Narvik

Overview of "Narvik" by Donald Macintyre

Author and Background

• Author: Donald Macintyre, a British naval officer and historian.
• Background: Macintyre was the Commander of HMS Hesperus during the Battle of Narvik and the Battle of the Atlantic, providing firsthand experience and expertise in naval history.

Plot Summary

Key Events and Themes

• Naval Aspects of the Norwegian Campaign: The book focuses on the naval aspects of the Norwegian campaign in the spring of 1940, a largely overshadowed part of World War II history. It details the German naval operations and the British naval responses during this period.
• British Naval Strategy and Weaknesses: Macintyre attributes the British failure in Norway to several key weaknesses, including the absence of British air power due to the transfer of the Fleet Air Arm to the Royal Air Force in 1918. This lack of coordination between naval and air forces significantly hindered British naval operations.
• German Naval Success: The book highlights how Germany, despite being vastly outnumbered by British sea power, successfully transported its assault forces to Norway. The Germans' surprise and ruthlessness allowed them to achieve their objectives before the British and Norwegians could recover.

Critical Reception

Reviews and Analysis

• Goodreads Review: The book is described as "information intensive but still fairly readable." The reviewer noted that while it covers the naval aspects well, it lacks quotes from those who were there and has tiny maps with little comment from the enemy side. Despite these limitations, the book is recommended for those interested in naval history of World War II.
• Proceedings Review (1960): This review praises Captain Macintyre's work, stating that "Narvik" upholds the standard set by his previous works, such as "Jutland" and "Thunder of the Guns." The review emphasizes that the Norwegian campaign is a significant but often neglected part of World War II history, and Macintyre's book provides valuable insights into this period.
• Kirkus Reviews: The book is described as a story of the 1940 Norwegian Campaign, where all branches of the British military service are seen united in action for the first time. It highlights the coast port of Narvik as the focal point of conquest and the failure of the Allies to save Norway from the Nazis.

Conclusion

"Narvik" by Donald Macintyre is a detailed historical account of the naval aspects of the Norwegian campaign during World War II. The book provides a comprehensive analysis of the strategic weaknesses faced by the British, particularly in terms of air power coordination, and highlights the successful German naval operations. While it has some limitations, such as a lack of quotes from participants and minimal enemy perspective, it remains a valuable resource for those interested in naval history and the often-overlooked Norwegian campaign.