Last month, we examined British collectables relating to the German invasion threat during the Second World War. Here, in the concluding part, Austin J Ruddy takes a view from the other side of the Channel via a variety of revealing German memorabilia associated with the threat and air attacks on Britain.
A CLUE to Hitler’s attitude regarding the invasion of Britain can be drawn directly from his Führer Directive Number 16, of 16 July 1940, announcing Operation Sealion.
“As England, in spite of her hopeless military situation, still shows no signs of willingness to come to terms”, he said, “I have decided to prepare, and if necessary, to carry out, a landing operation against her. The aim of this operation is to eliminate the English motherland as a base from which the war against Germany can be continued, and, if necessary, to occupy the country completely.” The key words, used twice, are “if necessary” – Hitler and his commanders were cautious about the military and political viability of such an operation.
So, while the British were battening down the hatches for possible invasion, the Führer went on an uncharacteristic charm offensive. On 19 July 1940, before the German Reichstag, he gave a threeh…
