The place in Lofoten most heavily armed with military construction by the Wehrmacht was Svolvær. Antiaircraft guns and searchlights were mounted on the hills and heights. The areas surrounding the oil companies BP and Shell were heavily fortified with two 8,8 cm guns. These were modern and power full guns, and could be used at any target at sea.

Near the entrance of the harbour on an island called “Kuba” a big fortification was situated.But the main guns were old French 15 cm from 1908. They were taken by the Germans when French capitulated in 1940.

The Wehrmacht was running short of guns, and took advantage of whatever they could lay their hands on. At a small island right outside Svolvær (Skjæringen), they used wooden logs as decoy-guns.

But in Svolvær the guns were real enough and were mounted so they could literally control all entrances by sea. At the dominant heights around Svolvær the Germans set up 23 20mm machineguns. Apart from this, machinegun nests were placed strategically all over town to control main streets and intersections.

All areas around the docks and other military installations, were mined. Numerous big bunkers were excavated into hills and mountains. Tunnels extended as far as 200 meters in several directions, equipped with living rooms and sleeping quarters. The German security services, S.D. and the Gestapo had their own emergency quarters. Also a big field bunker-hospital was buildt. Huge radio-antennas were placed, reporting daily to Berlin.

NS The Norwegian nazi-party N.S.

N.S. stands for national socialism, but during the war was called National Unity (Nasjonal Samling).

This movement, often incorrectly referred to as right wing was originally a socialist movement. Expressions like “fight capitalism” ar repeatedly found in N.S campaigns. N.S never got the support Quisling had hoped for.

It inspire intense propaganda, using spectacular posters, speeches, lectures and uniforms. At it’s peak the N.S. had about 50 000 members. Instead of uniting the nation it spit the population between it’s members and the rest of the people.

The massive construction of military bases , bunkers and forts, led to a shortage of cement. As Norway only could supply about 15%, The Germans had to ship the remaining 85% from Germany.

If you wonder why we have framed this cement bag, it’s because it’s extremely rare. Maybe the only one in existence in the entire world to day. The bag was located south of Bodø.