Secondløitnanten

Well done, tradesman-like camera-work and fascinating story (I don't know if it is a completely true story) of the problems facing the armed forces in Norway during the German invasion in 1940. Compelling story-line makes it a well worth experience, with solid acting by Espen Schønberg and the rest of the cast.

This is a short comment about the source of the history behind the movie. It as based on an incident called "Battle of Vinjesvingen" that took place in May of 1940 in Telemark county, Norway. It became the last stronghold of Norwegian resistance in southern Norway during World War II, under the command of 2nd Lieutenant Thor O. Hannevig (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Vinjesvingen). A book was written, but details of the story has been challenged by some of those who took part. This is probably the reason why the filmmakers decided to use fictional names in their story. The main battle continued from the 3rd to the 5th of May. Large German forces were eventually deployed to the area, and the German losses were considerable. When it was realized that the entire south of Norway was lost, and that there would be no Allied invasion from the west, Hannevig initiated peace negotiations. The battles of Vinjesvingen had a great symbolic effect during the occupation, and provided a moral boost to a rather depressing occupation. it was not known to the rest of the country while the battles were fought, however.

The Secondløitnanten is based on the story of Thor Olaf Hannevig (born 20 April 1891 on a farm in Langsæ Barbu, died 17 February 1975 at Skreia). He was a Norwegian reserve officer, known for his opposition during the campaign in Norway in 1940. His resistance to the Germans and the fact that he went into German captivity after the capitulation, gained him almost mythical status. He was used as a source of inspiration for the Secondløitnanten.

Prior to 1940 Hannevigs received military training at the Infantry Underofficers' Training School at Terningmoen in 1915. His main career was as a civilian ship captain in the merchant marine from 1924 to 1937. Otherwise, he is described as "the ship owner, hotel man, banker, merchant, distillery owner, farmer, Freemason and adventurer, a colorful character". Second lieutenant Thor Olaf Hannevig met for mobilization at the Telemark Infantry Regiment at Heistadmoen 9 april 1940. He refused to comply with the regimental commander's orders to lay down their arms, and traveled by car to the West of Telemark to raise new resistance. Hannevig took several bold initiatives, and was eventually able to set quarters at Haukeliveien close to Vinje. He sent out new mobilization orders and had acquired weapons and ammunition from the 3rd Infantry Regiment's abandoned supply vehicle at Meheia Saggrenda railway station and from Heistadmoen. 14. April, he gathered 40 volunteers, and started weapons training and was eventually able to get the unit ready to fight. The strength increased rapidly to 150 men. Initial contact with the enemy was 21 april. A German advance was taken under fire and stopped at the Rauland bridge. 6 Germans fell and 21 were taken prisoner. The German assessment of the resistance was that it was considerable, and reinforcements were sent. Two battalions continued the advance on May 1st. On May 3rd 15 Germans were killed at Liosvingen, and 7 were captured. At Leirli bridge and Urdli 6 Germans were killed and 7 wounded. On May 3rd Hannevig's improvised 3rd Infantry Regiment heard the news that the 4th Division on the west coast had capitulated. This evaporated hope to get support from the west, and the strength of his troops at Vinje began to disintegrate. The 75 remaining troops moved to Edland. Hannevig started negotiations with the Germans about surrender, but the German high command accepted only unconditional surrender. The soldiers therefore withdrew, put on civilian clothes, and was sent home. The remains of the "regiment" was captured on 8 May 1940. Apart from Hannevig himself, there were 3 soldiers, 6 nurses and 28 German prisoners of war. After the war, Hannevig participated several times in repetition exercises with the 3rd Infantry Regiment. Telemark regiment can thank Thor Olaf Hannevig that the regimental banner bears the honorable name "Telemark 1940". Hannevig had the nickname "Captain," since he was a sea captain, and after the war a road at Heistadmoen was named after him. In 1991, 100 years after Hannevig was born, a moment was erected in his honor at Vinje at the initiative of veterans of his campaign.