This fellow was the Oscarsborg base commander and close to retirement age.
Imagine the stress this old guy was going through!
Norway was not at war with anyone - but these ships, Blucher (brand new), Lutzow and Emden were moving at night without lights or any I.D. and trying to sneak past on their way to the capital - Oslo.
Hard call to make !
The division between a court-marshal and a medal can be razor thin.