They feared for Tirpitz's safety with the withdrawal of the Northern Front. It was to be moved to Skarmen Fjord near Narvik, but the RAF arrived 2 days early. (And the Russians didnt follow up, she could have remained at Alta Fjord)

6 aircraft took off (with 2 in reserve) but received orders to return to base, a small feint by the RAF panicked the controllers to cause them to issue a recall? What use are the fighters if they dont protect the Tirpitz?

From "The Tirpitz" by Jochen Brennecke

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Whe're off to see the Wizard, the wonderful wizard of OZ - 6 Australian Infantry Div, Bardia January 1941