German control of Stavanger was an extremely important element on the occupation of Norway.  Stavanger was the site of the Sola Air Base, the best air base in Norway.  The German forces used a dive- bombing attack and the parachute landing of  two infantry battalions to occupy Stavanger.  The Export Echelon was sunk, but three ships from the 1st Sea Transport Echelon arrived as planned, bring troops and supplies.
     On April 17th, British cruisers began to shell the airfield inflicting heavy damage.  On the 20th, German troops began advancing toward the south taking 50 Norwegian officers and 1,250 men prisoner at Dirdal.