On the Road to Andalsnes ETO (id:#60779)

(ASL 11 - Doomed Battalions (3rd Edition) ID: 142)   [next]   [previous]

Prior Publication: AH:ASL Annual `91

Dombaas, Norway 1940-04-24 (2 others)

Overview:

With the sudden Allied landings at Namsos and Andalsnes, the strategic and political importance of Trondheim was brought into sharp focus. Quickly implementing alternative plans, von Falkenhorst ordered the 196th Infantry Division to clear several valleys and isolate that city. On 24 April, lead elements of the German division, advancing along the valley towards Andalsnes, found themselves stymied by fierce resistance in the vicinity of Dombaas from the British 148th Infantry Brigade, which had landed and was moving inland. With ammunition running low and the road behind them threatened by the Norwegian 2nd Division, an urgent message was dispatched for munitions and reinforcements to be pushed forward at all costs. The 196th’s HQ loaded an assortment of commandeered wagons with supplies and sped northward with all available troops. With a roadblock firmly established and troops positioned on the hills flanking the road, the Norwegian commander – advised of the attempted breakthrough – waited confidently.

Defender: Norwegian (2nd Norwegian Infantry Division)  

Errata (source)