Capture of Arendal

Capture of Arendal
Part of the German invasion of Norway during
the Second World War
Date9 April 1940 (1940-04-09)
Location
Arendal, Norway
58°25′31″N 8°45′43″E / 58.4253°N 8.7620°E / 58.4253; 8.7620
Result German victory
Territorial
changes
Germans capture Arendal
Belligerents
 Germany  Norway
Commanders and leaders
Nazi Germany Wilhelm-Nikolaus Freiherr von Lyncker
(naval)
Nazi Germany Smith von Wesentahl
(land)
Norway Thore Holthe
Units involved

163rd Infantry Division

  • 234th Bicycle Squadron
unknown
Strength
90 soldiers
10 signals troops
1 torpedo boat
19 sailors
1 torpedo boat
1 seaplane
Casualties and losses
none none

The Capture of Arendal occurred on 9 April 1940 and saw the German torpedo boat Greif land a force of bicycle troops and seize an invasion beachhead at the Norwegian port town of Arendal. The main aim of the landing, part of the German invasion of Norway, was to sever the undersea telegraph cable between Arendal and the United Kingdom.

The German force landed unopposed, with the Norwegian torpedo boat based in the town choosing to evacuate rather than take up the fight against the surprising arrival of the Germans. The Norwegian naval commander cited concern for civilian casualties and a glum view of his chances as reasons for not resisting.

While the initial German occupation of Arendal took place without serious incident, panic broke out the following day and led to many civilians abandoning the town, following unfounded rumours of an incoming British bomber raid.

Five days after the German occupation of Arendal, the town saw the establishment of the first organized resistance group in Norway. The Arendal Group operated from 14 April 1940 until crushed by the Gestapo four months later.