It was commanded by General Carl Gustav Fleischer,[1] who was one of the King of Norway's favourite military officers.

[2] The Germans took Narvik at the beginning of the battle, but it was retaken 28 May in what became known as the first major victory for the Allies in World War II.

As a result of the withdrawal of allied air and naval support the Norwegians were forced to lay down their arms and demobilize.

Their airlifting capabilities were provided by the Tactical Helicopter Group of the Royal Norwegian Air Force, which is stationed at Bardufoss.

The division's motto is "Styrke for fred, evne til strid", or "Strength for peace, capability for war".