Norway
The Second World War
Date
1940 - 1945
Geographical parameters
The coastal waters of Norway, as far north as the latitude of Tromsö.
Context
Eligible to all “ships and submarines which were engaged in the Norway operations from 8 April to 8 June, 1940, and also those which took part in a successful action in these waters at later dates. Recognition of Fleet Air Arm attacks, such as those on the Tirpitz, is normally restricted to the carriers and squadrons concerned; the covering escorts on those occasions are not eligible for the award. An area battle honour formally entitled “Norway 1940-5” with year dates according to the service of the unit concerned Footnote 1.
Description
In 1944 two Canadian destroyers, HMC Ships Sioux and Algonquin, had been operating out of the British naval base at Scapa Flow in the Orkney Islands. Most of their operations took place off the coast of Norway and so it was no surprise when Algonquin was tasked to join in Operation “Counterblast,” a sweep to be made by two cruisers and four destroyers in November 1944. Approaching the southwestern tip of Norway, the Allied force located an enemy convoy of four merchantmen and six escorts. Crossing in front of the convoy Algonquin opened fire on one of the escorts, a minesweeper, obtaining a hit with the first salvo. Then a merchant ship was engaged and left in flames. Although under fire from the escorts and from shore batteries, none of the Allied ships was struck. Another merchant ship was engaged by Algonquin which blew up and then a patrol boat was hit and left burning.
In April 1945 HMCS Iroquois, based at Scapa Flow with the British Home Fleet, was tasked with joining an ad hoc anti-shipping operation off the coast of Norway dubbed Operation “Foxchase”. Four destroyers, including Iroquois, neared the southwestern tip of Norway when they encountered an enemy convoy comprised of four merchantmen and three escorts. Just after midnight on 3 April 1945 the convoy was illuminated with starshells and Iroquois opened fire on a tanker. At a range of 4,400 yards Iroquois fired 16 broadsides, six of which struck their target setting the enemy ship on fire. The other Allied ships were also achieving hits on target when Iroquois reported seeing two U-boats on the surface. On receiving that report the British commander in charge of the operation broke off the action and the enemy convoy escaped further damage.