The Arctic

1943

The remaining operational surface fleet strikes Spitzbergen and makes its final capital-ship sortie off North Cape.

4 operations in the archive

Chronology

Operations of 1943

Select an operation to open its animated map. Strategic maps show deployments across a theater, while tactical plots reconstruct individual engagements.

Map for Operation Sizilien

7–9 September 1943

Operation Sizilien

1943
German surface forces attack Allied installations on Spitzbergen.Explore operation →
North Cape

26 December 1943

Battle of the North Cape, Phase 1

1943
Scharnhorst makes initial contact with British cruisers while searching for convoy JW 55B.Explore operation →
North Cape

26 December 1943

Battle of the North Cape, Phase 2

1943
Scharnhorst attempts to disengage as British forces close in.Explore operation →
North Cape

26 December 1943

Battle of the North Cape, Phase 3

1943
Duke of York and accompanying forces overtake and sink Scharnhorst.Explore operation →