Operation On The Gudbrandsdal


Tretten, Norway, April 23rd, 1940: Landing in April 19th in Aandalsnes, the 148th British Territorial
Brigade first had to go north to take back Trondheim Harbor. In fact, it quickly appeared that the most
serious threat was coming from the south, where the Germans, halted ten days before in Oslo, were pushing
back the Norwegian 2nd Division along the railway and the Gudbrandsdal River. The Brigade then turned
south, but did not manage to regroup early enough to stop the Germans from seizing Lillehammer. The
British were then heavily handicapped by the Cedarbank torpedoing, which sank the entire Brigade transportation pool along with the majority of its ammunition and food reserves. Transported with hastily
requisitioned trucks and busses, the British soldiers also suffered a lack of winter clothes. Finally,
a strong defensive position was installed at Tretten, where the steep hills east of Gudbrandsdal
interdicted all moves. Despite the support of some surviving Norwegian units, things were not looking
too good. Without artillery support and short of ammunition, the British soldiers hadn't slept and had
barely eaten during the last thirty-six hours.


Game Length: 8.5 Turns

For the Germans to win they must capture VP's as they move north 
For the British to win they must prevent the Germans from capturing VP's as they move north

Germans: Squads, MMG's, LMG's, MTR's, AFV's
British: Squads, MMG, LMG's, MTR's, ATR's

Boards: #2, #7


Aftermath: Placed forward on the road, two Forester Companies, supported by a Leicestershire Company
placed on the heights, were attacked by the Germans around 1300. After an hour of fighting, the second
company of the Leicestershire was sent from Tretten as reinforcements. Three German light tanks pierced
the British positions, without being damaged by numerous antitank rifle shots, and deeply advanced
toward Tretten. Unluckily for the British, they intercepted some officers of the Brigade on recon duty,
along with the Norwegian military advisor, and cut off all retreat. The village itself was soon under
infantry gunfire and had to be abandoned. Only a British rear guard held until the evening to allow all
the units of the area to withdraw. On their side, the Norwegian Dragoons, positioned farther east to
prevent an eventual turning back, weren't attacked and could return to their trucks safely. Reduced to
nine officers and 300 troopers, the 148th Brigade was no longer a sufficient combat force to prevent the
Germans from resuming their attack toward Aandalsnes. One week later, the British Corps had to disengage
and the Norwegian 2nd Division surrendered on may 2nd.

Source: Tactiques magazine, Scenario ASL TAC 39, Operation On The Gudbrandsdal

   