Operation “Felix” & Iberian Plans; AOK Norway Reports (1940–1943) (Irving File T78-319)

Scope and content

This roll contains OKH General Staff operational studies, reconnaissance reports, contingency plans, and situation reports relating to:

1. Operation “Felix” (Gibraltar) and Iberian operations (1940–1941)
   • Detailed reconnaissance and assault study for the projected German attack on Gibraltar via Spanish territory, under the codename “Felix”.
   • Description and analysis of Gibraltar’s fortifications, approaches and terrain, including:
     • North Front defences, galleries, artillery positions, and British works.
     • Roads, tunnels, communications, fuel and supply installations in the Gibraltar–La Línea–Algeciras area.
   • Proposed German order of battle and operational concept:
     • Composition and deployment of assault and supporting forces (artillery, heavy guns, mortars, Nebelwerfer, engineer units).
     • Ammunition scales, fuel requirements, bridging equipment, and logistical build-up through Spain.
     • Movement planning by rail and road through the Iberian peninsula, including staging areas and key junctions.
   • Sketch maps and diagrams showing:
     • Approaches to the Rock from Spanish territory.
     • Coastal batteries, observation points, and firing arcs.
     • Proposed German artillery positions and axes of advance.
   • Higher-level staff notes and correspondence from OKH, OB West and Heeresgruppe D concerning:
     • Political prerequisites (Spanish cooperation) and timing.
     • Feasibility, build-up times and transport constraints (rail capacity, port usage).
     • Consideration of reworking or shortening the “Felix” plan.
2. Iberian and Pyrenean contingency planning; Vichy France (c. 1941–1942)
   • Draft plans and directives under various codenames (including “Ilona”, later “Gisela”) concerning:
     • Potential German advances over the Pyrenees into Spain.
     • Securing Pyrenean passes, northern Spanish ports and lines of communication in the event of Allied landings, political changes in Spain, or other crises.
     • Material on the planned occupation of unoccupied Vichy France (“Anton”) and related security measures in south-western Europe.
       1. • Force allocation studies and infrastructure planning:
            • Notional use of AOK-level commands, panzer and SS formations in contingency scenarios.
            • Employment of Reichsarbeitsdienst (RAD) and other units for road-building and defensive works.
          • Operational maps (small- and large-scale) showing:
            • Pyrenean passes and approaches.
            • Key transport nodes and maritime facilities in south-western France and northern Spain.
       2. AOK Norway / Norway theatre situation reports (1942–1943)
          • Teletyped daily or near-daily situation reports from AOK Norwegen / Wehrmachtbefehlshaber Norwegen to OKH and the Wehrmacht leadership.
          • Content typically includes:
            • Enemy air reconnaissance and bombing raids.
            • Naval and coastal activity, including sightings and skirmishes.
            • Coastal defence measures, minefields and fortification work.
            • Security situation, local incidents, and logistical notes.
          • Reports are arranged chronologically by month within the relevant file items.
     • Overall, the roll documents German planning and reporting at the high-command level for the western and northern European theatres, with particular emphasis on the unexecuted Gibraltar operation and related Iberian / Pyrenean contingencies, alongside routine but valuable reporting from the Norway front.DisclaimerThis material consists of original documents created by the military and state authorities of Nazi Germany during the Second World War. As such, it may contain discriminatory, racist, antisemitic and otherwise offensive language, as well as perspectives that reflect the ideology and policies of the regime.The documents are preserved and made available solely for purposes of historical research, education and documentation. Their presence in this collection does not imply any agreement with, or endorsement of, the views expressed by their creators.

       Original terminology, spellings and abbreviations are generally retained for accuracy and to preserve the evidential value of the records. Users should be aware that some content may be disturbing or distressing.

       By accessing these materials, you acknowledge this context and agree to use them responsibly and in accordance with applicable laws and scholarly standards.

       Condition Note

       This file is preserved as a 35 mm microfilm roll copied from NARA T-78. Overall legibility is good, but typical microfilm issues are present: variable contrast between frames, occasional soft focus, minor scratching and speckling, and some distortion or clipping on oversized maps and tables.  No major loss of content is currently evident, but image quality is uneven across the roll and should be flagged to users as “mixed / fair to good” rather than pristine.

       4 Page Sample Operation “Felix” & Iberian Plans; AOK Norway Reports (19540-43) (Irving File T78-319)