First Naval Battle of Narvik

British destroyers attacked German ships in Narvik harbour.

In early April 1940, Germany invaded Norway in an effort to control important ports and sea routes. Narvik was especially important because Swedish iron ore was shipped through the port during the winter season.

On 10 April, British destroyers launched a surprise attack on the German force around Narvik. The fighting took place among narrow fjords, where ships manoeuvred under fire at short ranges.

Both sides suffered losses; British ships attacked German warships and transports but were themselves hit. The engagement did not end the Norwegian campaign.

A second battle took place near Narvik two days later. These operations demonstrated how strongly control of the sea shaped the land campaign in northern Europe.

Source: View historical source ↗