Combat over Vaagsoy
Overall limited edition of 200
Original quality giclee print on canvas, image size approx. 50cm x 36cm ....£150
Fine art paper print, image size 50cm x 36cm ....£75
Operation Archery took place on the 27th December 1941 against Vaagsoey island, with the objective of destroying German military installations. As with all Commando raids, along the western coast of Europe, the wider aim was to tie up German forces which could be used in other theatres of the war, notably the Eastern front.
To this raid No.4 Commando contributed a medical detachment. No.12 Commando mounted a diversionary raid against the Lofoten Islands and captured the garrison there. Vaagso was raided with the support of naval gunfire, Bomber Command Hampdens and Coastal Command Blenheims, with other Blenheims and Beaufighters overhead to keep the Luftwaffe at bay.
The landings commenced at 0700 on the 27th. One landing craft was hit by a phosphorous bomb dropped by an aircraft and was also hit by German fire. The main objectives were taken but South Vaagso was tougher than expected since, unknown to British intelligence, a number of additional German troops were billeted there on Christmas leave. Almost the entire force was required to reduce the garrison.
The force re-embarked at 1445 hours, bringing back some Norwegian volunteers, 98 prisoners and 4 Quislings. 17 Commandos were killed and 53 wounded while the Navy suffered 2 killed and 6 wounded.
Here, a Coastal Command Blenheim duels with an Me109 over the landing area.
