Description
To prevent German occupying forces in Norway from reinforcing their defences during the final months of World War II, the Office of Strategic Services launched Operation Rype, with the mission of sabotaging the Nordland Railway in Mid-Norway. Rype was led by Major William E. Colby, later director of the CIA.
After several delays, the Norwegian Special Operations Group (NORSO) dropped over the Snasa mountains on the night of March 24. Out of eight B-24s, only three dropped on target. One dropped in Sweden, the remaining four returned to Britain. Two of the B-24s crashed, killing all but one of their crews. Reinforcement and resupply of the unit failed due to extreme Arctic conditions.
Relying heavily on help from the Norwegian resistance, NORSO managed to sever the railway at two points. On both occasions, they withdrew with Germans hot on their tail. On May 2, a German patrol blundered into their camp, resulting in the killing of all of the Germans and one wounded Norwegian resistance fighter. Whether the Germans were killed in the ensuing firefight, or were executed later, has been hotly debated ever since.
After the war ended, NORSO was allowed down from the mountains, but were sent on bogus missions by the British commanders in Trondheim. They eventually managed to get recognition for their contribution to victory.
This new history of the operation is based on German, Norwegian, American and Swedish sources. It examines how the outcome of the operation was affected by the limitations of equipment in sub-Arctic conditions, and British-American rivalry and cooperation throughout the operation.
About the Author
Frode Lindgjerdet works for Norwegian Armed Forces Museums, he is also a lecturer and author. He is an SSGT with the Norwegian Home Guard.
Reviews
[A]n incomparable writer to tell the story, warts and all. Frode Lindgjerdet works for the Norwegian Armed Forces Museums, and lectures on all aspects of the Second World War in Norway. In addition, he is a Staff Sergeant with the Norwegian Home Guard. * ARGunners.com *
Book Information
ISBN 9781636241340
Author Frode Lindgjerdet
Format Hardback
Page Count 288
Imprint Casemate Publishers
Publisher Casemate Publishers
After several delays, the Norwegian Special Operations Group (NORSO) dropped over the Snasa mountains on the night of March 24. Out of eight B-24s, only three dropped on target. One dropped in Sweden, the remaining four returned to Britain. Two of the B-24s crashed, killing all but one of their crews. Reinforcement and resupply of the unit failed due to extreme Arctic conditions.
Relying heavily on help from the Norwegian resistance, NORSO managed to sever the railway at two points. On both occasions, they withdrew with Germans hot on their tail. On May 2, a German patrol blundered into their camp, resulting in the killing of all of the Germans and one wounded Norwegian resistance fighter. Whether the Germans were killed in the ensuing firefight, or were executed later, has been hotly debated ever since.
After the war ended, NORSO was allowed down from the mountains, but were sent on bogus missions by the British commanders in Trondheim. They eventually managed to get recognition for their contribution to victory.
This new history of the operation is based on German, Norwegian, American and Swedish sources. It examines how the outcome of the operation was affected by the limitations of equipment in sub-Arctic conditions, and British-American rivalry and cooperation throughout the operation.
About the Author
Frode Lindgjerdet works for Norwegian Armed Forces Museums, he is also a lecturer and author. He is an SSGT with the Norwegian Home Guard.
Reviews
[A]n incomparable writer to tell the story, warts and all. Frode Lindgjerdet works for the Norwegian Armed Forces Museums, and lectures on all aspects of the Second World War in Norway. In addition, he is a Staff Sergeant with the Norwegian Home Guard. * ARGunners.com *
Book Information
ISBN 9781636241340
Author Frode Lindgjerdet
Format Hardback
Page Count 288
Imprint Casemate Publishers
Publisher Casemate Publishers
