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Wars and ConflictsÌý permalink

Which country could defeat America in a war?

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Messages: 1 - 50 of 135
  • Message 1.Ìý

    Posted by Voldemort9 (U3489036) on Friday, 31st March 2006

    I know this queston is similar to "which country has the best army today?" but who cares. Which country do you think, could invade and occupy todays America?

    Report message1

  • Message 2

    , in reply to message 1.

    Posted by wyn8126 (U2577714) on Friday, 31st March 2006

    Nobody, tho' not a Yank, I never underestimate them....besides if they are in trouble, we'll come down from north of the border and sort things out.

    Report message2

  • Message 3

    , in reply to message 1.

    Posted by craigd1973 (U2853338) on Friday, 31st March 2006


    In response to your first question I suppose it would depend on where any war was fought. Several countries may have the potential to defeat America.

    In terms of invading and occupying todays America, I would say this would be virtually impossible for any country.

    Report message3

  • Message 4

    , in reply to message 2.

    Posted by Mani (U1821129) on Friday, 31st March 2006

    Like any country, the way it's populous, not necessarily it's armed forces respond is all important.

    Taking consideration the sheer number of armed civilians in the country, and given the attitude of the average Yank (Like most Mancs, seeing their land as the best thing since chips and gravy) resistance could be suspected as being high, although as there has been no direct invasion (Dubiously you could say since the army of Northern Virginia) since the war of 1812, there's no way of knowing.

    Many passive occupations, i.e. Japan and Germany, have come after long and costly wars with a war ravaged populous, so another variable would be under what circumstances was the invasion.

    In the same way that if the US invaded many countries, they would loose, or at best it would be a pyrrhic victory, the same could be said about invading the US.

    Report message4

  • Message 5

    , in reply to message 1.

    Posted by Idamante (U1894562) on Friday, 31st March 2006

    Which country do you think, could invade and occupy todays America? Ìý

    My first reaction is - Why the hell would anyone want to?

    Actually if you want to destroy the US you should simply encourage them to keep voting for right wing Republicans who will throw billions of dollars into unwinnable wars against terror, drugs, communists etc and so make America universally hated.

    OK, rant over

    Report message5

  • Message 6

    , in reply to message 1.

    Posted by Mark (U1347077) on Friday, 31st March 2006

    I know the question was 'today's' America but I reckon China will be able to soon.

    Of course, we could always use the nuclear option - Russia or China could possibly prepare themselves to have enough forces following a surprise launch.

    Report message6

  • Message 7

    , in reply to message 6.

    Posted by DrkKtn6851746 (U2746042) on Friday, 31st March 2006

    I reckon Cuba could whip Yankee butt - they did it at baseball, after all...

    Report message7

  • Message 8

    , in reply to message 6.

    Posted by Grumpyfred (U2228930) on Friday, 31st March 2006

    There is a more simple way to bring down both the U. S., and the U. K. The U Ss balance of debt is in the trillions. Most of this debt is owned by friendly countries. I E Japan. But what would happen if those countries stopped being friendly, and called in the loans. The mighty doller would be just toilet paper, as would the pound if it happened here. In the shortb term imports, goods that both of countries have because we have stopped making them would dry up. Inflation would go through the roof. The same thing that happened in Post Great War Germany would happen here. Spending on the armed forces would stop, and the country would be wide open.

    Report message8

  • Message 9

    , in reply to message 7.

    Posted by Buckskinz (U3036516) on Friday, 31st March 2006

    I reckon Cuba could whip Yankee butt - they did it at baseball, after all...Ìý

    They already occupy Florida.

    Report message9

  • Message 10

    , in reply to message 9.

    Posted by Buckskinz (U3036516) on Friday, 31st March 2006

    Grumpy,
    Every country bar I think Romania has foreign debt. We in the west have it in Govt bonds. The foreign debt of the Uk and US is not relavent given the countrys assets. In the 70's the Saudies tried to cash in their bonds during their oil embargo. We just ignored them.

    Matt.

    Report message10

  • Message 11

    , in reply to message 1.

    Posted by LittleHill (U3038272) on Friday, 31st March 2006

    Voldemort

    If the whole world( except America )in Canada and Mexcico and invaded from there i thinnk that they the allies would win but The North American contienent would be in taters.

