When Did Hitler Order the Attack on the UK During World War II?
Britain declared war on Germany on September 3, 1939, following the German invasion of Poland. This event officially marked the beginning of World War II. However, the initial attack on British soil came not through a formal declaration of war but through submarine warfare, which began immediately.
Initial Submarine Attacks
On that same day, September 3, 1939, the German submarine U.30 sank the passenger liner Athenia off the north-west coast of Ireland. This resulted in the loss of 112 lives and signaled the beginning of the naval conflict between Nazi Germany and Great Britain. In the following month, a total of 41 ships were sunk by German submarines, indicating the effectiveness of Germany's early naval strategy.
The Battle of Britain
As the war unfolded, Hitler’s strategy shifted, leading to the infamous Battle of Britain, which took place from July 10 to October 31, 1940. This was a pivotal moment in the conflict, with Germany attempting to gain air supremacy over Britain. Despite the Luftwaffe's intense bombing efforts, Britain managed to defend its airspace, largely due to the skill and bravery of the RAF pilots and radar technology.
The Blitz: The Player Blitz
The Blitz, which lasted from September 7, 1940, to May 11, 1941, was the most infamous period marked by Germany’s strategic bombing campaign on British cities. Initially, the attacks were supposed to disrupt British war production and force the country into submission. However, the bombings ultimately had little impact on the British war effort, as the cities rebuilt and people continued to work.
Use of V-1 and V-2 Rockets
The V-1 and V-2 rockets were developed at a secret research center in Peenemünde, on the German island of Usedom. The V-1, a supersonic flying bomb, and the V-2, a liquid-fueled ballistic missile, were both launched from the northern coast of western Europe. The V-1s, with a range of 250 km at a speed of 640 km/h, could be heard approaching, allowing people to seek cover. In contrast, the V-2s, with a range of 320 km and a speed of 5760 km/h, could strike without warning, striking terrifying fear into the population.
Operation Crossbow
Despite the allies knowing about the secret center and carrying out bombing raids (Operation Crossbow), the German production of these rockets continued in other locations. This continued until 1945, with these weapons being fired from various points along the European coast.
The Historical Context
While Germany never formally declared war on Great Britain, the invasion of Poland marked the de facto beginning of hostilities between the two nations. On September 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland, and two days later, Britain declared war, with France following suit. The ultimatum to Germany to withdraw from Poland had no response, resulting in Britain's declaration of war.
Conclusion
Understanding the timeline and context of Hitler’s orders to attack the UK is crucial to comprehending the strategic decisions that shaped World War II. The Nazi campaign involving submarine warfare, the Battle of Britain, the Blitz, and ultimately the use of V-1 and V-2 rockets, all played significant roles in this titanic conflict between Germany and Great Britain.