[Jim O]

A German propaganda film from the Second World War shames Denmark for failing to resist Nazi occupation

A previously unknown German propaganda film depicts Danish resistance during the Second World War as nearly non-existent in comparison with the fight Nazi forces encountered in Norway.

The film 'Kampf um Norwegen' ('The Fight for Norway'), describes the both Denmark's and Norway's resistance to occupation. While the resistance in Norway is presented as a fierce campaign, it suggests that Denmark had been taken with relative ease.

The film, which was purchased by a Norwegian university professor through an internet auction, managed to slip by the German post-war censor lists and has not been viewed publicly until now.

Compared with the fierce defence put up by the Norwegian military, the Danish capitulation is painted as ignominious, with the film showing Danes getting back to everyday life the day after their surrender.

Kay Hoffman, film historian and expert in German Second World War documentaries, called the find 'a minor sensation'.

Denmark's lack of armed resistance against the German invasion in 1940 has been a controversial issue for Danes since the war's end.

Source: The Copenhagen Post