Reads like a thriller, and worthy of Hollywood attention, surely? Robert Pearson's excellent book has everything. A forgotten consequence of the Nazi occupation of Norway.
Books Monthly
'… this is a fascinating story…'
History of War 24/07/2019
Reading like a thriller, it is a very exciting story that has been very well told. It offers a very impressive example of applied intelligence, careful planning, bluff and bravery. A wonderful read.
Baird Maritime
It certainly makes for a lively story.
Miniature Wargames - Chris Jarvis
The German invasion of Norway on the night of April 8th/9th, 1940 almost took Norway completely unawares; had it not been for the defiance of one small coastal battery, the Norwegian royal family, government, and nearly 50 tons of gold bullion would have had no chance of escape. In desperate haste the royal family fled Oslo by rail, dodging bombs and strafing, eventually reaching the port of Molde, which was subsequently devastated by fire bombing. The gold with extraordinary ingenuity was moved by road, rail and fishing boat, hotly pursued by the Germans. Its weight and the need for total secrecy created unique transportation problems. After several instances of near-disaster, the Norwegians managed to get the gold to the coast where the Royal Navy came to the rescue. Such was the difficulty of extricating the bullion that it was taken off in three Royal Navy cruisers, HMS Enterprise, Galatea and Glasgow, from different locations. The ships were attacked in port, then constantly harassed and bombed by the Luftwaffe as they made their way back to the UK.
The loss of the bullion was a blow to the Germans. They had gained a country, but lost a king, a government and huge amount of bullion that would have financed their war machine. That loss is directly attributed to a visionary bank chief, a colonel, a hastily assembled body of Norwegians and the ships and men of the Royal Navy, ever resourceful, brave and loyal to their respective countries. This is their story.