Chronology of World War II

May 1940

Sunday, May 5th


Norway

The German forces continue to advance north from Trondheim. More Allied troops arrive in the north at Tromso and Harstad. This contingent is from the French Foreign Legion, the 13th Demi-Brigade, and the exiled Polish Carpathian Mountain Brigade.

Norwegian Ministers arrive in London and the Norwegian government-in-exile is established. The Norwegian gold reserve of £33 million arrives in London the next day.

In the Kattegat channel the minelaying submarine HMS Seal is damaged by a German mine and captured. All sensitive equipment was destroyed before the crew surrendered but the detonators on her torpedoes provide valuable information to German engineers as they are more reliable than enemy detonators.

[larr2larr | rarrrarr2]

Norwegian Sea(?)

The submarine HMS Shark is captured by the Germans. Having been damaged by a mine the previous day, she is 'confronted' by an Arado flying-boat which touches down and stands by the surfaced vessel until naval support arrives.

[rarrrarr2]

[ May 4th - May 6th]