    LHill

    Report message11

  • Message 12

    , in reply to message 11.

    Posted by FormerlyOldHermit (U3291242) on Friday, 31st March 2006

    If America attacked a major nation possibly a European one, I think that if the European powers allied against America they could certainly defend their countries against conventional american military might. However, there would be no chance of taking over the entire US.

    Report message12

  • Message 13

    , in reply to message 9.

    Posted by Backtothedarkplace (U2955180) on Friday, 31st March 2006

    So that the answer one cigar store at a time! I reckon Cuba could whip Yankee butt - they did it at baseball, after all...Ìý

    They already occupy Florida.Ìý

    Report message13

  • Message 14

    , in reply to message 1.

    Posted by arnaldalmaric (U1756653) on Friday, 31st March 2006

    Canada.

    (Sorry, in an odd mood).

    Cheers AA.

    Report message14

  • Message 15

    , in reply to message 14.

    Posted by Buckskinz (U3036516) on Friday, 31st March 2006

    The only country that can defeat America, is America.

    Report message15

  • Message 16

    , in reply to message 1.

    Posted by henrylee100 (U536041) on Monday, 3rd April 2006

    your question made me thing of an old joke, China goes to war agains the US, on the first day of fighting the US military take 10 million Chineses prisoner, second day of fighting they take 10 million more, 3rd day of fighting another 10 million Chinese surrender to the US, 4th day of fighting the US surrenders to China as it can no longer feed all those POW's

    Report message16

  • Message 17

    , in reply to message 16.

    Posted by somnii4 (U3424705) on Monday, 3rd April 2006

    Im am American ,Im no Yank either, and I think Russia and China if they were Allied would decimate the States, plus Canada. I have a sneaky suspicion that Canada is seroiusly underestimated when it comes to War...

    Report message17

  • Message 18

    , in reply to message 1.

    Posted by Backtothedarkplace (U2955180) on Monday, 3rd April 2006

    Any country in the world. So long as they are prepared to spend the time, at least 20 to thirty years building and training an army navy and air force , money, well, we're talking lots, and with the national will to enter into a war that is likley to take at least 50 years to settle. Ohh and you'd better ban birth control or your going to run out of infantry.

    Unless someone sits down and comes up with a technological leap that out dates everything we know about warfare over night, and the only people that are throwing that sort of money at R+D are the Americans, then there isnt one.

    Report message18

  • Message 19

    , in reply to message 18.

    Posted by DL (U1683040) on Monday, 3rd April 2006

    I have to agree that there isn't any country on this planet strong enough to militarily defeat the US. I could name a few countries with the possible strength and determination to repel a US invasion -Russia and China using conventional weapons, and the UK and (I hate to say it) France, but we little nations would have to resort to nuking most of the US's major population centres, and no doubt they'd respond in kind, so not much point really.

    The Russians would have to resort to the old tactics of giving up ground in order to survive, and the Chinese would just have to hope that they have more conscripts than the US has bullets! The only way to take on the US is by using unconventional guerrilla means (as in Vietnam and now Iraq). In a stand up fight, they're just too powerful, with too many hi-tech toys, and there's too many of em!.

    Report message19

  • Message 20

    , in reply to message 19.

    Posted by LittleHill (U3038272) on Monday, 3rd April 2006

    Really, if China and Russia unite, the ratio will be 1:7 or 1 American to every 7 Russian and Chinese, so if they just keep making nukes from now ,which is 2006, to 2106, they will have far more nukes , tanks, troops etc... from the U.S.A

    Cheers LHill

    Former (Doc50, Bloodz)

    Report message20

  • Message 21

    , in reply to message 6.

    Posted by jesw1962 (U1726423) on Monday, 3rd April 2006

    I know the question was 'today's' America but I reckon China will be able to soon.

    Of course, we could always use the nuclear option - Russia or China could possibly prepare themselves to have enough forces following a surprise launch.Ìý



    Mahros: There is a huge difference between invading and defending. There is no nation or group of nations in the world that could successfully invade the U.S. at this point in history.

    IMO the day of invasion and conquering are pretty much over. Vietnam and Afghanstan have indicated that. I am afraid that Iraq may add to that belief.

