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The Vaagso Raid
The Vaagso Raid
195 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 1968
24 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 14, 2024
On Saturday, December 27, 1941, a group of British and Norwegian soldiers raided the fishing village of South Vaagso, Norway. The raid had elements of the Royal Navy, Army, and Royal Air Force. They destroyed commercial facilities and several Nazi boats before fleeing back to the North Sea. I read about this battle in The Vaagso Raid, a 1967 book written by Joseph Devins, Jr.
The level of detail was overwhelming at times, but on the whole the book thoughtfully connected multiple perspectives (pilots, commandos, admirals, and even a few Germans) into a thrilling review of this incident. Thus far it is the best book from my dad‘s library that recalls parts of Norway’s experience in World War II.
The author included multiple photos from the raid, but the book would have benefited from more than two maps. If World War II is your field, definitely put this book on the list.
The level of detail was overwhelming at times, but on the whole the book thoughtfully connected multiple perspectives (pilots, commandos, admirals, and even a few Germans) into a thrilling review of this incident. Thus far it is the best book from my dad‘s library that recalls parts of Norway’s experience in World War II.
The author included multiple photos from the raid, but the book would have benefited from more than two maps. If World War II is your field, definitely put this book on the list.
September 12, 2021
Excellent history of a joint Norwegian/RAF/RN/Royal Army raid on a Norwegian coastal town in 1941 that had far reaching ramifications. Published in 1967, if you find a copy in a used book store, as I did, you will be quite pleased. The town of Vaagso was occupied by the Germans and produced major amounts of fish oil, which is used to formulate explosives. Who knew? The joint service commando raid set the standard for future raids and was studied widely as an example of how to get the job done the right way. Well researched and well written. A good read.
May 22, 2015
A methodically structured examination into one of the first commando raids by the British in the Second World War. Written with a clinical appreciation for the tactical environment of the raid's time and setting.
I found this an utterly fascinating read, and a careful reconstruction of a critical operation in the history of special operations.
Favourite moment? There were several, but the crewman delivering tea while his shipmates hugged the deck during artillery fire was indomitably British and made me chuckle and nod.
An excellent book; highly recommended.
I found this an utterly fascinating read, and a careful reconstruction of a critical operation in the history of special operations.
Favourite moment? There were several, but the crewman delivering tea while his shipmates hugged the deck during artillery fire was indomitably British and made me chuckle and nod.
An excellent book; highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews