The entire contingent of four squadrons from the Danish Army Air Service was stationed at Værløse, located in proximity to Copenhagen.
In anticipation of a possible German invasion, contingency plans were devised to transfer operations to various airfields throughout the country; however, these plans had not been implemented by 05:25 when Luftwaffe aircraft began their approach towards the airbase.
As the German aircraft reached Værløse, a Fokker C.V-E reconnaissance plane was in the process of taking off but was intercepted and downed by a Messerschmitt Bf 110, piloted by Hauptmann Wolfgang Falck, at an altitude of 50 meters, resulting in the deaths of both crew members.
Following this, the German Bf 110s executed strafing runs on the base amidst heavy anti-aircraft fire, leading to the destruction of 11 aircraft and considerable damage to an additional 14 during their taxiing for take-off, effectively crippling the Danish Army Air Service in a single encounter.
In contrast, the Danish Navy Air Service played a relatively limited role during World War II.
This service operated a squadron of outdated Hawker Nimrod fighters (the Danish variant of the Fury) and seaplanes.
Some of these aircraft were deployed in Greenland.
Denmark declared its neutrality at the beginning of the war; however, this stance did not prevent Nazi Germany from occupying the nation on April 9, 1940, as part of Operation Weserübung.
The Danish government and monarchy continued to operate with relative normalcy until August 29, 1943, when Germany imposed direct military occupation over Denmark.
Aces There were a few Danish fighter aces during World War II. Some notable Danish aces include:
Kaj Birksted: Credited with 10 aerial victories.
Peter Horn: Credited with 11 aerial victories.
Paul Sommer: Credited with 5 aerial victories.
These pilots made significant contributions despite Denmark’s limited role in the war.
