Heroes of Telemark

by ray-mears

Sixty years ago, four men parachuted onto a Norwegian glacier, carrying only the most basic equipment. Their mission was to prevent the Nazi regime from building an atomic bomb. Now wilderness expert Ray Mears tells the true story of this gruelling campaign, showing how these men's ability to survive in extreme conditions influenced the outcome of the Second World War. The Telemark campaign was an example of the bravery and skill of the SOE trainees. The Norwegians transformed a military disaster into a triumph. This book tells the full story for the first time.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, World War II, Military Fiction, Biography

Paperback

First published March 1, 1990

Reviews

[Bettie · Rating 4 out of 5]

That ferry sinking and the innocent lives...a small price for the world to pay but I can't help thinking of the loved ones.

On youtube there are survival vids that trace their stay on Hardangevidde - nothing short of miraculous: http://youtu.be/qYF7GZ8AaE4

And here is the atomic bomb details: http://youtu.be/eBEKhpGQTYc

[Nadir · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had hoped for two more components in this book - firstly, given that Ray Mears [survival expert:] is credited as author, a bit more of the how-to of the amazing feats of the Norwegian SOE agents' survival under harsh winter conditions. Secondly, the book was produced in conjunction with a BBC television series where they re-enacted parts of the infiltration and movement across the Hardanger-Vidda [high altitude plateau in Norway:], but no discussion of that appears in the book (though some photographs do).

Those comments aside, I found the book very enjoyable - it reads quickly and clearly. The magnitude of what these men achieved is quite evident and one can't help but be amazed.

Recommended.

[Marliss Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Norwegian with an interest in WWII, I’ve wanted to understand the role Norway played in the war. After reading this I understand that Norwegians with strong survival skills helped change the course of Germany’s hope for an atomic bomb!

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible true story of bravery and endurance by several young Norwegian men with extraordinary survival skills - operating in extreme conditions in the Hardangervidda - one of the most inhospitable areas in the world, during Nazi occupation of Norway in the early 1940’s. Their heroic efforts resulted in a successful mission to destroy critical material required to develop an atomic bomb which Hitler wanted to destroy London - and was instrumental in determining the result of World War II. Definitely recommended reading for anyone who values freedom in their home country.

[Joshua Woodbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never knew the Norwegians saved the world from Nazi atomic bombs. They did! This enjoyable story will tell you about it.

[Jay Hoffmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK, this was a fun book. I'm always in the market for a good book to accompany travel, where I can learn something about the destination in anticipation, or while spending some time there. I was lucky to visit a friend in Norway and learn a little bit about about the terrain and their role in WW2. The book reads almost like "Unbroken" (WW2/Pacific) or "Endurance" (about exploration of South Pole), perhaps a little bit less polished narrative storytelling.

Coincidently, we hosted a German exchange student in the week following my return and completion of the book. I had to muzzle myself when I began recommending it to a friend who had come over to visit and who generally likes war and history type stuff. I wonder if there are norms about this kinda thing? Anyway, I played it safe and moved the conversation over to the parallels between futbol and basquetbol. Open to feedback on this matter.

[Simon Dobson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great narrative history of a minor military exploit that was nonetheless of enormous historical importance: the on-going operation to prevent the Nazis acquiring a stock of heavy water that could be used in making an atomic bomb. But the efforts and hazards dared by the men who took part in the operations are equal to those of any polar explorers, as well as any special forces.

Mears is clearly a lot more comfortable explaining the backwoodsmanship of the participants than he is with the detailed military or scientific history, but that just makes this a unique take on a theatre of war that's been under-studied.

[S. D. Howarth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written (and narrated). A thorough coverage of events, survival and modern recreation handled with respect.

The war threw up many great stories and this one is no exception even with Hollywood's earlier attention. Well worth reading.

[Andrew Brennan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great tale of grit and daring during World War 2.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read - an interesting story well told.

[Robert Lyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent Story of hardship and bravery. The tale of the lengths these men went to for their country is awe-inspiring and well conveyed in Ray's book.

[Eamonn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book. It is an interesting read, but lacked the humanity and feeling of the ray mears TV show.

[Ruaridh Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-written insight into the stories of some incredible heroes. I was gripped reading the chapter about the raid as if I was watching it on film.

[Craig Kirkwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice short book. If you’re looking for something in-depth this probably isn’t for you being only a few hours to read. But it covers the basics of the attack. Really enjoyed it, even better was being narrated (I listened to the Audible version) by Ray Mears himself.

[Sverre · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1965 Hollywood released the film, The Heroes of Telemark, which served to entertain and educate many about the WWII events involving the production of heavy water (an essential element in the development of the first atomic bombs) in Norway and the successful actions to deprive the Germans of this important substance. However, the movie was inaccurate, incomplete and misleading. Mear's title of this book purports to put the record straight and it does so with exactness and a sense of respect and admiration for the principals. Had these heroes not succeeded, Hitler may have been able to first use atomic bombs against the Allies--especially to devastate London, and perhaps New York or Washington.

As far as most WWII historians are concerned, Norway's contribution to the defeat of the German war machine was minuscule. If mentioned at all, the contribution by the Norwegian merchant marine to transport vital supplies and personnel across the Atlantic would probably be included. The subject of this book, however, is usually given short shrift. About ten years ago Ray Mears produced a BBC documentary on the superhuman effort by eleven Norwegian saboteurs to forestall the Wehrmacht's intention of developing a nuclear bomb from the heavy water--so called because frozen heavy water will sink. He later wrote this book which factually describes all events and includes a few photographs as well. He writes "Perhaps we should let this story speak for itself--a true story of incredible courage, fortitude, daring, resourcefulness, military skill, brotherhood, self-sacrifice, patriotism and outdoormanship..." p 231. It really is a gripping story which includes all of those elements.

I haven't been able to find a DVD recording of Mear's documentary, but the maligned Hollywood version has been reissued by Sony.

[Tim Corke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ray Mears's review of the mission behind halting Hitler's atomic bomb programme is jam packed with references and insights that bring it to life. The 1960s film that many will be familiar just isn't a patch on the book and could easily form a modern day film on its own. Whilst the subject does have a military background, its story of survival, man vs elements and the reclaiming of a country from oppressive forces is an inspirational and interesting read at the same time.

[David Mcdowell]

Wow, non-fiction! Got this for xmas and it is a fascinating story told very matter-of-factly by Mearo. The Norwegian partisans show those Nazis how it's done in the snowy wastes, while they attempt to foil Hitler's atomic bomb project. Apparently Kirk Douglas played it all wrong in the Hollywood version, who'd have thunk it.

[Matt Cartney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this excellent history of the raid on Vermork whilst ski-touring across the Hardanger Plateau. Perhaps this leant the book an extra relevance, but this is certainly a very well researched, entertainingly written and informative read. A must for anyone interested in adventure, survival and stories of heroism.

[Al Menaster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good. True story of Allied attacks on Norwegian heavy water plant in WWII. Short, not a full book really

[Jaanus Tramberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

The true story of the secret mission to stop Hitler's atomic bomb.

[Nick Ernst · Rating 4 out of 5]

The real heros, reindeer.

[Paul bailey · Rating 2 out of 5]

sensationalist history is bad history, no matter how much the author tries to increase the threat of nazi nuclear weapons i knew it was never a thing.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A true man goes on to the end of his endurance and then goes twice as far again.

That has become my philosophy for life.

Pretty good story, pretty well told actually.

Norwegian resistance.