Birger Eriksen

Military career After Eriksen graduated from high school in 1893, he attended the Technische Hochschule in Charlottenburg (now Technische Universität Berlin), Germany for three months before returning home. by graduating from the Norwegian Military Academy.

Post–World War II investigations

"The Commission of 1946 finds no reason to make anyone juridically responsible in connection with the surrender of the fortress at the time it occurred"

Both the Investigative Commission of 1945 and the Military Investigative Commission of 1946 confirmed that Eriksen carried out his duties to the full during the German invasion. on the Borggården square at Oscarsborg's Main Fort, cementing the Colonel's position amongst the foremost Norwegian leaders of the Second World War.

Eriksen was portrayed by Erik Hivju in the 2016 film The King's Choice, in which the scenes recreating the Battle of Drøbak Sound were filmed on location at Oscarsborg Fortress. He was portrayed by Bjørn Sundquist in the 2025 film The Battle of Oslo. The film was set on 9 April 1940, during the German invasion of Norway, followed Eriksen at Oscarsborg Fortress and the sinking of the German cruiser Blücher.

Quotations

It's not really hard to fire guns, but it's immensely hard to make the decision to fire.|Post-war statement with regards to his decision to open fire French Légion d'honneur (Officier) – May 1946 French Croix de Guerre – May 1946