6th Division (Norway)
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| Sixth Division | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1940 - 2005 |
| Country | Norway |
| Branch | Army |
| Garrison/HQ | Heggelia |
The 6. Divisjon (6th Division) of the Norwegian Army was taken out of duty in 2005.
[edit] History
The pinnacle of this division's service was during World War II, during the German invasion of Norway. It was commanded by General Carl Gustav Fleischer, who was one of the King of Norway's favourite military officers. His division was one of the few Norwegian military commands that was battle ready on April 9, 1940 when the Germans invaded. With help from the British, French, and Polish militaries, 6. Divisjon were able to recapture the city of Narvik, during what became known as the Battle of Narvik.
The Germans took the city at the beginning of the battle, but it was retaken May 28, in what was one of the first victories for the Allies(though Norway never were an allied officialy) in World War II. However, the successful German attack on France forced the Allied task force to retreat, which they did in June. As a result of the withdrawal of allied air and naval support the Norwegians were forced to lay down their arms. In one of the most controversial episodes in history of Norway's role in WWII Gen. Fleischer ended his life in 1942, after being sent to Canada as the Norwegian military attaché, a role that was basically a demotion.
After the demobilisation , 6. Division was disbanded. However, when Norway was liberated in 1945, the division was immediately reestablished. One long-term consequence of the action at Narvik was the close cooperation between the British military and Norwegian Army, along with close cooperation with France's alpine forces. During the Cold War the division fought in no major conflicts. After the end of the Cold War the 6th was re-organized in 2002, as part of an overall reform of the Norwegian military. 6th Division was taken out of duty in 2005.
[edit] Current Organisation
In its peace-time organisation, 6. Divisjon consists of approximately 1,200 commissioned and non-commissioned officers (COs and NCOs), with approximately 3,000 enlisted soldiers and 200 civilian support staff. In wartime, its numbers could exceed 12,000 in total. The division trains mainly in the rugged Norwegian terrain, which prepares it for battle extensively. Also, the large coastline and relatively free airspace allows for somewhat less limited practice.
6. Divisjon use the most modern materiel and equipment. Its heaviest weapons include Leopard MBTs, CV-90 ACVs, along with M109 Paladin howitzers. The infantry uses Bv206 tracked all-terrain vehicles, and both the infantry and special forces use snowmobiles and light off-road vehicles. Their airlifting capabilities are provided by the Tactical Helicopter Group, which is stationed at Bardufoss. The division's motto is "Styrke for fred, evne til strid", or "Strength for peace, talent for war".
[edit] Units in the 6. Divisjon
- Militærpolitikp. - Military Police
- Fjernoppklaringsesk. - Long Range Recon
- Jegerkompaniet - Ranger company
- Brig. 6 - Light infantry brigade
- Brig. N - Mech. infantry brigade
