Hi Bjørn. the NS party was a mini party. 60000 yes but how many of them was in NS just to could continue their "normal" lives? of course i know there were many nazis in NS but there was also normal policemen who had to be in the party to keep their jobs, and several other branches had to do the same, otherways they would be removed and replaced by nazi friendly people.Bjørn from Norway wrote:Hello HaEn!
The Dutch situation you describe, is very close to the Norwegian as well. The NS party, which was post-war described as "a tiny miniature party" had in fact close to 60 000 members. About 15000 volunteered to the SS, app. 6000 were granted. But, when counting in those serving in TeNo, Luftwaffe, Heer, Kriegsmarine, SS Wachbatallion 6, Transportflotte Speer etc, one can get a figure close to 50 000.
Baldwiking gives otherwise a very good description of the situation during the occupation.
B
And for all the SS And other german forces , many join there to fight against Sovjet. In Norway (and Sweden ) they have allways feared Russia . When norway became a independent country in 1905 they have to "main enemys" Sweden (wich they almost had a war with in 1905)who they fought many wars against and Russia. the BIG guy in east.
So when Sovjet invaded Finland in 1939 there was fear amongst many that Sweden and Norway would be next. and many norwegians voulenteers to fight for Finland. many more voulenteer for germany to fight against sovjet wich they saw as a greater enemy than the german.
I've spoken to several veterans about the norwegian SS troops and one goy told me that he could understand them in one way, he also had that fear about russia. But he couldnt forgive they for joining up with the enemy after all, Germany attacked norway without reason and warning.
But as he said to the end. "thats 60 years ago. long time, its time to go on"