reply refer to No.
0p-16-F
NAVY DEPARTMENT
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS
OFFICE OF NAVAL INTELLIGENCE
WASHINGTON
24 APRIL 1940
SUBJECT: Scandinavian Operations - Resume of.
1. From the incomplete and conflicting reports of the Sean-
dinevian operations- Allied, German and Norwegian the following
resume is deduced as the closest practical approximation to the
factual.
2. On 8-9 April, the Germans completed the military occu-
pation of Denmark without resistance.
3. On 9 April, the Germans had completed the military oc-
cupation of all important bases in Norway- Narvik, Trendhelm, Ber-
gen, Stavanger, Kristiansand, and Oslo. The first direct evidence that
this movement was in progress was furnished by the sinking of the Ger-
man merchant steamer "Rio de Janeiro" by a British submarine four
miles south of Kristiansand. This vessel had about 300 German troops
aboard in full field uniform, 150 of whom were rescued and so identi-
fied by Norwegian fishermen. Reports indicate entry was effected by:
(a} gradual infiltration of men and material from merchant vessels to
ports on the west coast of Norway; (b) infiltration by the ordinary
means of travel by train and ferry into southern Norway; (c) trans-
port by air. Heavy field guns (155 rams.) were reported to have been
landed at Narvik, Bergen, and Trondheim form merchant vessels.
4. On 9 April -
--------------
(a) Germans made an air attack on Scapa Flow lasting about
75 minutes, resulting in no damage to ships at the base. One German
plane was shot down by pursuit planes.
(b) The RODNEY was struck by a 1000-pound bomb. Three of-
ficers and seven men were wounded. Material damage was negligible.
This action took place about 60 miles west of Bergen.
(c) The GLASGOW and SOUTHHAMPTON were bombed - no direct hits.
Both vessels were struck by splinters. Total casualties, one killed,
four wounded.
(d) The AURORA was attacked five times by planes, but not
hit. The accompanying destroyer GURKHA was struck by a bomb and sunk.