Best LIVE Ammo Deals Online >>>
We review products independently. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission to help support our testing. Learn more.

A Picture from History: Max Manus

We take a look at Max Manus -- a Norwegian resistance fighter known for sabotaging the Nazis in World War II.
We review products independently. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission to help support our testing. Learn more.
JUMP TO SECTION Jump To:

    The Winter War was over. 

    The Scandinavians had done everything they could to fight off the Soviets. Men such as Simo Hayha engaged in brutal guerilla warfare against the invaders. 

    Little did the Soviets know they were going to create legendary men when they invaded. Little did they know, they would meet the likes of Max Manus. 

    Max Manus
    Max Manus

    The Invasion of the Nazis

    For the Norwegians, there was little reprieve in their homeland from the threat of war. Right on the heels of The Winter War the Nazi invasion began. 

    Fortunately, the men of the country were more than capable of fighting. Unfortunately, blitzkrieg tactics seemed to work very well.

    Norwegian Parliament building under Nazi Occupation
    Norwegian Parliament building under Nazi occupation

    As Nazi troops and tanks filled his homeland, Max Manus did what he could to organize an underground resistance. 

    Vikun Quisling
    Vikun Quisling, the Norwegian Prime Minister whose cooperation with the Nazis would make his name synonymous with “traitor”

    He created an extensive underground, manufactured weapons, crafted illegal “propaganda” against Hitler’s cronies, and more.

    It wasn’t long until he transformed himself into one of the Nazis’ most sought out enemies. And this self-transformation came with a price.

    Germans on a frozen lake in Norway
    Germans on a frozen lake in Norway

    A Matter of Time

     In 1941, the Gestapo captured Manus. They raided and searched his home. Grenades and incriminating documents were found, leaving Manus certain of a torturous death. 

    Gestapo agents
    Gestapo agents

    As the Nazis congratulated themselves, they momentarily released their grip on Manus, who promptly dove out his second-story window. But the hard ground quickly rendered him unconscious, and he was caught once more and taken to a hospital. 

    There, Manus miraculously escaped thanks to a Norwegian nurse sympathetic to the cause. She helped lower Manus out of a second-story window. 

    Upping the Ante

    After escaping to Sweden, Manus began a long journey of training in guerilla warfare and sabotage techniques.

    He even picked up the art of parachuting. Soon, he dropped with other fighters into the forests of Oslo to resume fighting once more. 

    Forest in Norway
    Forested Nordmarka, a region in northern Oslo (Photo: Sondrekv)

    Factories, oil refineries, airplanes — they were all fair game for Max Manus and his gang of freedom fighters. After the war, reports state Manus was responsible for the destruction of 100 Nazi warplanes

    But Manus’ particular specialty was his understanding of limpet mines — small explosives planted along the hulls of ships. 

    The SS Donau and the Monte Rosa sank as a result of his efforts. 

    Sunken SS Donau
    The sunken SS Donau

    Conclusion

    Manus lived to see the end of the war. Afterward, he went on to write a series of books about his efforts (sadly, all of which are out of print). However, to learn more about this remarkable fighter, I recommend the Norwegian movie Max Manus: Man of War. 

    This is a new style of article for Pew Pew Tactical, if you liked it — let us know in the comments! If you didn’t enjoy it…well phooey. To catch up on previous Pictures from History, click on over to our History Category.

    The Best Gun Deals, Coupons and Finds

    Subscribe to Pew Pew Tactical's sales and deals email.

    5 Leave a Reply

    • John Lakey

      I read his book at the library and saw a movie about him. He was fabulous! Although he struggled with depression later in life.

      October 14, 2022 7:26 pm
    • Douglas L Dicketts

      Soviets may be the boogie man of today but I'm A little confused, weren't the Russians also fighting the Nazis. Was the mention of Soviets an error or is there more to this story?

      April 18, 2022 7:55 pm
    • arrowpt28

      terrific, younger generations are not getting this history from school, so keep it up

      April 18, 2022 7:04 am
    • Chris D.

      Keep this going! I like the short format as it doesn't bore yet prompts me to do further reading on the subjects presented.

      April 17, 2022 10:18 am
      • Jacki Billings, Editor

        Glad you like it and thanks for reading!

        April 18, 2022 6:05 am
    Join the community! Log in
    Please provide a valid email address.
    Password is required.
    or
    Register
    Please provide a valid display name.
    Please provide a valid email address.
    The password should contain at least 8 characters with at least one number or special character.
    Please accept in order to continue.
    By unsubscribing, you will not be able to access exclusive training courses in your profile. You will still be able to save and access your products and articles.
    or
    Trouble logging in?
    Type your email address and we’ll send you a link to reset your password.
    Please provide a valid email.
    Password
    Type your new password and hit button below to confirm it.
    Field is required.
    Account already exists
    We already have an account registered for email address () which is linked to your Facebook account.
    To log in type your Pew Pew Meter password below.
    Field is required.
    Account already exists
    We noticed that you have previously logged in with your Account which is linked to the same email address () - we can link both of your accounts together.
    In order to link your accounts, hit button below and log in to your Account with the same email as above.

    Account in Pew Pew Tactical means more.

    Login or create a free account to get the following
    Access and save hundreds of reviews, gun guides, and articles!
    Find the best daily deals on guns, gear, and ammo
    Manage your newsletter subscriptions and comments