​​Located in London’s Hyde Park, the Norwegian War Memorial can be found in near Serpentine Road, opposite the west Boat House. It consists of a boulder of pre-Cambrian granite, mounted on three smaller stones. The front is engraved with the words: 

​“You gave us a safe haven in our common struggle for freedom and peace.” 

​The back reads: 

​“Worked and shaped by forces of nature for thousands of years.” 

​On 9 April 1940, Norway was invaded by the German Army. There were three major reasons for the invasion. Firstly, it was strategic in that the occupation of Norway allowed the German Army and Navy to secure ice free harbours to control the North Atlantic. Secondly, it allowed the securing of the routes used to transport iron ore from Sweden. Thirdly, it was to pre-empt a British and French invasion with the same purpose. 

​By the end of May 1940, British forces withdrew from Norway as it was deemed more strategically important to support France and the ongoing fighting there. On 7 June, King Haakon of Norway was put on a boat with his family and other members of the Norwegian Government, who travelled to the United Kingdom. On 9 June, the German campaign in Norway was complete and the country was occupied. 

​On the 8 May 1945, Germany surrendered and Norway was no longer under their control. Thousands of Norwegians served during the Second World War, in the Army, Navy and Air Force. This included 10 Naval ships and over 1,000 sailors who took part in Operation Neptune on D-Day, 6 June 1944 in Normandy.