Operation Sealion: The Invasion of England 1940 (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781784383947)

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 analyzing and describing 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 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 hitherto, is of interest not just to the naval historian but to anyone with an interest in World War II.

Author: Peter Schenk
ISBN-10: 1784383945
ISBN-13: 9781784383947
Publisher: Greenhill Books
Language: English
Published: 07/26/2019
Pages: 288
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.30lbs
Size: 9.30h x 6.10w x 1.10d