Invasion, 1940

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What stopped Hitler in 1940 from invading Britain? Most believe it was 'The Few' of Fighter Command that saved the nation, a view echoed by historians since Churchill. However, Derek Robinson presents a fresh perspective, questioning the commonly accepted narrative. He argues that the Battle of Britain did not, and could not, halt Operation Sealion, the planned German invasion. Robinson probes why the accepted view links the Battle with Sealion, how the Battle could prevent an invasion, and whether an air battle could truly stop a maritime assault. He challenges the notion that the Luftwaffe's failure to destroy the RAF and some bad weather were sufficient reasons for Hitler to cancel Sealion. While Hitler and Churchill credited the RAF's efforts, Robinson contends that the real barrier to invasion was overlooked by both leaders for different reasons. Acknowledging the skill and bravery of the Spitfire and Hurricane pilots, Robinson, an established author on fighter pilots, confronts a long-standing verdict. His analysis, filled with vigor and skill, encourages readers to reconsider the accepted historical narrative surrounding this pivotal moment.