Operation Sealion
How Britain Crushed the German War Machine's Dreams of Invasion in 1940
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Operation Sealion
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Narrated by:
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Peter Noble
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By:
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Leo McKinstry
About this listen
'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.
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What listeners say about Operation Sealion
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- P. Thompson
- 27-07-20
Operation Sealion
This book is a satisfyingly complete well researched account of all things involved in the defense of Britain from a Nazi invasion in 1940 when the country was militarily very weak after being routed from Europe and abandoning the majority of arms at Dunkirk. It covers the leadership and decisions of both sides, resources, politics, tactics and espionage. It also covers the threat from appeasers, nazi sympathisers and 5 columnists. The complete picture is mind blowing. The pace and narration is very good. A must listen.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- mat brown
- 17-06-18
Absolutely brilliant
A great insight to the fear and paranoia of the times
Quite eliminating that Develara was quite the evil wotsit towards the English as I thought
A great listen
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4 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Gregory Ward
- 19-09-21
Outstanding
Wasn’t sure about the topic but the detail and narrative excellent. The narration first class.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- JoBo
- 09-09-18
Absolutely Absorbing
I have long been been interested in this era, 1940, Churchill and the Battle of Britain especially. I thought my general knowledge of the period was pretty good. I have learnt so much more from this book. Each chapter looks in depth at a different aspect of the operation. Amazingly interesting and totally absorbing. The research that has been carried is incredible. All told in a gripping and interesting way. By far the best Audible war account I have had the pleasure of listening too.
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5 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- mike
- 10-10-23
Dramatic and compelling
Another very good Audible book . The reality, threat, the Nazi plan to conquer the British and the conspiracy , subterfuge and hopeless German intelligence all combined in this well told historic history . Very pleased I listened to it I learnt a lot .
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Amazon Customer
- 18-03-20
A testament to the stoic resolve of the day
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.
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1 person found this helpful
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- Gary Ferguson
- 06-01-22
Great listen.
A well researched piece of work that gives a truer picture of the events of 1940 thanks to the declassification of many sources in recent years.
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- Billy Mac
- 04-02-19
informative
a dam good listen , well narrated as usual by Peter Noble . I recommend
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3 people found this helpful
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- TonyG
- 27-08-18
Riveting
Narrated with clarity and feeling, this book addresses the massive challenges facing Britain during 1940 with meticulously researched detail. But it is not a dry resuscitation of facts because the author has found sources at all levels in British society to describe their experiences during a year when the British pulled together in a monumental backs to the wall struggle for national survival. That is no exaggeration because had Operation Sealion succeeded all British males between the ages of 17 and 45 would have been deported as slaves, thus ensuring that population reproduction came to a complete stop. I, for one, would not be alive today.
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5 people found this helpful
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- Bob Hodges
- 22-01-20
Comprehensive and readjusts received wisdom
The author is entirely justified in not concentrating mainly on German planning and widening the scope to include the British experience predominantly. This becomes obvious in his dissection of the German plans, which become increasingly conspicuous in their lack of detail and ultimately by their absence!
The challenge to the the 'close run thing' narrative is very powerful. I was most enthralled by the skillful political wranglings of WSC's government, and the manner in which FDR and the US were drawn ever closer to formal alliance.
Brilliant stuff.
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1 person found this helpful