9th June
The King of Norway and the Norwegian government arrives back in Britain on the heavy cruiser HMS Devonshire. The exiled government has not surrendered, and will carry on the fight from Britain.
The last Hurricanes in Norway follow a SeaLance guide out to HMS Illustrious at sea. It had been intended to destroy the planes in Norway, as they did not have the range to make it back to Britain, but fighters are in short supply, and three pilots have volunteered to attempt to land them on the carrier. The carrier heads into the wind at full power, making 32 knots, to make the landing as easy as possible. All three of the planes land successfully, and arrangements are made to fly out the rest of the planes on the following day. This will be the final convoy to leave Norway.
10th June
The remaining ten Hurricanes and nine Gladiators are led to Illustrious. As on the previous day, the landings are made with no incidents other than to increase the grey hairs on the RAF pilots. The planes on the deck make it difficult for Illustrious to fly off cover, so the air duties are being handled by HMS Colossus and HMS Mars. The last of 30,000 allied troops, and over 5,000 Norwegian volunteers (who will form the corps of the Free Norwegian forces) are evacuated. The Norwegian forces left in the country have orders to surrender as soon as the King and parliament have reached safety.
The convoy is spotted by the Luftwaffe, and six He-111's attack it later that day . In a final end to the Norwegian conflict, the FAA enacts some revenge by shooting down five of the bombers for no loss.
The final naval tally for the Norwegian operation is :
Royal Navy
One light fleet carrier
Two destroyers
A number of submarines and other light vessels such as A/S trawlers
A battleship, 3 cruisers and a number of other ships have been damaged.
Kriegsmarine
One Battlecruiser
One Pocket battleship
Two heavy cruisers
Two light cruisers
Nine destroyers
At least six submarines plus other light vessels
The Royal navy is quietly happy at this result. The Kriegsmarine has been rendered almost non-operational for relatively minor losses. Although a number of warships have been damaged (some quite severely) by the Luftwaffe, the presence or intervention of the FAA has saved more damage. Indeed, if allowed to press their attacks without fighter opposition, it is considered very likely that some of the damaged ships would have been sunk. Indeed, apart from the Graf Zeppelin and the Bismark, both of which have started working up, the only operational ships in the Kriegsmarine are nine destroyers.
The situation for the Navy gets worse, however, as Mussolini finally declares war on the allies. Fortunately HMS Glorious has safely delivered her fighters and convoy to Malta so the exposed island fortress, so close to Italy, has at least some fighter protection. Fortunately the ending of the Norwegian campaign means there are heavy ships available, although due to damage and losses during Dunkirk, and the need to keep forces in home waters, there is a shortage of light ships, particularly destroyers. Ships are also needed to cover the evacuation of British troops from France.
11th June
In the Mediterranean, the Italian air force raids Malta. One Gladiator is lost on the ground. SM79 bombers escorted by Mc200 fighters attack Grand Harbour and two of the airfields. The Italian fighters are small planes with some resemblance to the Goshawk, manoeuvrable but slower and far less heavily armed. The defenders shoot down 3 Mc200 fighters and 3 of the SM79 bombers for the loss of 1 Goshawk shot down and one forced to land. On Gladiator was also damaged.
Status and location of RN major warships as of 11 June
Home Fleet : Illustrious(CV), Victorious(CV), Colossus(CVL), Mars(CVL), Barham(BB), Resolution(BB), Repulse(BC), Renown(BC), Rodney(BB)
Gibraltar : Ark Royal(CV), Glorious(CV), Hood(BC), Resolution(BB), Valiant(BB)
Alexandria : Courageous(CV), Malaya(BB), Royal Sovereign(BB), Ramilles(BB)
Far East : Eagle(CVL), HMAS Melbourne
West Indies : Hermes (CVL)
Convoy duty (Atlantic) : Vengeance(CVL), Glory(CVL), Activity(CVE), Revenge(BB)
Training : Furious(CVL)
Working up : Implacable(CV) (commissioned in April), Indefatigable(CV) (commissions in June) Ocean(CVL) (Commissions in June),KGV(BB)(commissions in June)
Repair : Formidable (CV)(torpedo damage), Warspite (BB)(minor bomb damage, some shell damage), Nelson(BB) (mine damage)
Refit : Queen Elizabeth(BB)