    Report message21

  • Message 22

    , in reply to message 19.

    Posted by marduk-slayer of tiamat (U2258525) on Monday, 3rd April 2006

    I have to agree that there isn't any country on this planet strong enough to militarily defeat the US. I could name a few countries with the possible strength and determination to repel a US invasion -Russia and China using conventional weapons, and the UK and (I hate to say it) France, but we little nations would have to resort to nuking most of the US's major population centres, and no doubt they'd respond in kind, so not much point really.

    The Russians would have to resort to the old tactics of giving up ground in order to survive, and the Chinese would just have to hope that they have more conscripts than the US has bullets! The only way to take on the US is by using unconventional guerrilla means (as in Vietnam and now Iraq). In a stand up fight, they're just too powerful, with too many hi-tech toys, and there's too many of em!.
    Ìý


    all the military might of europe, including even us mighty men, the brits smiley - smiley would avail to nought unless we negated america's total air superiority and the star-wars lasers and nukes theyve got on all their fox satellites smiley - winkeye

    Report message22

  • Message 23

    , in reply to message 22.

    Posted by marduk-slayer of tiamat (U2258525) on Monday, 3rd April 2006

    although if we set off a HUGE electromagnetic and psyhchological bomd that destroyed all military technology more advanced than the x-bow and lance, and the knowledge needed to maker them, we'd be in with a chance-longbows away! give the gormless french aristocracy (that materialises from nowhere) their big destriers and plate-mail armor back! big up the teutonic knights, let scot have kilts and really big swords! we could win then!

    Report message23

  • Message 24

    , in reply to message 23.

    Posted by Backtothedarkplace (U2955180) on Tuesday, 4th April 2006

    Ahh, but it takes years of training to establish the skills for using the Long bow.

    Shall we concentrate our efforts on big spiky sticks with nails through?

    Report message24

  • Message 25

    , in reply to message 24.

    Posted by Disgruntled_Renegade (U530059) on Tuesday, 4th April 2006

    What are the US chances though should its comm/spy/control satalites be destroyed and readily available were tactical EMP weapons which could fry the more hi-tech vehicles and equipment of the US Army?

    How would the US Army cope should it essentially be forced to fight in a more conventional ww2 style of war albeit with better guns and more powerful munitions etc.

    I suspect that the British Army would weather the loss of use of its shiny hi-tech a lot easier than the US Army. Not a critisism of the US at all - its just that they do seem over-reliant on hi tech wizardery, perhaps a reason why they are getting it so bad in the regions of iraq they control, instant communications to missile silo's in kentucky, or tanks that can see in the dark and shoot down an enemy helicopter 4 miles away arent much use in a civil uprising, as they are finding out, to be fair though the regular US Army units which survive tours of duty over there and have learned to cope without so much hi-tech in fighting a war are going to be pretty mean to come up against!

    Report message25

  • Message 26

    , in reply to message 24.

    Posted by marduk-slayer of tiamat (U2258525) on Tuesday, 4th April 2006

    Ahh, but it takes years of training to establish the skills for using the Long bow.

    Shall we concentrate our efforts on big spiky sticks with nails through?Ìý


    why, us britons south of the border would obviously possess a cartesian innate knowledge of how to use them! and the northerners wouldnt need to cos theyd have their "running round in nothing but their birth-day suits and blue paint with big swords" style of fighting

    Report message26

  • Message 27

    , in reply to message 25.

    Posted by Buckskinz (U3036516) on Tuesday, 4th April 2006

    What are the US chances though should its comm/spy/control satalites be destroyed and readily available were tactical EMP weapons which could fry the more hi-tech vehicles and equipment of the US Army?

    How would the US Army cope should it essentially be forced to fight in a more conventional ww2 style of war albeit with better guns and more powerful munitions etc.

