Al Murray

Norway is not involved in the Second World War at this stage.

Because of the leads, it means that German shipping could stick to the leads, stay in this area and keep out of harm's way.

Almost the very southern tip of Norway, which the Luftwaffe was cover over.

Yeah.

So basically, this further makes Narvik even more important.

If the British can get into Narvik and block it off...

Then that kills... Well, and of all the places where you can have a northern redoubt.

Yeah.

And this means, though, if the British can hold Norway, block it off, then this will deny the Germans a million tonnes of iron ore a year.

Yeah.

Yeah.

And the thing is, this has been on British minds right from the start of the war.

Because this is how British strategy operates on many levels.

It's like, you know, because Britain's a trading nation with that strategic attitude, it thinks in those terms.

you know, where are they vulnerable?

Iron ore.

So, and they're making all sorts of overtures and there's a waggle dance going on with the Norwegians on the 11th of November.

Yeah, yeah.

And when you have a Navy as powerful as the Royal Navy, it's easier for you to fight in the periphery than it is for him.

Yeah.