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How credible were Hitler’s plans to invade Britain?

Beyond the simple 'yes or no' on seriousness, I'm interested in the granular military credibility. When you analyze the assembled landing craft, the logistical tail, and the Luftwaffe's shifting priorities, what does it tell us? Were the plans fundamentally unserious from a staff officer's perspective, or were they a high-risk gamble that simply failed its preconditions?

 

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By Krupa Answered 3 years ago

From a strict operational analysis perspective, the plans lacked fundamental credibility. I have studied the tactical exercises and the comments from senior German naval commanders, who were frankly aghast at the requirements. The conversion of Rhine barges was a clear stopgap, revealing a desperate lack of dedicated landing craft. I would recommend that any credible plan requires a secure supply line, which the Kriegsmarine could not guarantee against the Home Fleet. It was a high-risk gamble that banked on the total collapse of RAF Fighter Command a precondition that was never met, rendering the subsequent invasion blueprint essentially moot.

 

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