    I suspect that the British Army would weather the loss of use of its shiny hi-tech a lot easier than the US Army. Not a critisism of the US at all - its just that they do seem over-reliant on hi tech wizardery, perhaps a reason why they are getting it so bad in the regions of iraq they control, instant communications to missile silo's in kentucky, or tanks that can see in the dark and shoot down an enemy helicopter 4 miles away arent much use in a civil uprising, as they are finding out, to be fair though the regular US Army units which survive tours of duty over there and have learned to cope without so much hi-tech in fighting a war are going to be pretty mean to come up against!Ìý


    DG,
    The US military is not all a bunch of high tech and special forces. For starters we have an infantry mountain division, an entire chopper infantry division, an entire Para division, Several Brigades of infantry Rangers. Not to mention several more straight leg infantry divisions. Two divisions of marine infantry, and several million inactive reserves. The basic criterion for infantry to be effective is the ability to 1/ Move. 2/ Shoot. 3/ Communicate. Every satellite is shielded and defended with at least one back up. An electromagnetic device can do very little. Not to mention countless aircraft. Also, there are hundreds of missiles with satellites cocked and ready for deployment. It is easier to disrupt conventional communications than what a satellite can deal with. What appears high tech today is old hat tomorrow, and on it goes.

    Cheers, Matt.

    Report message27

  • Message 28

    , in reply to message 27.

    Posted by marduk-slayer of tiamat (U2258525) on Tuesday, 4th April 2006

    ah, but what if all the satellites got screwed up, like in independance day?

    Report message28

  • Message 29

    , in reply to message 28.

    Posted by marduk-slayer of tiamat (U2258525) on Tuesday, 4th April 2006

    anyway bs, what dya think of the news regarding politics in s.a?

    Report message29

  • Message 30

    , in reply to message 26.

    Posted by Backtothedarkplace (U2955180) on Wednesday, 5th April 2006

    But Ive brought a spikey stick and a big bag of nails!

    Report message30

  • Message 31

    , in reply to message 30.

    Posted by Sabre-Wulf (U2142937) on Wednesday, 5th April 2006

    But Ive brought a spikey stick and a big bag of nails!

    Ìý


    So you've got the spikey stick and the bag of nails?

    Pass it to the MOD and in 15 years they'll give you back a spikey stick with some nails in the wrong place that cost £10m and falls apart when you try to use it!

    Report message31

  • Message 32

    , in reply to message 31.

    Posted by Backtothedarkplace (U2955180) on Wednesday, 5th April 2006

    But Ive brought a spikey stick and a big bag of nails!

    Ìý


    So you've got the spikey stick and the bag of nails?

    Pass it to the MOD and in 15 years they'll give you back a spikey stick with some nails in the wrong place that cost £10m and falls apart when you try to use it!Ìý


    15 years? That quick!

    Report message32

  • Message 33

    , in reply to message 32.

    Posted by Sabre-Wulf (U2142937) on Wednesday, 5th April 2006

    But Ive brought a spikey stick and a big bag of nails!

    Ìý


    So you've got the spikey stick and the bag of nails?

    Pass it to the MOD and in 15 years they'll give you back a spikey stick with some nails in the wrong place that cost £10m and falls apart when you try to use it!Ìý


    15 years? That quick!Ìý


    That's just their initial estimate, not allowing for slippage. smiley - winkeye

    Report message33

  • Message 34

    , in reply to message 33.

    Posted by TimTrack (U1730472) on Wednesday, 5th April 2006

    Any invasion of the US would fail for the same reason that Germany failed to invade the UK in 1940. Having millions of men at arms is no good if you can't deliver them to the target. I think the Germans could get something like 60,000 men ashore before estimates say they would be cut off and slaughtered. If some beligerent China/Russia axis started sending over their armies, even via Mexico, the US may well do something about it before the necessary numbers could be sent.

    I vote we keep the US as an ally. For now.

    Report message34

  • Message 35

    , in reply to message 34.

    Posted by Grand Falcon Railroad (U3267675) on Wednesday, 5th April 2006

    China could have a massive impact on the US without even attacking the CONUS - all it has to do if Iran is held under UN sanctions is to buy Iranian oil for $10 a barrel less than world -market prices and this would IMO force oil prices down as the world would know it can't sell full price oil to China (or would it force it up as OPEC countries would have to offset loses?) but in anycase it could have a massive impact on US economy.

    Also China could be party to sinking US flagged merchant ships in the PACFLT theatre of operations - if nobody knew what sunk them then the US overseas trade fleet might decide not to sail in certain areas - this IMO would have again a major impact of US economy.

    Report message35

  • Message 36

    , in reply to message 21.

