instagram account, where you'll find stunning and evocative photography that captures the beauty and mystery hidden below the surface.

For those seeking to connect with history, the story of the Battles of Narvik offers a poignant reminder of the bravery, sacrifice, and strategic significance that defined this northern theater of World War II. It is a tale that continues to resonate, drawing visitors to the fjords not only to learn but also to reflect on the profound legacy of WWII that shaped both Narvik and the world.