Overview of the Book

Published in 1957 by Macmillan, The Sledge Patrol by David Howarth presents a fascinating narrative of World War II from an unconventional viewpoint—the barren landscapes of East Greenland. Howarth’s 233-page book captures an intriguing interplay between a small group of men and significant wartime events.

Historical Context

Following the German invasion of Denmark on April 9, 1940, Greenland, then a Danish colony, faced a critical decision. While the King of Denmark issued an order for all Danes to submit to the Germans, Eske Brun, the Greenlandic administrator, rejected this directive, believing it to be enforced under duress.

Anticipating American involvement in the war, Brun organized the Greenland Sledge Patrol, comprising 15 skilled individuals familiar with the region. Their objective was to patrol the treacherous East Coast, which the U.S. could not easily monitor and which posed a considerable challenge due to logistical constraints.

The Role of the Greenland Sledge Patrol

The Sledge Patrol relied on dog teams and their knowledge of the land, allowing them to traverse extensive coastal areas. With primarily hunting rifles as their weapons, they were both resourceful and strategically vital as the Allies waged the Battle of the Atlantic, leveraging weather reports from Greenland to gain an upper hand.

Patrol Missions and Encounters

A critical event occurred in 1942 when German forces established a weather station on the East coast. Unknown to them, an American reconnaissance plane flew over their position but failed to identify the threat. Months later, the Sledge Patrol discovered the German outpost and its implications for the Allied war effort.

One member of the patrol escaped capture, navigating over 50 miles of harsh terrain to deliver a warning to his comrades. During his journey, he had a close encounter with a polar bear, showcasing both the tension of wartime and the unforgiving natural environment.

Impact of the Patrol

Howarth’s narrative is well-researched, incorporating interviews with key figures, including the German commander, and extensive records. He posits that the absence of Axis meteorological information from Greenland may have played a crucial role in the success of Allied operations, possibly impacting events leading up to the D-Day invasion.