Powerful explosions on the territory of the Norwegian Oskarsborg Fortress under the air attack by Luftwaffe bombers during World War II in Western Europe.
The Luftwaffe bombed the fortress for nine hours. Of the air defense systems in the fortress, there were two 40mm Bofors and seven Colt machine guns. The Norwegian garrison took refuge in the casemates and had no losses.
The vast majority of the gunners were recruits who arrived at the fortress a week before the outbreak of hostilities. The commandant of Oskarsborg fortress Birger Eriksen managed to recruit 30 people for teams of two 280 mm guns. The battery managed to fire two volleys (4 shots) and the German heavy cruiser Blucher was sunk.
The photo source: National Archives of Norway.
Location: Oskarsborg, Norway
Photo time: 9 April 1940