German Plans for an Invasion of Sweden in 1943. A Serious Endeavour?

Abstract

Controversy continues to surround German plans to invade Sweden in 1943, whether these were a training exercise or a serious preparation. This article examines the operational approach proposed for the invasion, considers repeated British plans for an invasion of Norway as well as the deception operations designed to give the appearance of an invasion, and explores the perception of OKW. Finally, it assesses the opposing forces. It concludes Hitler’s obsession with Norway, matched by Churchill’s, led to the retention of significant occupation forces, but these would have been insufficient to deliver the planned invasion.