Reuters.
After a long wait the LW forces have moved north from southern Norway to attack the ports of Bergen and Trondheim. During an epic air battle, the like of which never seen before in the history of warfare, the LW quickly captured a Norwegian airfield near Trondheim, presumably to be used as a staging post for the capture of Trondheim itself. FAA forces flying from the Ark Royal were unable to prevent the airdrop of German Troops into Trondheim and the surrender of the port.
Meanwhile, the battle over Bergen was intensifying with most of the FAA aircraft converging over the area. 2 Hurricane pilots were reported scouting to the south of Bergen and were engaged by a large number of enemy aircraft. The pilots were able to withdraw further north, destroying at least one enemy aircraft in the process. 1 of the hurricanes, piloted by Flying Officer Vulcan, was shot down while engaged by 4 ME109s. Flying Officer Vulcan was recovered and reported 1 109 destroyed.
LW long range scouts had succeeded in pinpointing the Royal Navy Carrier, Ark Royal, but the initial dive bombing attack by a single JU-88 was inaccurate. Approximately 45 minutes later a further attack by a formation of JU-88 was reported and radio contact was temporarily lost with the ship. A few minutes later a final radio transmission was heard from the Ark Royal: "HQ from Commander, Ark Royal. Wish to report loss of ship, we are abandoning ship with many casualties."
With the loss of the Ark Royal the Norwegian Government issued a statement almost immediately: With the loss of a Royal Navy FAA presence in the area the Norwegians feel we will be unable to prevent the invaders and in order to cease further loss of life we intend to capitulate with the Germans.
Only a few minutes after the statement was issued the port of Bergen fell into enemy hands.
Prime Minister Churchill has ordered all RAF and FAA forces to withdraw from Norway.
