| Synopsis: |
A Nazi scheme to capture the Pope, an IRA plan to invade Northern Ireland, a British plan to attack the Soviet Union after the defeat of Hitler or a Japanese seizure of the Panama Canal - it may sound unbelievable, but during World War II these operations and others as seemingly far-fetched were seriously considered by both the Allies and the Axis. World War II Plans That Never Happened tells the stories of some of the most secret and outrageous operations that were planned during the war, many of which could have taken place and might well have changed the course of history: from the German plan to seize bases in Spain and Portugal and invade Switzerland, to the Japanese plan to bomb the United States, to the American plan to use Marines to attack V-1 bases in Europe, and the British plan to invade Norway and Sweden in 1939/40. On a spread-by-spread basis World War II Plans That Never Happened explains the context of each planned operation, explores whether it might have been successful and what the impact might have been on the war if it had gone ahead.Arranged by type of operation, the book includes easy-to-read factboxes, informing the reader of the date, intended purpose and forces involved. In addition there are rare photographs, illustrations and maps to demonstrate that these were real operation actually seriously considered by the planning staffs. Authoritatively written and with more than 250 colour and black-and-white photographs, maps and illustrations, this book will prove fascinating to any World War II enthusiast. About the Author Michael Kerrigan was born in Liverpool and educated at St Edward's College and University College, Oxford, and is the co-author of The Reader's Digest Illustrated History of the World. |