The real Battle of Narvik: As New Netflix drama gets rave reviews trends now
It was a failure that eased Adolf Hitler's rampage through Europe.
The naval and land clashes at the Norwegian port of Narvik in April 1940 resulted initially in victory for the Allies against German forces.
But when France was invaded by the Nazis, the Allies were forced to pull out of Norway, leaving it at Hitler's mercy.
Now, a new Netflix film tells the dramatic story of the Battles of Narvik, and the fight by ordinary Norwegians to defend themselves.
The naval and land clashes at Narvik in April 1940 resulted initially in victory for the Allies against German forces. Above: Wrecked German ships are seen in Narvik Bay after the attack by British warships in April 1940
French troops are pictured with a Nazi Swastika flag that they captured at Narvik
Narvik has received rave reviews from critics as thousands flock online to see it. The film is currently the second most viewed film on the streaming site.
Whilst the main characters - members of the Tofte family - are fictional, the film does feature real Nazi general Eduard Dietl - played by Norwegian star Holger Handtke - and Narvik mayor Theodor Broch.
Dietl, who would go on to be the commander of Nazi land forces in Norway, was initially in charge of the mountain troops who seized Narvik in 1940.
Broch was mayor of Narvik from 1934 until the Norway invasion, when he was exiled. He later returned to his post after the war, until 1946.
Germany had invaded Norway in April 1940, seizing Narvik - a port city in the north - so the iron ore they needed for steel production could be delivered with the help of Sweden.
In the days before the invasion, Britain had begun laying mines off the Norway coast to try to stop the transport of iron ore to Germany.
The plan, known as Operation Wilfred, was only partially put into practice before the invasion began.
The two naval clashes were fought on April 10 and April 13, with the Royal Navy taking on the German Kriegsmarine.
The new film follows husband and wife Gunnar Tofte (left) - played by Carl Nartub Eggesbø - and Ingrid Tofte, played by Kristine Hartgen (right), who aid in the resistance of Germany's invasion at Narvik
Eduard Dietl (left with Hitler in 1944), who would go on to be the commander of Nazi land forces in Norway, was initially in charge of the mountain troops who seized Narvik in 1940. Right: Holger Handtke as Dietl
Theodor Broch was mayor of Narvik from 1934 until the Norway invasion, when he was exiled. He later returned to his post after the war, until 1946. He is played in the film by Theodor Broch
With the German vessels stranded in Narvik through ack of fuel on April 10, the Navy sank two destroyers and seven other store ships, as well as damaging
