Book Review for

Assault In Norway -- Sabotaging the Nazi Nuclear Program

by Thomas Gallagher


One of the strategic reasons why Germany invaded Norway during WWII
was to gain control of their heavy water facilities. Heavy water was necessary
to  manufacture uranium which could then be used to start a nuclear reaction.
The Germans were trying to beat the Americans in developing an atom bomb.
This story is about the joint effort between Norwegian loyalists and the British
military to sabotage the German efforts to develop heavy water.

Fortunately, the Norwegians who designed the Vemork hydroelectric plant in
Norway were in Britain and could provide detailed intelligence to the British.
The first sabotage attempt failed in the crash-landing of the gliders and the
murder of the survivors. The second attempt was successful both in destroying
strategic parts of the plant and the safe return of the saboteurs. However, the
resourceful Germans quickly restored the facility and were soon shipping barrels
of heavy water by ferry boat. The saboteurs then made the heart-wrenching
decision to target the boats which also carried Norwegian citizens.

This book is a true, gripping account of the courageous commandos who
braved sheer cliffs, cold, and capture for the Allied cause. A movie was made
in 1965 called The Heroes at Telemark, starring Kirk Douglas and
Richard Harris, which is based on this true story.
A great book to read.


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