Fully illustrated, this is the first full history of the Kriegsmarine''s challenging operations from occupied Norway, tackling Allied sea power in the North Sea and Arctic. The invasion of Norway was intended to secure Germany''s northern flank, and win access to the Atlantic and to vital Scandinavian resources. It was the Kriegsmarine''s biggest, most testing, and most costly amphibious operation, and victory only brought new demands on the mauled surface fleet. Naval historian Lawrence Paterson here examines the Kriegsmarine''s presence and operations in occupied Norway, as the fleet fought to secure its new waters and launch offensive operations, first against the British and later the Soviets. It is a theatre most famous as the last lair of Germany''s battleships and for operations against the Arctic Convoys, but operations involved the full spectrum of the navy. Convoy protection, coastal security and interdiction were vital throughout the war and relied heavily on Germany''s workhorse Vorpostenboote . Illustrated with some rare and unpublished photos, superb original artwork, diagrams and maps, this book explores the full story of the Kriegsmarine in Norway. From warships and combat to its strategic tasks, the complex and confusing command structure, intelligence, logistics, security and facilities, it is the first comprehensive history of Germany''s fleet in the far north.

Autorentext
Lawrence "Larry" Paterson is a qualified scuba diving instructor who spent many years living in France and researching German wrecks from World War II in Breton waters. His first book First U-boat Flotilla was a direct result of his time near Brest, home of that particular U-boat flotilla. He also spent a period of time as a member of the Royal Navy Submarine Museum Archive Working group, specializing in U-boat records. He attributes much of his interest in World War II to both his grandfathers; one who was an ANZAC during the First World War and the other who was a Royal Navy stoker during the Second. His naval books have been published worldwide. Edouard Groult grew up inspired by watching historical documentaries with his father and developed a fascination for historical and fantasy art. Following art studies in both Paris and Belgium he worked as a concept artist in the videogame industry and in recent years has also undertaken historical commissions while working as a freelancer for historical magazines. He lives and works near London.

Inhalt
(Subject to Confirmation)
THE FLEET'S PURPOSE
FLEET FIGHTING POWER
The Ships
Technical Factors
HOW THE FLEET OPERATED
Doctrine, Command, and Communication
Intelligence and Deception
Logistics and Facilities
COMBAT AND ANALYSIS
The Fleet in Combat
Analysis
FURTHER READING