The Battle of Narvik, Warburton-Lee and the first gazetted VC of the war

Discussion in 'World War 2' started by Antipodean Andy, Jan 20, 2008.

  1. Antipodean Andy

    Antipodean Andy New Member

    Battles of Narvik - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (couldn't find a better description than Wiki, I'm afraid!)

    Royal Navy (RN) Officers 1939-1945 - W

    * For gallantry, enterprise and daring in command of the force engaged in the First Battle of Narvik, on 10th April, 1940. On being ordered to carry out an attack on Narvik, Captain Warburton-Lee learned that the enemy was holding the place in much greater force than had been thought. He signalled to the Admiralty that six German destroyers and one submarine were there, that the channel might be mined, and that he intended to attack at dawn. The Admiralty replied that he alone could judge whether to attack, and that whatever decision he made would have full support. Captain Warburton-Lee led his flotilla of five destroyers up the fjord in heavy snow-storms, arriving off Narvik just after daybreak. He took the enemy completely by surprise and made three successful attacks on warships and merchantmen in the harbour. As the flotilla withdrew, five enemy destroyers of superior gunpower were encountered and engaged. The Captain was mortally wounded by a shell which hit the bridge of H.M.S. Hardy. His last signal was "Continue to engage the enemy".
     
  2. Kyt

    Kyt Άρης

    The Official Despatch on Narvik
     
  3. Antipodean Andy

    Antipodean Andy New Member

    Excellent stuff, Kyt.
     
  4. spidge

    spidge Active Member

    Excellent Kyt.

    Marvellous what info is around.
     
  5. Antipodean Andy

    Antipodean Andy New Member

    I think I might have to shower gifts upon the person who scanned the LG!
     
  6. Kyt

    Kyt Άρης

  7. Antipodean Andy

    Antipodean Andy New Member

    Wow, there's a favourite if ever there was one! Thanks mate, but don't think any association with LG will get you the shower of gifts!
     
  8. Antipodean Andy

    Antipodean Andy New Member

  9. spidge

    spidge Active Member

    I read a couple on Tobruk and Sir Leslie Morshead didn't even get a mention.
     
  10. Kyt

    Kyt Άρης

    A lot of these reports were quite political (with a small 'p') written by the commanders to vindicate their own actions. Good for basic info but not to be relied upon for the full picture.
     
  11. Antipodean Andy

    Antipodean Andy New Member

    In other words, somewhere to start?
     
  12. Kyt

    Kyt Άρης

  13. Antipodean Andy

    Antipodean Andy New Member

    Night all, I'm printing Kyt's links and going to bed happy!
     
  14. sepals

    sepals Guest

    On the 1st of March 2008 HMS Hunter was located by HNOMS Tyr of the Royal Norwegian Navy, whilst taking part in an excersie with ships of the Royal Navy. There will be a memorial service on Saturday 8th March in the waters above the wreck.
     
  15. spidge

    spidge Active Member

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