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In the spring of 1940, the quiet fjords and rugged mountains of Norway became the stage for one of the Second World War’s earliest and most dramatic campaigns. The Norwegian Campaign was a bold and complex operation involving land, sea, and air forces – but it was the Royal Navy that bore the brunt of the action in the early days. From daring destroyer raids to desperate evacuations, I’ve been examining the key moments that highlight the Navy’s crucial role.

In my forthcoming book – For Those In Peril (released August 1st 2025, order now) – the hero of our story, Romulus Hutchinson gets a baptism of fire as a young sub-lieutenant on HMS Grenade during the Norwegian Campaign, seeing early action at Namsos. In this blog I’ve taken a broader look at the significance of this early campaign of the Second World War.

The Strategic Importance of Norway

Before the shooting even started, the Royal Navy understood the stakes. Norway’s long coastline and the port of Narvik were vital for the transport of Swedish iron ore – essential to the German war effort. Control of Norway would also give the Royal Navy a better position to blockade Germany and protect Atlantic convoys. When Germany invaded on 9 April 1940, the Royal Navy sprang into action.

The First Battle of Narvik – A Daring Dawn Raid

On 10 April, five British destroyers under Commodore Bernard Warburton-Lee launched a surprise attack into the Ofotfjord at Narvik. Despite being outnumbered, they sank two German destroyers and several supply ships. Warburton-Lee was killed in the action and posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. The raid was a bold display of naval aggression and set the tone for what was to come.

The Second Battle of Narvik – Turning the Tide at Sea

Just three days later, the Royal Navy returned with reinforcements, including the battleship HMS Warspite and nine destroyers. In a fierce engagement on 13 April, they destroyed the remaining German destroyers in the fjord. The use of aircraft from Warspite – including a Swordfish biplane for reconnaissance – marked one of the first coordinated sea-air operations of the war. The fjord was left littered with wreckage, and German naval power in the region was effectively broken.

Namsos – A Costly and Chaotic Evacuation

While Narvik saw naval success, the situation at Namsos was far more grim. British and French troops landed there in mid-April to push south toward Trondheim, but they were met with fierce German resistance and relentless Luftwaffe bombing. The Royal Navy was tasked with evacuating the force under fire. Ships like HMS Afridi and HMS Grenade braved air attacks to rescue troops, but several vessels were lost, and many lives with them. It was a sobering reminder of the vulnerability of ships without air cover.

The Losses Were Heavy – But the Lessons Were Vital

The Royal Navy suffered significant losses during the campaign, including destroyers, cruisers, and aircraft carriers damaged or sunk. Yet the experience gained in amphibious operations, joint command, and Arctic warfare would prove invaluable later in the war. The campaign also exposed the urgent need for better coordination between the Navy, Army, and RAF.

A Campaign Remembered for Courage and Sacrifice

Though ultimately a German victory, the Norwegian Campaign showcased the Royal Navy’s resilience and daring. From the icy waters of Narvik to the embattled docks of Namsos, British sailors displayed extraordinary courage under fire. Their actions delayed German consolidation in Norway and demonstrated that the Allies were willing – and able – to strike back.

FOR THOSE IN PERIL is the first book in the Romulus Hutchinson Naval Adventure series: action-packed, authentic historical adventures following twin brothers serving with the Royal Navy and the Merchant Navy during the Second World War. Available in paperback and Kindle formats from August 1, 2025.