Under the command of Second Lieutenant Thor O. Hannevig, the Norwegians held their position against superior German forces until 5 May 1940.

Hannevig managed to sneak great loads of arms, equipment and fuel from depots right in front of the German forces.

The plan was to prevent German advance westward through Telemark and Setesdal, and to support Allied reinforcements from the west.

The Norwegian defenders often destroyed and/or damaged bridges and roads in the area to delay the German advance.

When it was realized that the entire south of Norway was lost, and that the Allied Åndalsnes task force would not break through from the west, Hannevig initiated negotiations for surrender.