WWII history

[Norway Joe]

To get to Oslo by boat you have to sail up the 75 miles long narrow fjord. About 16.4 miles before Oslo you must pass a fortified island called Oscarsborg. You have to pass on the east side since there is a stone wall only a half yard under the surface on the west side, stretching from the island to the shore. Built so large ships can't pass on this side.

Went out with the boat to the Fort today and walked around the Fort which is now a museum.

As you know Norway was captured by Germany during the second world war. On the 9th of April 1940 the German cruiser Blucher tried to sneak past the Fort during the night. The commander on the Fort somewhat disobeyed order and fired on the ship and sunk it. The two cannons, Aron and Moses fired and hit the ship. As the ship was damaged, two torpedoes was fired and sunk it.

Because of this the King and government was able to avoid capture and made it to England where they organized the resistance for the rest of the war. Most important was the exile government's requiration of the 1000 merchant ships Norway had outside of German controlled areas.

On the way back we passed the ferry Color Magic on her way to Germany.

Here you can read the details about the si king of Blucher. Dramatic story

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of ... 8bak_Sound


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[OldUsedParts]

That's part of our History also and thanks for sharing that with us, Sir.
Great job on the pics also, it's like we're standing there holding the camera.

[Copasspupil]

Absolutely love the photos you took here. Though I’ve never fought in any battles, I have so much respect for those who have, lost loved ones and appreciate their sacrifice. Those pics share some of what others experienced.

[Norway Joe]

That's part of our History also and thanks for sharing that with us, Sir.
Great job on the pics also, it's like we're standing there holding the camera.

Absolutely a part of your history too. Americans sacrificed a lot during the war. I went to see the Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona memorial a few years ago. Very touching.

I've updated the link since it didn't work.
This should work:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of ... 8bak_Sound

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[spacetrucker]

Joe Thank You; For your most informative post

[Boots]

Recommend we all hoist a beer in honor of the brave gun crews of the Moses and Aron. Matching steel with a German cruiser of that era is no mean feat, the crews of the Kreigsmarine were well trained and disciplined, with superior guns and training to most European navies of the time; the Blucher boasted a total of eight 8-inch guns, throwing 270 pound shells each for miles.

Salute!!

[Sailor Kenshin]

Amen.

NJ, I always love your photo essays. This one was fantastic.

[Norway Joe]

Thank folks. I'll drop a post in this part of the forum from time to time.

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[Professor Bunky]

Thanks for the great pics, Joe, and the story behind them.

[roaniecowpony]

Joernolav,
Thanks for a bit of history from Norway. I was in Norway in 2004 for an airline meeting with my company at the Oslo airport. I was there a week and had some time to explore the local country and Oslo. Great people in Norway.

A month ago, we were in France on the north coast and saw many gun implacement ruins from WW2 and the cemetaries. Humbling stuff.

[Norway Joe]

Great pictures and I find WWII history very interesting. Lots of it in Europe. Glad you liked Oslo and Norway. Traveling is one of my hobbies. Love to see different places.

See you live I California. Been there many times. Recently I spent a week in Santa Monica. Came home about 2 weeks ago. Have also driven all the way from SF to San Diego. Many beautiful places along the coast. And friendly people.

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[Norway Joe]

This post is a little old but today it is 80 years since the events at the fortress and the attack on Norway. Today most countries are in a crisis, albeit a different one.

Here's some background information on the attack, for those who are interested.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operati ... %C3%BCbung

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[GTR]

That generation was truly "The Greatest Generation". Living through 2 world wars, the depression, rationing and shortages. Many saw the Korean War as well as Viet Nam. Their sacrifice and resilience should serve as an inspersion to us all as we now navigate these current times.

[OldUsedParts]

When my Dad first heard about Viet Nam, I remember him saying "We always thought that, after defeating Japan and Korea, our Boys would not have to go to War !"

[Norway Joe]

The soldiers fighting for our freedom during WWII and other wars are absolutely the finest men and women there is.

In the invasion on the 9th of April we had a small boat called Pol III out at the sea watching the border. They spotted the German armada. Instead of retreating the captain on board Pol III attacks the armada. He even told the captain on the six times bigger German ship Albatross to surrender. Realizing the Germans didn't turn back, he rammed his ship into the side of the Albatross.

The Norwegian captain was shot in his leg. Before they went in the lifeboat they managed to send up a signal flare. Warning the commandant of the Oscarsborg and resulting in the sinking of the Blucher.

When they went in the life boat it capsized and after suffering heavy blood loss due to being shot the captain drowned.

The captains last words was: "don't worry about me. I'm done for anyway. if you make it back home, bring them my regards".

The captains name was Leif Welding Olsen and our first casualty in the war. A true hero.

Below is a picture of the Pol III and the type 23 torpedo boat he rammed.

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