Gold Run : The Rescue Of Norway's Gold Bullion From The Nazis, 1940 Hardcover English by Robert Pearson - 31-May-15

Robert Pearson

Gold Run is the true story of arguably one of the greatest gold snatches in history. It is a tale of immense bravery, endurance and great leadership of loyal Norwegians, plus a little good fortune and help from the British against intrigue and overwhelming odds. The German invasion of Norway on the night of April 8th/9th 1940 almost took Norway completely unawares; had it not been for the defiance of one small coastal battery, the Norwegian Royal Family, Government, and nearly 50 tons of gold bullion would have had no chance to escape. In desperate haste the Royal Family fled Oslo by rail, dodging bombs and strafing, eventually reaching the port of Molde which was subsequently devastated by fire bombing. The gold with extraordinary ingenuity was moved by road, rail and fishing boat, hotly pursued by the Germans. Its weight and the need for total secrecy created unique transportation problems. After several instances of near disaster, the Norwegians managed to get the gold to the coast where the Royal Navy came to the rescue. Such was the difficulty of extricating the bullion, it was not possible to load it in one cargo, and it was taken off in three Royal Navy Cruisers, HMS Enterprise, Galatea and Glasgow, from different locations. The ships were attacked in port, then constantly harassed and bombed by the Luftwaffe as they made their way back to the UK. The loss of the bullion was a blow to the Germans. They had gained a country, but lost a King, a government and huge amount of bullion that would have financed their war machine. That loss is directly attributed to a visionary bank chief, a Colonel, a hastily assembled body of Norwegians and the ships and men of the Royal Navy, ever resourceful, brave and loyal to their respective countries. This is their story.

1612002862

9781612002866

English

Casemate Publishers

31-May-15

277

Robert Pearson is a high school teacher and writer, who researches Norway in the Second World War. He is particularly passionate about the roles that the Norwegians and British played during the War, Naval Intelligence and the Special Operations Executive - better known as SOE.

This is one of those compelling and yet almost unknown stories of the Second World War and it has been painstakingly researched and uncovered by Robert Pearson and related by him in a very readable account. ... A highly recommended read. * Britain at War Magazine 25/5/215 * ...this is a fascinating story. * History of War * The story is fascinating, of patriotism, of treasure, of keeping one step ahead of an enemy, of the confusion of war and the sadness that surrounded bombing attacks, burning towns, a suspicion of spies and enemy sympathizers. Pretty much everything you could ask for in an adventure story * MilitaryModelling 19/6/215 * 'This is a very good read for anyone.' * NYMAS *