Definition
Karl Marthinsen (1906 – 1945) was a Norwegian police officer and member of the Waffen-SS who served as the chief of the Statspolitiet (State Police) in occupied Norway during World War II. He is chiefly remembered for his collaboration with the German authorities and for his role in the repression of the Norwegian resistance movement.
Overview
Born on 26 March 1906 in Tromsø, Norway, Marthinsen began his career in the Norwegian police force in the 1920s. Following the German invasion of Norway in April 1940, he aligned himself with the occupying forces. In 1941, he was appointed head of the Statspolitiet, a new police organization created by the Reichskommissariat Norwegen to supplement the regular Norwegian police and to enforce German directives.
Under Marthinsen’s command, the Statspolitiet participated in arrests, interrogations, and deportations of Jews, political dissidents, and members of the Norwegian resistance. He also held the rank of Oberstleutnant in the Waffen-SS and was involved in anti-partisan operations. His tenure was marked by a reputation for ruthlessness and strict enforcement of Nazi policies.
Marthinsen was assassinated on 8 February 1945 by a sabotage team of the Norwegian resistance group Milorg. Following his death, the German authorities conducted reprisals, executing several Norwegian civilians in what became known as the "Marthinsen reprisals."
Etymology/Origin
The name “Karl” is a common Germanic given name derived from the Old High German karal meaning “free man.” “Marthinsen” is a patronymic surname of Scandinavian origin, indicating “son of Marthin” (a variant of Martin). The combination reflects typical naming conventions in Norway.
Characteristics
- Professional background: Trained police officer; ascended to leadership of the Statspolitiet.
- Political alignment: Collaborated with Nazi Germany; member of the Waffen-SS.
- Roles and responsibilities: Oversaw policing activities, coordinated anti-resistance operations, facilitated the implementation of anti‑Jewish measures.
- Notable actions: Directed large‑scale arrests of resistance members; participated in the deportation of Norwegian Jews in 1942.
- Death: Killed by resistance operatives; his assassination prompted punitive reprisals by occupying forces.
Related Topics
- Statspolitiet (State Police): The wartime Norwegian police organization under German control.
- Nazi occupation of Norway (1940‑1945): The broader context of German military and administrative rule.
- Milorg: The principal Norwegian resistance organization that carried out the operation against Marthinsen.
- Reprisals in occupied Norway: A series of retaliatory killings and arrests carried out by German authorities in response to resistance activities.
- Norwegian collaboration: The phenomenon of Norwegian individuals and institutions cooperating with Nazi Germany during the war.