Operation Sealion

Operation Sealion was the German plan for an amphibious invasion of England during World War II. By the summer of 1940, Hitler's forces had overrun France, and Great Britain stood alone. The British army had lost much of its heavy equipment during the evacuation of Dunkirk, and was considered inadequate to repel an invasion should the Germans be able to land a significant percentage of their land forces.

The English Channel protected Britain, and for the Germans to be able to cross they had to achieve parity with the British there. The Royal Navy retained command of the Channel. Germany assembled many barges and other transport craft, figuring that they could be protected with air power and minelaying.

Germany attempted to gain air superiority by bombing British airfields and radar stations. When this failed, Sealion was cancelled.