Militargeographische Angaben uber England Sudkuste [Military/Geographical Information about England South Coast]

Analyzing the feasibility of an invasion a German invasion of England.

In 1940, after conquering France, Nazi Germany began planning for Operation Sea Lion, a cross-Channel invasion of Britain. The amphibious and aerial assault hinged on achieving air superiority in the Battle of Britain, but the Royal Air Force successfully defended the island against the Luftwaffe attacks. As the battle in the air took its toll, logistical challenges mounted and the lack of adequate transport became apparent. Operation Sea Lion was indefinitely postponed in September 1940, representing one of Germany’s first defeats and a significant turning point in World War II.

This uncommon volume was issued in August of 1940 ‘For Official Use Only’, by the German Army General Staff Department for War Maps and Surveying. It contains nearly 500 pages of planning materials covering the southern coast of England. Aerial photographs (some of which were copied from postcards and commercial sources) are accompanied by sketches of coastline and large-scale topographic maps. Text descriptions on the verso provide detailed information on the physical geography of the coast, such as the presence of beaches, cliffs, etc. Two folding maps provide a geologic overview of the area around Portsmouth (an important harbor) and a simple snapshot of the prominent physical features along the entire southern coast.

The publication provides historians and military enthusiasts with an invaluable firsthand look into the German perspective on Operation Sea Lion. The volume offers fascinating insights into the planning process, the anticipated challenges, and the ultimately miscalculated assumptions that led to the cancellation of the invasion.

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