HEROIC SIEGE

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21192, 15 August 1940, Page 4

HEROIC SIEGE

FALL OF HEGRA FORTRESS GERMAN PRAISE OF DEFENDERS The first story of the twenty-three day defence of Hegra fortress, in mid-Norway, by volunteers armed with guns of the Napoleonic era, was told recently, says an Associated Press message to American newspapers. Sub-Lieutenant Hellandsoe Skien, one of the defenders just released from imprisonment, said the resistance was so astounding that the German commander in Trondheim issued an official tribute. The German tribute, Skein, reported, said:

“The men of Fortress Hegra, having defended themselves bravely for twenty-three days, now have hoisted the white flag. “German soldiers give credit for the gallant resistance, and consider the tenacious defence as proof of fine military quality. “Capitulation was due to food shortage. Only one day’s ration was left. The waterpipes were destroyed by artillery fire ninteen days before the capitulation. The lighting plant had been out eighteen days. The crew had to melt snow to get water. “The fortress had no communication with any Norwegian units during the entire siege.” Not Seen It Before Lieutenant Skien said the fortress was named by 190 men. Ammunition, he said, was abundant. The guns were two of 7.5 centimetres, four of 10.5, four of 8.4, and fifteen machine-guns, only five of which were workable. There were no aircraft guns. The fortress, he said, was unoccupied when the invasion started. “None of us ever had seen ii before,” he declared. “We were quartered in a tunnel and we literally slept in water as the tunnel dripped constantly,” Lieutenant Skien related. “The Germans first attacked with infantry, which we repulsed. A subsequent patrol was destroyed, except for one German who was taken prisoner. “The Germans then began artillery fire and aeroplane bombing. Every foot within the fortress area was covered by bomb hits. Artillery duels often were at only 1000 or 1500 metres (750 to 1100 feet). “We had two doctors but only bandages and morphine, no other medicines. Many of our men got pneumonia. During the entire period no one had his clothes off.” Hegra fortress surrendered in May.