Why Didn't Hitler invade Ireland

[Brian Bines]

One of the requirements for invading the U.K. was air control over the Channel to cover a fairly narrow crossing. With most of Eire outside Lufwaffe fighter range air control would have been impossible for the Luftwaffe to achieve. If one looks at the sea distance the various modified barges available to the Wehrmacht for invasion would have to be towed the invasion of Eire looks impossible to initiate or maintain for the logistical reasons and RN superiority as mentioned by Juha. With depletion of the Kriegesmarine ships in Norway and limited Luftwaffe fighter range any such invasion would surely have been a non-starter.
Thats my thoughts on an interesting scenario,

Regards

Brian Bines

[Nick Beale]

I'd recommend getting hold of Adam Tooze's "The wages of destruction" (just out in paperback) which is about the Nazi economy. He argues that the main object of Nazi conquest was to acquire industrial or agricultural resources and I'd guess that - aside from the military drawbacks already mentioned - the Ireland of the 1940s had very little to exploit/steal, so wasn't an attractive target.

[A20dweller]

Originally Posted by Nick Beale

I'd recommend getting hold of Adam Tooze's "The wages of destruction" (just out in paperback) which is about the Nazi economy. He argues that the main object of Nazi conquest was to acquire industrial or agricultural resources and I'd guess that - aside from the military drawbacks already mentioned - the Ireland of the 1940s had very little to exploit/steal, so wasn't an attractive target.

Thanks for the book referral.
De Valera and Churchill had discussions about this very subject. Dev told Churchill, his people would fight along side the Royal Army to expel the Germans.
But still wouldn't allow US or UK forces, bases in the Republic to help guard the Western Approaches.
And a toast and salute to the 50,000 plus lads who left Erie to fight Hitler and Co.

[CRIPES_A_MIGHTY]

Could have been worth while. Ireland was in turmoil at the time..clashes between those who wanted to stay British and those who didn't. The British would have seemed like the enemy by some in Ireland leading to some possibly backing the Germans. Indeed I'm sure I watch a documentry which pointed to some of the troubles in Ireland being fueled by Germany...i think..lol..

[Nick Beale]

Originally Posted by CRIPES_A_MIGHTY

Ireland was in turmoil at the time..clashes between those who wanted to stay British and those who didn't.

Which was probably true of any time in history from about 1066 until 2007.

[John Beaman]

Originally Posted by Nick Beale

Which was probably true of any time in history from about 1066 until 2007.

Very good, Nick!

I always remember the reply about the Irish from "Blazing Saddles"

No offense to any Irish out there.............