CAB80-13 — Page 272

Page 272

248

Page 272

12. From the intelligence at present available, a seaborne invasion is most likely to be made between the Wash and Newhaven, but cannot be ruled out as far west as Portland. The areas most likely for beach landings are in the region of Southwold, and in East Kent.

Simultaneous landings in both these areas are to be expected, with the object of a pincer movement on London.

13. We may also expect the Germans, with the assistance of airborne troops, to try to seize, from the landside, a port such as Harwich, the Humber or Dover in order to facilitate the disembarkation of additional troops and stores.

14: Attempts are also likely to be made to land air- borne troops in co-operation with beach landings, and against the other objectives mentioned in Paper No. cio.S.(40) 432 (J.I.Č.), paragraph 9.

Note. The area of landing and scale of attack will require reconsideration when Germany has put the Northern French ports in working order, and and when she assembles shipping in those ports.

Scales of Attack.

15.

16.

17.

(a) Airborne Attack. Initially, 15,000 men with a

proportion of equipment, might be landed in one day in East Anglia, or 20,000 with a proportion of equipment in Kent. At least 5,000 parachute troops may be included in the above, (These figures will be increased if Gliders are used).

(b) Seaborne Attack. In the unlikely contingency

that the Germans could evade detection by our naval and air forces for 24 hours, they might be able to land a force of the order of 5 Divisions, using different points on the coast.

Germany is believed to possess some 800-1,000 tons self-propelled barges, capacity up to 150 each, capable of 8-9 knots, but with only 3 ft. freeboard. They could only be used in very calm weather, and their ability to carry tanks is doubtful.

She

There is no information that Germany possesses special craft for landing tanks on open beaches. has, however, the use of 24 train ferries which might be used to bring tanks across, and which might be landed by the use of rafts such as were hown to have been used to bring both light and heavy tanks across the French rivers.

Richmond Terrace, S.W.1.

بریم

Page 272

Page 272

Page 272