Did Germany Really Plan to Invade Ireland?

The idea that Germany actually invaded Ireland is a myth firmly rooted in misconceptions and half-truths. No, Germany did not invade Ireland—they bombed Dublin, which they claimed was a mistake. However, there were indeed plans hatched by the Third Reich to invade Ireland in what is known as 'Operation Green'. This article will debunk the myth surrounding this operation and explore the realistic defense plans made in anticipation of such a scenario.

The Myth Busted: Operation Green (Unternehmen Grün)

Claims that Germany invaded Ireland or even seriously considered a full-scale invasion are unfounded. The specter of such an invasion is more a distraction than a viable strategy. Germany’s attempts to reach Ireland through the British Isles were always fraught with challenges. To invade Ireland from 1939 would have required overcoming not only the British Royal Navy and Royal Air Force but also the US Navy and US Army Air Corps by 1942, which made the task nearly impossible.

Ireland’s Strategic Neutrality

Ireland, being an island, didn't share a land border with Axis powers. Logistically, an invasion from the continent would have entailed circumnavigating or penetrating through Britain itself. This was a highly improbable approach, as even Adolf Hitler himself showed little enthusiasm for invading Britain.

Despite official neutrality, the Irish Free State had subtle leanings towards the Allies. As the nature of Nazi ideology became clearer amidst the war, these leanings became more pronounced. However, Ireland maintained a facade of neutrality to protect its sovereignty.

Tactical and Strategic Preparations

Amidst growing tensions, Ireland prepared itself for the worst-case scenario. During May 1941, General Dan McKenna, Chief of Staff for the Irish Defence Forces, was promoted to Lieutenant-General. He organized the Irish army into two divisions, one to defend the border and the other to guard southern ports and the coastline. Training was intensified, and while initial exercises identified some weaknesses, the combat readiness of the army improved significantly.

Competing with British forces, General McKenna also established a secret agreement with the British, ensuring that any British military incursion into the south of Ireland would only occur after Irish forces had engaged the Germans. Moreover, he maintained good relations with Gen. Sir Harold E. Franklyn, the British army commander in Northern Ireland, by touring Irish military bases in August 1941.

Operation Green: A Feasibility Study

Operation Green itself, also referred to as 'Unternehmen Grün', was a hypothetical plan devised by the German military, though it was never put into effect. The plan was more of a diversionary tactic used to sow fear and uncertainty in the British command rather than a serious military endeavor.

Conclusion

The alleged German invasion of Ireland has long been a topic of fervent debate. Despite the popularity of the myth, historical evidence and analysis clearly show that the invasion was never a serious or feasible operation. Instead, Ireland focused on preparing itself through strategic alliances and defensive measures, ensuring its relative safety and sovereignty during World War II.