Mountain Warfare and Arctic Operations: Beyond Cold Shores (Inland Maneuver in Historical Polar Amphibious Operations)

We would like to encourage you to explore intense polar battles with our latest article by Dr. Lance R. Blyth, a military historian at the United States Air Force Academy.

From German forces at Narvik (1940) to American and Canadian operations in Alaska (1943), and the British campaign in the Falklands (1982), Dr. Blyth examines military strategies in harsh, cold environments. Learn how forces, skilled (and in some cases, less skilled) in mountain warfare under winter conditions, struggled to conquer harsh terrains while aiming to fulfill their operational tasks. These historical cases highlight the significance of preparation for extreme conditions in polar or near-polar operations.

25,000 servicemen were sent to retake the Falklands in 1982 (Credit: Defence Picture Library)

What contributed to the success of forces at Narvik and the Falklands in conducting inland maneuver after insertion?

How and – most importantly – why did unprepared forces suffer from extreme conditions, potentially jeopardizing their maneuver?

Dive into military history for insights on survival, mobility, and the intrigues of frozen battlegrounds. You can find the article on the subject here.