How long did the German invasion of Denmark in 1940 last?
The German invasion of Denmark on the 9th of April 1940 lasted approximately six hours. The Danish government ordered a ceasefire at 06:00 and formally capitulated at 08:34.
Questions about German invasion of Denmark (1940)
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Why did Germany invade Denmark in 1940?
Germany invaded Denmark primarily to use it as a staging ground for the invasion of Norway, and to secure supply lines for forces deploying there. Control of the Aalborg airfield in northern Jutland was essential to Operation Weserübung, and the Kriegsmarine wanted to extend its sea-defence network northward.
Who warned Denmark about the 1940 German invasion?
Admiral Wilhelm Canaris, chief of the Abwehr, warned the Danes of an imminent invasion on the 4th of April 1940, five days before the attack. Canaris was also involved in the German resistance to Nazism.
What was the first paratrooper attack in history?
At approximately 05:00 on the 9th of April 1940, during the German invasion of Denmark, 96 Fallschirmjäger jumped from nine Junkers Ju 52 transport aircraft to secure Storstrøm Bridge. This is regarded as history's first paratrooper attack.
Why did Denmark surrender so quickly to Germany in April 1940?
Prime Minister Thorvald Stauning ended resistance after less than two hours, fearing Germany would bomb Copenhagen as it had bombed Warsaw in September 1939. Denmark's flat terrain offered no natural defences, and its forces were inferior in numbers and equipment. The government also secured political independence in domestic matters as a condition of capitulation.
What were the Danish casualties in the 1940 German invasion?
Casualty figures are disputed. A 2015 article in Krigshistorisk Tidsskrift estimated 16 confirmed Danish military dead and 20 wounded, with civilian resistance casualties of 10 dead and 3 wounded. Military historian David T. Zabecki recorded a total of 49 Danish casualties.