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Operation Sealion

How Britain Crushed the German War Machine's Dreams of Invasion in 1940

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Operation Sealion

By: Leo McKinstry
Narrated by: Peter Noble
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Summary

 'Superbly written and gripping' Daily Express

The thrilling true account of Hitler's first defeat. One of Britain's most remarkable victories of the Second World War.

In the summer of 1940, the Nazi war machine was at its zenith. France, Denmark, Norway and the Low Countries were all under occupation after a series of lightning military campaigns. Only Britain stood in the way of the complete triumph of Nazi tyranny. But for the first time in the war, Hitler did not prevail.

The traditional narrative of 1940 holds that Britain was only saved from German conquest by the pluck of RAF Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain. The image of Dad's Army recruits training with broomsticks is a classic symbol of the nation's supposed desperation in the face of the threat from Operation Sealion, as the German plan for invasion was code-named.

Yet as Leo McKinstry details, the British were far more ruthless and proficient than is usually recognised. The brilliance of the RAF was not an exception but part of a pattern of magnificent organisation. In almost every sphere of action, such as the destruction of the French naval fleet or the capture of German spies, Britain's approach reflected an uncompromising spirit of purpose and resolution. Using a wealth of primary materials from both British and German archives, Leo McKinstry provides a ground-breaking new assessment of the six fateful months in mid-1940, beginning with Winston Churchill's accession to power in May and culminating in Germany's abandonment of Operation Sealion.

(P)2018 Hodder & Stoughton Limited©2014 Leo McKinstry Europe Great Britain Military War England Winston Churchill Imperialism Thought-Provoking

Critic reviews

In his immaculately researched and gripping work Leo McKinstry paints a vivid picture . . . [He] strikes a balance through reinforcing what the average reader is likely to be aware of and coming up with revelatory nuggets . . . stirring and passionate
If we had lost the Battle of Britain, all that stood between us and a fascist future was the Home Guard, a Dad's Army of oldsters armed with broomsticks. Leo McKinstry's engrossing, forensic review of the evidence challenges that idea and exposes some myths along the way . . . McKinstry's admirable book sets the record straight
An enthralling story which confirms, should anyone still doubt it, that this really was our 'Finest Hour'
A pacey, readable history of Britain's resistance to the bogeyman across the Channel
Fans of Leo McKinstry will know what to expect from his superbly written and gripping historical books and the unashamedly patriotic and unputdownable Operation Sealion . . . one of his best yet
[A] fascinating, original study
Masterly narrative
All stars
Most relevant
Amazing what the population did in the face of adversity. The efforts of the inventors, the engineers, and the everyday people are unsurpassed and now, regrettably, largely lost to the annuls of time. I will never see Dad's Army in the same light. A fascinating, educational, and informative listen.

A testament to the stoic resolve of the day

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Wasn’t sure about the topic but the detail and narrative excellent. The narration first class.

Outstanding

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In depth analysis , not only of the defence of mainland Britain but a good description of political and strategic situation faced by the British alone and without allies . Although Hitler changed his mind Mckinstry documents the detailed preparations and the ineptitude of the OKW to plan an invasion . The conclusion is Churchill was right they were coming although the threat of invasion never materialised we paid a heavy price in the Blitz . Very worthwhile .

I have listened to it twice

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The non invasion of the UK in 1940 is common knowledge and frequently referenced in other works on WW2 , this book goes into refreshingly new detail which supports the position that the UK was no pushover for the Nazis. I liked the limited references to the Battle of Britain as I did not want to go over that heroic performance by the RAF again. The progression of the defence of these islands from May 1940 to the Autum of that year moves along at a good pace with the author building on his key threads as he goes along. My only critique is that the ending was not a summary or conclusion of the overall outcome so I was left hanging on a rather emotional point of the beauty of the Cornish coast. Well read with respectful use of quotes from the principle players.

Stimulating views on much written about subject.

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This is an excellent and detailed account of both the state of Britain in the summer/autumn of 1940 and the German planning and mindset for their plans to invade.

Highly recommended to anyone interested in the history of the Second World War, or curious as to how Britain managed to inflict the Nazi's first set-back.

Excellent and detailed account

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