What do you think?
Rate this book
Operation Sealion: The Invasion of England 1940
An in-depth analysis of Nazi Germany's unused strategy to invade the UK during the Battle of Britain in World War II.
It is hard to believe that in the summer of 1940, neither the Allies nor the Axis powers had any experience of large amphibious operations. German planning for Operation Sealion was concerned with pioneering new techniques and developing specialized landing craft. Remarkably, in only two months they prepared an invasion fleet of 4,000 vessels.
In Operation Sealion, Peter Schenk begins by examining the vessels that were developed and deployed for the operation: converted cargo vessels and steamers, more specialized landing craft, barges and pontoons, and auxiliary vessels such as tugs and hospital ships. He then goes on to outline the strategic preparations for the landing and looks at the operational plans of, in turn, the navy, army, and air force.
The planned invasion is described in full detail so that the reader can follow the proposed sequence of events from loading, setting sail, and the crossing of the English Channel, to the landing and the early advances into southern England. Schenk uniquely estimates the chances of success.
This absorbing account of Hitler's abortive mission, more detailed than anything written before, is of interest not just to the naval historian but to anyone with an interest in World War II or military strategy.
It is hard to believe that in the summer of 1940, neither the Allies nor the Axis powers had any experience of large amphibious operations. German planning for Operation Sealion was concerned with pioneering new techniques and developing specialized landing craft. Remarkably, in only two months they prepared an invasion fleet of 4,000 vessels.
In Operation Sealion, Peter Schenk begins by examining the vessels that were developed and deployed for the operation: converted cargo vessels and steamers, more specialized landing craft, barges and pontoons, and auxiliary vessels such as tugs and hospital ships. He then goes on to outline the strategic preparations for the landing and looks at the operational plans of, in turn, the navy, army, and air force.
The planned invasion is described in full detail so that the reader can follow the proposed sequence of events from loading, setting sail, and the crossing of the English Channel, to the landing and the early advances into southern England. Schenk uniquely estimates the chances of success.
This absorbing account of Hitler's abortive mission, more detailed than anything written before, is of interest not just to the naval historian but to anyone with an interest in World War II or military strategy.
336 pages, ebook
Published July 26, 2019
10 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 of 1 review
February 7, 2025
Almost Unreadable
The book has excellent detail that’s fit for any researcher, but it is not a readable narrative. It descends far too often into repetitive statistics and minutiae rather than giving an account of what might have been. The actual account of what might have happened had Sealion been carried through is limited to the last 30-40 pages.
The book has excellent detail that’s fit for any researcher, but it is not a readable narrative. It descends far too often into repetitive statistics and minutiae rather than giving an account of what might have been. The actual account of what might have happened had Sealion been carried through is limited to the last 30-40 pages.
Displaying 1 of 1 review