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To: PzLdr
In one of the alternate history books written on the subject, the Germans used minefields on both flanks of the landing zone to slow down the Royal Navy, and Fallschirmjaeger and Mountain troops to make the initial assault, followed up by a couple of Panzer Divisions [one with Rommel as GC], and some mechanized infantry.

Where did you see that order of battle? Everything I've seen indicates that the Plan only allowed for a single panzer division (with light tanks), plus one panzer grenadier division. Perhaps there was a muscled-up plan that I haven't seen, but any such plan would presume even more sea-lift and would therefore have been less likely.

The Royal Navy would have made a max effort against the landing beaches. A fleet does you little good if you are facing defeat on land -- ask the French. I'm sure that the RN would have run any minefield sown by the Kriegsmarine and risked the damage. Heavy fleet units would probably have sailed around Ireland & approached the landing beaches from beyond the range of Luftwaffe fighters. Running the channel would have exposed the fleet to air, mine & torpedo attack.

27 posted on 10/20/2005 8:42:10 AM PDT by Tallguy
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To: Tallguy

The order was battle was in the book, "Invasion" [an excellent read by a retired British tanker.

If the Royal Navy sails around Ireland, they ride themselves right out of the battle. The key to the Germans winning, in theory is gaining a foothold and expanding it. The more time they have, the better for them. The Brits would want to disrupt it as soon as possible.


46 posted on 10/20/2005 1:52:26 PM PDT by PzLdr ("The Emperor is not as forgiving as I am" - Darth Vader)
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