Concluded in Narvik

Defence cooperation between Poland and Norway has been a major focus of the State Visit, and this morning King Harald and President Duda visited the Norwegian Joint Headquarters in its mountain complex at Reitan outside of Bodø. The unit is responsible for planning and implementing Norwegian military operations both domestically and abroad.

The battle for Narvik

Narvik was captured by German troops on the morning of 9 April 1940. Their objective was to gain control of the iron ore that was shipped out from the Kiruna mine – a critical resource for the German arms industry. The Norwegian 6th Division fought the Germans, and after some time received support from the British Navy and French and Polish troops. 

Poland had been invaded by Nazi Germany in September 1939, and 5 000 soldiers from the Polish brigade-in-exile fought courageously alongside British, French and Norwegian soldiers in Narvik. The Allied forces recaptured Narvik on 28 May 1940. This was the first major defeat of the war for Nazi Germany.

Honoured the fallen Polish soldiers

King Harald made note of the Polish effort in his remarks on Monday evening:

“Brave Poles came to Norway to provide support and assistance during the Second World War. In May 1940, the Polish Podhale brigade took part in the dramatic battle for Narvik together with Norwegian, British and French forces. Two of the Polish navy vessels were sunk during the battle, and 97 Polish soldiers lost their lives. King Haakon VII presented the Podhale brigade with a fourragere in the Norwegian national colours in gratitude for their efforts. To the best of my knowledge, the Podhale brigade wears this military award on their uniforms to this day.”

This evening, King Harald, President Duda and Mrs Kornhauser-Duda took part in a ceremony at Håkvik cemetery in Narvik. The cemetery contains monuments commemorating the war efforts of individuals as well as countries. A wreath was laid this evening at the war memorial for the fallen Polish soldiers.