Operation Archery

During World War II, Operation Archery was a Combined Operations raid on 27th December, 1941 on Vaagso Island.

The raid was conducted by No.3 Commando, two Troops of No.2 Commando, a medical detachment of No.4 Commando, a demotion party from 101 Troop (canoe) of No.6 Commando and a dozen Norwegian combat volunteers. The action was supported by Navel gunfire, (led by the cruiser HMS Kenya), and RAF bombers and fighter-bombers.

The Commando force of 570 was divided into five with these objectives. (1) Secure the area north of the town of South Vaagso and engage any enemy reinforcements; (2) subdue and secure South Vaagso town; (3) eliminate the enemy on Maaloy Island which dominated the town; (4) eliminate the enemy strongpoint at Hollevik south of South Vaagso town; (5) provide a floating reserve offshore. Central to the operation was the destruction of fish-oil production and stores which the Germans used in the manufacture of high-explosives. Another intention was to cause the German’s to maintain and increase forces in Norway which otherwise might be employed on the Russian Front.

The dawn landing was preceded by a very effective Naval bombardment and objectives went to plan except the town of South Vaagso itself. Opposition there was much stiffer than expected as unknown to the British a Jaeger unit of experienced troops from the Russian Front were there on leave.

Their experience in sniping and street fighting caused Vaagso to develop into a bitter house-by-house battle causing the commander, John Durnford-Slater, to call in the floating reserve and troops from Maaloy Island. A number of local citizens assisted the Commandos by acting as porters for ammunition and explosives grenades and in baring away the wounded.

Around 14:00hrs the Commandos started their withdrawal having destroyed four factories, the fish-oil stores, ammunition and fuel stores, the telephone exchange and various military installations. Much of the town in general was in flames. The Naval assault force of one cruiser and four destroyers had meanwhile sunk 10 vessels, some found in the act of being scuttled to prevent capture.

Naval losses were no ships but four men killed and four wounded. The Commandos sustained 17 killed and 53 wounded, the Norwegian commander (Capt. Ling) was killed, and the RAF had 8 planes downed. The Commandos accounted for at least 120 enemy killed and returned with 98 prisoners and a complete copy of the German Naval Code. Several Quislings and a number of loyal Norwegians were also brought back.

In conjunction with this raid, Operation Anklet was mounted by No.12 Commando on the Lofoten Islands as a diversion.