This article examines Norwegian academics (celticists, historians, etc.) and their confrontation with the German authorities in Norway between 1940 and 1945.
Prof. Dr. Carl Johan Sverdrup Marstrander (1883-1965), Professor of Celtic Languages in the University of Oslo (1913-1954), spent time in prison on three occasions during the German occupation of Norway (1940-45), seemingly for patriotic reasons on the one hand and in opposition to the German presence in Norway on the other. This article looks more closely at the detention not only of Marstrander himself but also that of his son Kai Sverdrup and two colleagues Prof. Dr. Anton Wilhelm Brøgger and Dr. Sigurd Jebsen Grieg, and considers the circumstances of their opposition vis-à-vis the German authorities in Norway at the time.
Table of Contents
- 1. INTRODUCTION
- 1.1. BINCHY, Daniel A. (1966): ‘Carl J. S. Marstrander 1883-1965'
- 1.2. GREENE, David (1967): ‘Carl J. S. Marstrander (1883-1965)'
- 1.3. Ó LÚING, Seán (1984): ‘Carl Marstrander (1883-1965)'
- 1.4. NÍ MHUNGHAILE, Lesa (2009): ‘Marstrander, Carl' Dictionary of Irish Biography.
- 1.5. Magne Oftedal does not mention anything about Marstrander's arrest and imprisonment in his obituary to him in Studia Celtica XI (1967/2 (Jan. 1)): 202-204.
- 1.6. According to the foregoing, Marstrander's plight seemingly involved:
- 2. NORWAY BEFORE AND AFTER 1940
- 2.1. Norway before 1940
- 2.2. The Germans in Norway 1940-1945
- 2.2.1. Norwegian resistance to the German occupation
- 2.2.2. Combatting the Resistance
- 2.2.3. Norwegian collaboration
- 2.2.4. Norwegian government “purges” of collaborators after the war
- 3. DAS SS-WISSENSCHAFTSAMT „AHNENERBE“ (1935-1945)
- 3.1. Its founders:
- 3.2. Its aims:
- 3.3. Its various tuition and research institutes:
- 4. MARSTRANDER AND COLLEAGUES AND THE GERMAN AUTHORITIES IN NORWAY
- 4.1. The Schwalm-Vollberg Report of 23 October 1942
- 4.1.1. Contents of the Report in brief:
- 4.1.2. The Report
- 4.1.3 Comment:
- 4.2. The Prison Registers
- 4.3. MARSTRANDER, Prof. Dr. Carl Johan Sverdrup (1883-1965)
- 4.3.1. MØLLERGATA 19, Prison, Oslo, Norway.
- 4.3.2. BREDTVEIT Prison, Grorud, Aker, Akershus, Norway.
- 4.3.3. GRINI Camp, Akershus, Norway.
- 4.3.4. Comment:
- 4.3.4.1. Details of Marstrander's arrest in 1941 notified to the Royal Irish Academy
- 4.3.4.2. Details of a police raid on Marstrander's Oslo appartment, November 1944
- 4.3.5. MARSTRANDER, Kai Sverdrup (son) (1922-1995)
- 4.3.5.1. BREDTVEIT Prison, Grorud, Aker, Akershus, Norway
- 4.3.5.2. GRINI Camp, Akershus, Norway
- 4.3.5.3. KZ SACHSENHAUSEN, Oranienburg, Brandenburg, Germany.
- 4.3.5.4. LUND, SCHWEDEN (28. April 1945)
- 4.3.6. MARSTRANDER Sr. and MARSTRANDER Jr. Lengths of sentences compared:
- 4.4. BRØGGER, Prof. Dr. Anton Wilhelm (1884-1951)
- 4.4.1. ÅKERBERGVEIEN Prison, Oslo
- 4.4.2. MØLLERGATA 19, Prison, Oslo
- 4.4.3. GRINI Camp, Akershus, Norway
- 4.5. GRIEG, Dr. Sigurd Jebsen (1894-1973)
- 4.5.1. GRINI Camp, Akershus, Norway
- 4.1. The Schwalm-Vollberg Report of 23 October 1942
- 5. CONCLUSION
Objective & Thematic Focus
The primary goal of this article is to investigate and verify the circumstances surrounding the detention of Prof. Carl J. S. Marstrander, a Professor of Celtic Languages at the University of Oslo, and his colleagues during the German occupation of Norway (1940-45). This study aims to clarify the veracity of their reported involvement in patriotic activities and opposition to the German presence, against a backdrop of perceived German interference in Norwegian scholarship and academic institutions.
