When did Adolf Hitler issue Directive 16 for Operation Sea Lion?
Adolf Hitler issued Directive 16 on the 16th of July 1940. The directive ordered preparations for an invasion of Britain under the codename Operation Sea Lion.
Questions about Kanalkampf
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What date marked the start of systematic German attacks against British coastal targets and convoys during Kanalkampf?
Systematic German attacks against British coastal targets and convoys began on the 4th of July 1940. Historians differ on when the Battle of Britain officially started, with some citing the 10th of July as the beginning date.
How many sailors died when the Foylebank tender sank after the Luftwaffe attack on Portland harbor?
One hundred seventy-six sailors were killed or dying of wounds when the Foylebank tender sank immediately. This event caused the worst ever loss of life on British military personnel based in Britain that day.
Why was the Finger-four formation used by German fighter pilots more effective than British formations?
The Finger-four formation allowed all German pilots to scan air while British relied on formation leader keeping station. This flexibility proved far more effective than tight British formations during engagements over the English Channel.
When did Hitler issue Directive 17 extending operations to the British mainland?
Hitler issued Directive 17 on the 1st of August 1940. The directive extended operations to British mainland and RAF-related targets following the initial Kanalkampf phase.