    Posted by stalteriisok (U3212540) on Wednesday, 5th April 2006

    I know the question was 'today's' America but I reckon China will be able to soon.

    Of course, we could always use the nuclear option - Russia or China could possibly prepare themselves to have enough forces following a surprise launch.Ìý



    Mahros: There is a huge difference between invading and defending. There is no nation or group of nations in the world that could successfully invade the U.S. at this point in history.

    IMO the day of invasion and conquering are pretty much over. Vietnam and Afghanstan have indicated that. I am afraid that Iraq may add to that belief.Ìý


    JEWS1962

    Arent the mexicans doing that already ??
    how can you be sure this not part of a plot - today Los Angeles - tomorrow ?? smiley - smiley

    Report message36

  • Message 37

    , in reply to message 34.

    Posted by Buckskinz (U3036516) on Wednesday, 5th April 2006

    Any invasion of the US would fail for the same reason that Germany failed to invade the UK in 1940. Having millions of men at arms is no good if you can't deliver them to the target. I think the Germans could get something like 60,000 men ashore before estimates say they would be cut off and slaughtered.Ìý

    Tim,
    Tell me your kidding?

    Matt.

    Report message37

  • Message 38

    , in reply to message 37.

    Posted by marduk-slayer of tiamat (U2258525) on Wednesday, 5th April 2006

    yeah, the krauts failed cos they realised (a little late) that they were at war with the brits and shouldnt bother (although they didnt realise they should sue for peace forthwith)

    gentleman, the queen!

    of course you know im not being serious! smiley - laugh

    Report message38

  • Message 39

    , in reply to message 33.

    Posted by Backtothedarkplace (U2955180) on Wednesday, 5th April 2006

    damn that slippage. still the good thing it when it comes back it will probably have a built in gps system

    Report message39

  • Message 40

    , in reply to message 37.

    Posted by TimTrack (U1730472) on Thursday, 6th April 2006

    Any invasion of the US would fail for the same reason that Germany failed to invade the UK in 1940. Having millions of men at arms is no good if you can't deliver them to the target. I think the Germans could get something like 60,000 men ashore before estimates say they would be cut off and slaughtered.Ìý

    Tim,
    Tell me your kidding?

    Matt.Ìý


    No, I am not. Which part do you think is wrong ?

    Report message40

  • Message 41

    , in reply to message 40.

    Posted by Buckskinz (U3036516) on Thursday, 6th April 2006

    Any invasion of the US would fail for the same reason that Germany failed to invade the UK in 1940. Having millions of men at arms is no good if you can't deliver them to the target. I think the Germans could get something like 60,000 men ashore before estimates say they would be cut off and slaughtered.Ìý

    Tim,
    Tell me your kidding?

    Matt.Ìý


    No, I am not. Which part do you think is wrong ?Ìý


    This part.
    Germany failed to invade the UK in 1940. Having millions of men at arms is no good if you can't deliver them to the target. I think the Germans could get something like 60,000 men ashore before estimates say they would be cut off and slaughtered.Ìý

    Report message41

  • Message 42

    , in reply to message 41.

    Posted by TimTrack (U1730472) on Thursday, 6th April 2006

    Buckskinz,

    The point is that the UK was in much better shape in 1940 than popular history suggests.

    The Germans had a massive army, but not enough sea or air transportation. Presuming they could have launched an invasion at all, it would have been with inadequate shipping. Converted barges, that sort of thing. This would mean a very reduced number of Germans getting ashore. Casualties would be high from the start. The 60,000 figure was from memory, so it might not be exactly right, but the British had prepared defences and numerical superiority. They would also have had huge re-supply problems.

    In the 1970s they had a war game of the invasion of Britain scenario played between old British and old German staff officers from WW2. The German side lost inside two weeks (or thereabouts) with very heavy losses and no one seemed to doubt that this was correct.

    The US, of course, is in much better shape to resist invasion than Britain in 1940.

    Report message42

  • Message 43

    , in reply to message 42.

    Posted by Buckskinz (U3036516) on Thursday, 6th April 2006

    Buckskinz,

    The point is that the UK was in much better shape in 1940 than popular history suggests.