- Norwegian academic resistance during the German occupation.
- German authorities' suppression of anti-German sentiment among scholars.
- The role and activities of the SS-Wissenschaftsamt „Ahnenerbe“ in occupied territories.
- Analysis of official German reports and prison records related to detained academics.
- The broader socio-political context of Norway before and during WWII.
- The personal experiences of Prof. Marstrander and his son Kai Sverdrup in German custody.
Excerpt from the Book
The Schwalm-Vollberg Report of 23 October 1942
THE TEXT
Vertraulich! [Confidential!]
Vermerk [Statement]
Betr.: Besprechung mit SS-O'Stuf. Dr. Vollberg (SD) am 23.10.42.
[Re: Meeting with SS-Obersturmfüher Dr. Vollberg (SD) on 23.10.[19]42].
1.) Lage an der Universität.
Die Lage an der Universität hat sich in den letzten Wochen in keiner Weise gebessert, eher
verschlechtert. Die Hartnäckigkeit, mit der die Aufnahme von NS.-Studenten abgelehnt wird, wozu
sich nun noch der Fall eines Angehörigen der Waffen-SS (mit 1½ Jahren Fronteinsatz) gesellt hat,
wird doch wohl über kurz oder lang ganz energische Gegenmaßnahmen erfordern. Die von
deutsche Seite gezeigte Langmut wird scheinbar doch falsch ausgelegt.
[Situation at the University:
The situation at the University has not improved in any way in the last few weeks, rather it has
worsened. The stubbornness in refusing admission of NS students, which also included the case of
a Waffen-SS member (with 1½ years of front line duty) will sooner or later necessitate retaliatory
action. The patience shown on the German side has apparently been misrepresented.].
2.) Führende Wissenschaftler auf dem Gebiet der Archäologie und Vorgeschichte:
a) Alle sogenannten führenden Männer auf diesem Gebiet sind heute ausgesprochen
deutschfeindlich. Den mir überreichten Akten bezüglich der vorgeschichtlichen Funde in
Norwegen kommte ich einen Zettel entnehmen, auf dem Prof. Sprockhoff anfragt, warum Prof. A.
W.Brögger (geb. 11.10.[18]84, Prof. für Archäologie) eingesperrt ist. „Ein solcher Mann der
norwegischen Vorgeschichte sollte nicht als Geißel sitzen.“ SS-O'Stuf. Dr. Vollberg sieht auch in
dieser Anfrage wiederum eine Bestätigung für das völlige Unverständnis der deutschen Wissen-
schaftler für die geistespolitische Lage in Norwegen. In fast allen Fällen, wo man von Seiten des
SD erwiesenermaßen England-Hilfsdienstleistende norwegische Wissenschaftler angefaßt hat,
konnten diese Briefe deutscher Wissenschaftler neuestens Datums vorweisen, in denen Sympathie-
kundgebungen, wenn auch nur solche wissenschaftlicher Natur, enthalten waren. Brögger ist
Mitglied des Deutschen archäologischen Instituts. Wahrscheinlich konnt daher die Anfrage von
Sprockhoff, der ja Leiter der römisch-germanischen Kommission des Deutschen archäologischen
Instituts ist.
(Anfrage an das „Ahnenerbe“: Kann festgestellt werden, ob das Deutsche archäologische Institut
Brögger nach wie vor als Mitglied behandelt und führt ?)
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This chapter introduces the central figure, Prof. Carl J. S. Marstrander, and the general context of Norwegian academic resistance against the German occupation during WWII, aiming to clarify the veracity of his and his colleagues' reported detentions.
Norway Before and After 1940: This section provides crucial historical background on Norway's political and social landscape prior to and during the German occupation, detailing the initial low resistance and subsequent growth of both active and passive opposition.
