Battle of Vinjesvingen

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The Battle of Vinjesvingen took place in May of 1940 in Telemark county, Norway. It became one of the two last strongholds of Norwegian resistance in southern Norway during World War II, alongside the struggle of Hegra Fortress. Vinjesvingen was a battle in the Norwegian Campaign.

Under the command of 2nd Lieutenant Thor O. Hannevig, the Norwegians held their position against superior German forces until May 5 1940. Hannevig managed to sneak great loads of arms, equipment and fuel from depots right in front of the German forces. The equipment was brought to Vinje and Vågsli in Telemark, where Hannevig established a department which was known as Telemark Infantry Regiment. The plan was to prevent German advance westward through Telemark and Setesdal, and to support Allied reinforcements from the west.

A full mobilization was activated in the area, and at most the force totaled around 300 men, but the number changed constantly. Several small battles were fought, mostly involving Norwegian ambushes on advancing German formations, using small arms and IEDs. The Norwegian defenders often destroyed and/or damaged bridges and roads in the area to delay the German advance.

The Norwegians relied on Krag-Jørgensen bolt action rifles, mortars, heavy machine guns, as well as mines and explosives to destroy bridges and roads.

The main battle continued from the 3rd to 5 May. Large German forces were eventually deployed to the area, and the German losses were considerable. When it was realized that the entire south of Norway was lost, and that there would be no Allied invasion from the west, Hannevig initiated negotiations for surrender. The battles of Vinjesvingen had a great symbolic effect during the occupation, and provided a moral boost to a rather depressing occupation. It was not known to the rest of the country while the battles were fought, however.

[edit] Reference

• Lødrup, Hans P: Vinjesvingen. Et lite blad av krigens historie i Norge.