    The Germans had a massive army, but not enough sea or air transportation. Presuming they could have launched an invasion at all, it would have been with inadequate shipping. Converted barges, that sort of thing. This would mean a very reduced number of Germans getting ashore. Casualties would be high from the start. The 60,000 figure was from memory, so it might not be exactly right, but the British had prepared defences and numerical superiority. They would also have had huge re-supply problems.

    In the 1970s they had a war game of the invasion of Britain scenario played between old British and old German staff officers from WW2. The German side lost inside two weeks (or thereabouts) with very heavy losses and no one seemed to doubt that this was correct.

    The US, of course, is in much better shape to resist invasion than Britain in 1940.Ìý


    Would any of you care to add your unbiased opinions to this before I do?

    Matt.

    Report message43

  • Message 44

    , in reply to message 43.

    Posted by TimTrack (U1730472) on Thursday, 6th April 2006

    No,no, don't delay go for it !

    Report message44

  • Message 45

    , in reply to message 43.

    Posted by Backtothedarkplace (U2955180) on Thursday, 6th April 2006

    Matt, please no. I mean it I'm still feeling fragile from the last time. At least give him directions to the last 3 theads dealing with this before you cut loose. smiley - biggrin

    Report message45

  • Message 46

    , in reply to message 45.

    Posted by Buckskinz (U3036516) on Thursday, 6th April 2006

    Well Tim,
    Where to begin. Lets take a cold look at things. The British Army had just been kicked into the English channel. This took all of about three weeks for the Wermacht to get done. Does that mean the BEF fought without valor? Never. These were new tactics and the krauts were on a roll. By every concept of basic warfare and common sense, the BEF should have been in the bag, but they were not. When they arrived in England, the majority had dumped their weapons and equipment. In many cases they were perhaps ordered to do so, but the fact remains, the British Army was in dire straights. It’s no secret that for a successful invasion Hitler needed air superiority. This was promised him by Goring. He almost pulled it off. Through a screw up by a Luftwaffe air crew London was bombed. Churchill had no intention of letting that pass unanswered. He ordered the same in kind to I believe Berlin, or it may have been Hamburg. Anyway Hitler went ballistic and had the Luftwaffe start bombing civilian targets in the UK instead of continuing to hammer the RAF bases. Had he continued hammering British air bases for another three weeks, instead of switching to civilian targets, it would have been all over. With air superiority even the best or biggest navy going could not hide in the English Channel. There is only one major thing missing from WW2 war games years later. That of course is the major German players. Even Goring had no real power. It was Hitlers way or the highway, and as a General he may have made a decent squad leader or messenger. I should think the Germans would have gone for the Airports and not harbors anyway. As in Crete, bear in mind his para’s were still relatively intact at this juncture. I’m not sure what the problem is with barges? They are not the ideal amphibious craft but y’aal landed thousands by rowing boat at Gallipoli during WW1. In any event many of the barges had been converted to open up front and discharge tanks, vehicles, 88's etc. A walkover? No way, but very doable.

    Cheers, Matt.

    Report message46

  • Message 47

    , in reply to message 46.

    Posted by marduk-slayer of tiamat (U2258525) on Thursday, 6th April 2006

    ive got one!







    the one country in the world that could conquer america is
    .....................................................................................................................san marino!

    Report message47

  • Message 48

    , in reply to message 46.

    Posted by stalteriisok (U3212540) on Thursday, 6th April 2006

    Well Tim,
    Where to begin. Lets take a cold look at things. The British Army had just been kicked into the English channel. This took all of about three weeks for the Wermacht to get done. Does that mean the BEF fought without valor? Never. These were new tactics and the krauts were on a roll. By every concept of basic warfare and common sense, the BEF should have been in the bag, but they were not. When they arrived in England, the majority had dumped their weapons and equipment. In many cases they were perhaps ordered to do so, but the fact remains, the British Army was in dire straights. It’s no secret that for a successful invasion Hitler needed air superiority. This was promised him by Goring. He almost pulled it off. Through a screw up by a Luftwaffe air crew London was bombed. Churchill had no intention of letting that pass unanswered. He ordered the same in kind to I believe Berlin, or it may have been Hamburg. Anyway Hitler went ballistic and had the Luftwaffe start bombing civilian targets in the UK instead of continuing to hammer the RAF bases. Had he continued hammering British air bases for another three weeks, instead of switching to civilian targets, it would have been all over. With air superiority even the best or biggest navy going could not hide in the English Channel. There is only one major thing missing from WW2 war games years later. That of course is the major German players. Even Goring had no real power. It was Hitlers way or the highway, and as a General he may have made a decent squad leader or messenger. I should think the Germans would have gone for the Airports and not harbors anyway. As in Crete, bear in mind his para’s were still relatively intact at this juncture. I’m not sure what the problem is with barges? They are not the ideal amphibious craft but y’aal landed thousands by rowing boat at Gallipoli during WW1. In any event many of the barges had been converted to open up front and discharge tanks, vehicles, 88's etc. A walkover? No way, but very doable.

