January 14, 2026
Revenge in a sardine tin
April 9, 1940 a Dish Best Served Cold – Historical Easter Eggs
Did Norway spike Nazi rations? Commenters can’t agree
TLDR: A history post spotlights a rumored Norwegian Resistance trick: croton‑oil‑spiked sardines sabotaging Nazi sailors. Commenters split between cheering the ingenuity and demanding proof, with a side debate linking croton oil to grim history, making this fishy tale both fascinating and controversial.
History nerds dove head‑first into a wartime fish tale: on April 9, 1940, as Denmark and Norway fell to Nazi troops, the Norwegian Resistance allegedly spiked canned brisling with croton oil — the “atomic bomb of laxatives” — to sabotage German sailors under the surface. The post revisits invasions, Dunkirk, and daring Norwegian actions like the heavy water raids, but the crowd fixated on the croton‑oil angle. Is this clever kitchen‑counter warfare or just a spicy legend?
Strong opinions flew. User hulitu linked Croton oil and dropped a bombshell about its use in the California genocide, flipping the vibe from “lol sardines” to sober history. Houseplant fans chimed in — “I’ve kept crotons for years!” — while silisili demanded proof from “affected souls on those subs.” Skeptics like bell‑cot asked how the Germans wouldn’t trace tainted tins back up the supply chain. Meanwhile, jokesters ran wild: memes about “U‑boat sprint‑speed trials,” “Operation Explosive Entrées,” and grandma’s cane‑whack quote morphing into “four captains knocked off the can.” The split? Half cheering crafty resistance, half calling for receipts, all agreeing it’s one heck of a story. Whether legend or documented sabotage, the community made it clear: the drama is in the sardine tin — and the comments.
Key Points
- •On April 9, 1940, Nazi Germany invaded Denmark and Norway, swiftly occupying major cities and ports.
- •King Christian X of Denmark surrendered soon after the invasion; Norway initially refused but was overcome following a parachute-assisted airborne assault.
- •Norwegian collaborator Vidkun Quisling’s loyal commanders ordered coastal defenses to stand down, enabling unopposed German landings.
- •Norwegian resistance formed quickly; Milorg, led by General Otto Ruge, later executed sabotage including attacks on the Rjukan heavy water facility and sinking a ferry carrying 1,300 lbs of heavy water.
- •Croton oil is described as an extremely toxic and violent irritant once used medicinally but now deemed too dangerous.