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BATTLE // March 4, 1941

Operation Claymore

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Significance

Operation Claymore targeted the Lofoten Islands of northern Norway because the islands were a significant production center for fish oil and glycerine that fed the German war economy. The March 1941 raid by British and Norwegian commandos achieved its primary industrial objective, destroying fish oil factories and approximately 3,600 tonnes of oil and glycerine. Beyond the material damage, the force returned with 228 German prisoners, 314 Norwegian volunteers who joined Allied ranks, and a number of collaborators with the Quisling regime. Landing almost unopposed against German-controlled territory, the operation demonstrated that British and Norwegian forces could project commando power into occupied Norway and strike economically significant targets, while simultaneously recruiting Norwegian nationals willing to continue resistance from abroad.

Tactics

The force of 500 men drawn from No. 3 Commando, No. 4 Commando, and a Royal Engineers section, alongside 52 men from Norwegian Independent Company 1, landed from two Royal Navy troop transports supported by the 6th Destroyer Flotilla. The original plan called for avoiding direct engagement with German forces and concentrating effort on industrial destruction. The landings were carried out almost unopposed, allowing the raiding party to fulfill its demolition objectives — destroying fish oil factories and stocks of oil and glycerine — before withdrawing with prisoners, Norwegian recruits, and captured collaborators.

Forces & casualties

Troop strength

  • Royaume-Uni800
    medium
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Commanders (5)

United Kingdom

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6 sibling battles · 6 factions

Last verified June 2026
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