On April 14, 1940, Royal Marines from the United Kingdom executed a significant amphibious landing at Namsos, Norway, marking the beginning of Allied military operations in the region during World War II. This incursion followed Germany's invasion of Norway, which had commenced on April 9, 1940. The Allies sought to counter the rapid German advancement and secure vital shipping lanes and strategic positions along the coast. The selection of Namsos as a landing site was strategic, as its location provided a necessary route for further troop deployments and supplies to reach Norway.

The Marines faced numerous challenges, including harsh weather conditions and the inherent difficulties of an amphibious assault. Despite these obstacles, their objective was to establish a stronghold that could be fortified in anticipation of a larger Allied force that would arrive two days later. This operation was part of a broader campaign involving British and French forces aimed at resisting Axis advances in Scandinavia and was considered crucial in the context of the early stages of the war.

The landing not only underscored the resolve of the Allies but also highlighted the growing involvement of Britain and France in the conflict against Nazi Germany. Over the following days, additional troops and equipment arrived to bolster the initial Marine contingent. The operation set the stage for further military actions in Norway, which, despite initial successes, faced challenges due to the logistics of supplying and reinforcing troops in a hostile and rapidly shifting tactical environment.