Madam, – There was no possibility that Hitler could invade England, let alone Ireland, and succeed (Tom Clonan, Opinion, June 28th). This is a myth that seems to survive, even to this day. Whether the failure of the Germans to destroy the RAF made a pivotal difference is questionable. (Don’t forget, the navy was also still a power to be reckoned with.) Churchill knew the truth but allowed the English people to believe that an invasion was imminent. This would keep them “on their toes”. The perceived danger also kept massive aid flowing from the United States.
Few of the barges to be used in the invasions were motorised. They would have had to be towed, and it’s unlikely they would have survived in rough seas. (It is said that even a fast warship sailing beside the barges would swamp them!) The greater part of the German army was horse-drawn. How would you get horses to England or Ireland? Also, the German army and navy did not have the capability to provide the logistics for an invading and occupying force. How would it supply oil, food (for the army and civilians alike) and all the other materials needed to support an invasion and occupation?
Had an invasion started, and appeared that it might succeed, no doubt Ireland would have been occupied by the United States (President Roosevelt wouldn’t have hesitated to do this, if he could), using Ireland as a platform for defending England. – Yours, etc,