WARFARE IN NORWAY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 126, 27 April 1940, Page 8

WARFARE IN NORWAY.

Tiie Germans are fighting desperately to maintain their hold in Central Norway where the landing of Allied troops has placed their army in danger of being completely hemmed in. Although most of the news of the fighting comes from Stockholm, it is clear from the War Office reports that the Allied pincer plan is proceeding steadily. In the Narvik district the Germans are trapped. They face the Norwegians’ knowledge of the country and skill in guerrilla warfare, combined with the British blockade and strong Allied forces closing in. Deprived of reinforcements and munitions they are in no way established to withstand a serious attack on land. The pincers movement at Trondheim is also developing. Al - lied forces from north and south of that important port have made progress, causing the Nazi command to worry a great deal. Warships sent to the top of the fiord to harass the Allied advance indicate the Germans’ anxiety as the two forces close in. Bombing attacks on towns as well as the opposing forces are also an indication of a perturbed command. In the southern sector the British forces which reached Lillehammer down the Gudbransdal Valley appear to have met with a reverse "and have withdrawn somewhat. The operations in such mountainous country cannot be completed as quickly as many people would like. The important fact is that within a wonderfully short time British troops were landed in Norway to fight the ruthless invader and these have been followed by French troops. Reinforcements are being steadily despatched and Allied command of the sea enables a rigid blockade to be enforced. What is essential now is the provision of antiaircraft guns and aeroplane bases for the bomber and fighter squadrons. Remarkably efficient and courageous service has been given by these airmen from their bases in Britain, but aerodromes established in Norway by the Allies would bo of much greater value.