Das SS-Wissenschaftsamt „Ahnenerbe“ (1935-1945): This chapter describes the foundation, objectives, and diverse research institutes of the SS 'Heritage of the Forefathers' research body, highlighting its role in promoting German cultural and academic influence in occupied territories.
Marstrander and Colleagues and the German Authorities in Norway: This extensive section presents key evidence, including the Schwalm-Vollberg Report and detailed prison registers, to document the arrests and imprisonments of Prof. Carl J. S. Marstrander, his son Kai Sverdrup, and colleagues Prof. Dr. Anton Wilhelm Brøgger and Dr. Sigurd Jebsen Grieg by German authorities.
Conclusion: This chapter synthesizes the findings, attributing the conflict between Norwegians and Germans to fundamental differences in attitude and the Norwegian perception of German presence as a national affront, exemplified by the cases of the detained academics.
Keywords
Carl J. S. Marstrander, German Occupation, Norway (1940-45), WWII, Norwegian Resistance, Ahnenerbe, SS-Wissenschaftsamt, Celtic Languages, Oslo University, Anti-German Sentiment, Detention, Prison Registers, Cultural Interference, Academics, National Socialism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this work fundamentally about?
This work fundamentally investigates the experiences of Norwegian academics, particularly Prof. Carl J. S. Marstrander, who faced detention by German authorities during the occupation of Norway (1940-45) due to their anti-German stance and patriotic activities.
What are the central thematic areas?
The central thematic areas include the resistance of Norwegian academics to German occupation, the German authorities' efforts to control academic institutions, the role of the SS-Wissenschaftsamt „Ahnenerbe“, and the historical context of Norway during WWII.
What is the primary objective or research question?
The primary objective is to verify the circumstances and details surrounding the imprisonment of Prof. Carl J. S. Marstrander and his colleagues, examining the underlying reasons for their detention by the German occupation forces.
Which scientific method is used?
The author employs a historical research methodology, involving the analysis of primary source documents such as official German reports (e.g., the Schwalm-Vollberg Report) and prison registers, complemented by secondary sources like obituaries and historical accounts.
What is covered in the main body?
The main body covers the pre-war situation in Norway, the German occupation and various forms of resistance and collaboration, the establishment and aims of the SS-Wissenschaftsamt „Ahnenerbe“, and detailed accounts of the detentions of Marstrander and his colleagues, drawing from German reports and prison records.
Which keywords characterize the work?
Keywords characterizing the work include Carl J. S. Marstrander, German Occupation, Norway (1940-45), WWII, Norwegian Resistance, Ahnenerbe, SS-Wissenschaftsamt, Celtic Languages, Oslo University, Anti-German Sentiment, Detention, Prison Registers, Cultural Interference, Academics, National Socialism.
What specific German documents are central to understanding the academics' detentions?
The Schwalm-Vollberg Report of October 23, 1942, and various German prison registers for Møllergata 19, Bredtveit, Grini, and Sachsenhausen concentration camp are central to detailing the detentions.
What were the specific charges leading to Carl J. S. Marstrander's imprisonment?
Prof. Carl J. S. Marstrander was imprisoned on three occasions, notably for "illegal possession of a radio" (Verb. Radiobesitz) and for being actively involved on behalf of England, suggesting contacts with extraneous bodies.
How did the "Ahnenerbe" influence German academic activities in occupied Norway?
The "Ahnenerbe" served as a central institution for German academic activity during the Third Reich, aiming to promote German cultural and scientific dominance in occupied Norway and suppressing any perceived anti-German sentiments within Norwegian academic circles.
What role did Prof. Marstrander's academic work, particularly on Manx studies, play in his patriotic image?
Prof. Marstrander's academic work, especially his studies on Manx language and place-names, emphasized the Norwegian connection to the Isle of Man, reflecting his "passionate pride in his own country" and contributing to his image as a Norwegian nationalist and patriot.
- Quote paper
- George Broderick (Author), 2025, Prof. Carl. J. S. Marstrander and the German Occupation of Norway 1940-45, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1611047
