The end of the Phoney War

The period from the defeat of Poland in September 1939 to the German attack on neutral Norway in April 1940 is known as the 'Phoney War'. During these six months there was no fighting on land between the Anglo-French armies and their German enemies. To most civilians it seemed there was no war going on at all - although there were several bitter battles fought at sea. There were other humorous terms used to describe this period: 'Sitzkrieg' (sitting war) and 'Bore War'.

In April 1940, 'Sitzkrieg' once again became 'Blitzkrieg' as German troops invaded and occupied Norway. Norway was vital to Germany since Norway and Sweden provided more than half of Germany's iron ore. This was essential for the production of weapons. In addition, Swedish supplies had to come through Norway for six months of the year when their ports were frozen. Norway - despite some British and French help - was soon defeated. Not only had the Germans guaranteed their vital iron ore supplies, but they could now use the Norwegian fjords as ideal bases for their submarines (U-boats).

Neil Demarco: The era of the Second World War; Oxford University Press, 1993/2000, page 28