Norway and Churchill

Act three

1st of may

Allies forced to evacuate 4,400 troops from Andalsnes, implying Chamberlain’s acceptance of defeat. ​

2nd may

Further 5,400 troops evacuated from Namsos. German occupation imminent.​

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8th may

Chamberlain suffers heavy defeat in the Commons after admitting failures of Norwegian campaign; Norway and Denmark had been lost to the Axis powers and Chamberlain admitted underestimating Hitler’s forces.​

Chamberlain’s majority plummets in a vote of confidence in the Commons during a debate on the war and there were calls from the Tory benches for him to go.​

9th may

Chamberlain calls to meet with Churchill and Halifax to discuss succession as PM. Halifax refuses possible role of leading GB. Believes he cannot be PM if he is a member of the Lords. ​

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Churchill accepts the position from King George VI and Chamberlain.​

How much did Chamberlain’s majority drop by in the may 8th no confidence vote?

240 → 81W

Why didn’t Halifax become PM?

He was a peer, and his name was not Alec Douglas-Home.

Territorials

Reservists. No proper gear.

Why did Churchill advocate attacking Norway?

Cut off Sweden’s iron ore, slow down the German war machine.