Operation Claymore was initiated by the British military as part of their effort to counter German operations in Norway during World War II. The raid aimed at the Lofoten Islands—strategically significant for their fish oil production facilities, crucial for the German war effort in producing munitions and other materials. On March 4, 1941, British commandos, supported by naval forces, landed on the islands with the primary objective to disrupt these supplies and to conduct reconnaissance for future operations. Approximately 1,200 troops took part in this audacious mission.

The operation began early in the morning with a swift landing that took the German garrison by surprise. While some resistance was met, it was considerably weaker than expected, allowing the commandos to destroy key installations and capture prisoners, including German sailors. The raid ended with minimal casualties to the British forces, highlighting effective planning and training of the commandos. The operation not only successfully damaged the German supply chain but also boosted Allied morale, showing that they could strike back decisively against Axis powers.

In the aftermath, Operation Claymore sent a clear message about the capabilities of British commandos and underscored the potential for more such raids in occupied Europe. It signified a shift in British military tactics, emphasizing the importance of small, mobile units capable of quick strikes against larger, entrenched forces. This approach would be a cornerstone of British operations going forward, particularly in the Mediterranean and thereafter leading to larger amphibious assaults throughout the war.