Handmade 60mm tin soldier of the Norwegian General Otto Ruge in Norway during World War II. He is wearing a longer version of the often used military wind jacket and the Norwegian M1934 general's uniform underneath, as well as a ski hat, snow gaiters, a binocular case over the shoulder, and he is holding binoculars in his hand.
Ruge became a central Norwegian military personality during the campaign in 1940. He took charge of the situation and sent out younger officers with broad powers and directives regarding tactics and strategy to the various units. If necessary, officers who were not eager to fight were to be removed. Ruge also implemented changes in the military leadership. In his directives, Ruge ordered to resist the invading forces where possible. Improvised resistance groups were to hinder the German advance and provide time and space to receive assistance from the Allies. The strategy failed as many forces capitulated, while the support from the Allies proved to be insufficient. The Norwegian forces surrendered on June 10, 1940.
After the surrender agreement was signed, Ruge was held as a prisoner of war in the director's residence at Grini internment camp. The immediate reason for this was that Ruge refused to give his word of honor not take up arms against Germany again. However, he had previously declined to accompany the Nygaardsvold government to Great Britain. This was because he wanted to represent his subordinates who had gone to Great Britain through his captivity. In addition, Ruge wanted to serve as an example for the Norwegian population in the struggle of attitudes against the occupying power. He emphasized that the state of war between Norway and Germany still existed.