    Cheers, Matt.Ìý
    Well Tim,
    Where to begin. Lets take a cold look at things. The British Army had just been kicked into the English channel. This took all of about three weeks for the Wermacht to get done. Does that mean the BEF fought without valor? Never. These were new tactics and the krauts were on a roll. By every concept of basic warfare and common sense, the BEF should have been in the bag, but they were not. When they arrived in England, the majority had dumped their weapons and equipment. In many cases they were perhaps ordered to do so, but the fact remains, the British Army was in dire straights. It’s no secret that for a successful invasion Hitler needed air superiority. This was promised him by Goring. He almost pulled it off. Through a screw up by a Luftwaffe air crew London was bombed. Churchill had no intention of letting that pass unanswered. He ordered the same in kind to I believe Berlin, or it may have been Hamburg. Anyway Hitler went ballistic and had the Luftwaffe start bombing civilian targets in the UK instead of continuing to hammer the RAF bases. Had he continued hammering British air bases for another three weeks, instead of switching to civilian targets, it would have been all over. With air superiority even the best or biggest navy going could not hide in the English Channel. There is only one major thing missing from WW2 war games years later. That of course is the major German players. Even Goring had no real power. It was Hitlers way or the highway, and as a General he may have made a decent squad leader or messenger. I should think the Germans would have gone for the Airports and not harbors anyway. As in Crete, bear in mind his para’s were still relatively intact at this juncture. I’m not sure what the problem is with barges? They are not the ideal amphibious craft but y’aal landed thousands by rowing boat at Gallipoli during WW1. In any event many of the barges had been converted to open up front and discharge tanks, vehicles, 88's etc. A walkover? No way, but very doable.

    Cheers, Matt.Ìý


    bs = wonderful - I do believe that u r a Brit in this thread smiley - smiley- ur mistaken - there is no way the hun could have invaded england at that time

    Report message48

  • Message 49

    , in reply to message 47.

    Posted by TimTrack (U1730472) on Friday, 7th April 2006

    Buckskinz,

    I agree with you on the run up to the would be invasion, after that I feel you have missed a few things. I think I have at least some serious historians on my side (two links provided for reference).

    1) The Ggermans could not have gone straight from their victory at Dunkirk to invasion. They had to stop and re-group. This gave Britain the opportunity to re-equip, specially with lighter weapons. According to the first link below Germany could not hope to invade before mid-September

    2) I agree the German army could have got ashore, presuming the RAF and RN were dealt with sufficiently. The problems occur after that.

    3) The invasion of Normandy took 3 years to plan. The Germans had a couple of months. The barges may have been OK in the original invasion, but they would have suffered horrendous losses (the RAF or RN would be able to attack to some degree, plus they were river vessels, not suited to the open sea).

    4) Re-supply and re-inforcement is crucial to this argument. This means that the level to which the RAF and RN could operate in the channel is crucial. if they were both entirely elimated, things swing to Germany's favour.

    5) von Runstedt seems to have agreed with my side on this debate, this from the Â鶹ԼÅÄ site :
    "...As it happened, Von Runstedt had little faith in Halder's Sealion plan. He observed that Napoleon had failed to invade and the difficulties that confounded him did not appear to have been solved by the Sealion planners..."
    From link two below.





    Report message49

  • Message 50

    , in reply to message 47.

    Posted by Backtothedarkplace (U2955180) on Friday, 7th April 2006

    Their rock hard. smiley - biggrin

    ive got one!







    the one country in the world that could conquer america is
    .....................................................................................................................san marino!Ìý

    Report message50

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