Operation Weseruebung: A Necessary Evil? An Operational Art Analysis.
Abstract
Military historians have hailed the German conquest of Norway as a masterful exercise of German military efficiency and have given the operation a special place in the annals of war. The German Military's conducted of Operation Weseruebung is heralded as the first successful major joint operation which incorporated air, land, and sea forces. The occupation of Norway brought Germany several strategic and operational advantages. However, some advantages appeared better on paper than in reality. The necessity to conduct Operation Weseruebung and occupy Norway is critically examined from an operational art perspective, with particular emphasis on operational factors. After a review of the strategic setting, the paper provides a review of the conduct of Operation Weseruebung. Examination of the operation demonstrates that the level of consideration regarding the operational factors diminished after the invasion of Norway. An analysis will be presented of the post invasion actions of the German military relating to operational factors. Alternative courses of action are presented as options for attaining the same objectives.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 13, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA348608
Entities
People
- John D. Lloyd
Organizations
- Naval War College