You’ve confused me even more, Tommy. I suspect we are at cross purposes, you referring to the Nazis and the Second World War, me referring to the French in the Napoleonic War and the scheme to take the Danish fleet.
Comment is about NOT THEIR FINEST HOUR (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
John sorry I may have confused the point slightly.
Having advance notice
of the German's intent the British could have supplied the Danes with the information, and the willingness to assist. "Neutrals" are often sourced for resources viz a viz Poland, Austria, Czechoslovakia. Providing Danes (now
allies) with some assistance would re-enforce the threat the Natzis posed. GB could then have an easier target.
The Danes may have wanted "neutrality" but events would have proven otherwise.
Tommy
Comment is about NOT THEIR FINEST HOUR (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
War is indeed a dirty business, MC. And you’re right when you say that it sometimes takes dirty tricks. In this case it was a case of British expansionism meets French expansionism. In any event we owed them for Lindisfarne 1000 years earlier.
I’m sure your strategic military thinking would have come in handy in the day, Tommy. The small flaw in the plan was that Denmark was neutral and would not countenance a surprise attack on the French fleet, not least because the French were expected to arrive by land. So sometimes you have to get your hands dirty.
Comment is about NOT THEIR FINEST HOUR (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
British foolery- they could have pre warned the intentions of France and the Danes (with some help) could spring a surprise attack upon the unweary French Fleet- meanwhile the main British fleet would have easier access to French shores. But then The "Charge of the Lightbrigade" comes to mind as does Dunkirk and the "Dam buster" event etal.
Tommy
Comment is about NOT THEIR FINEST HOUR (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Worth pondering for its essential truth that advantage in war is not
always straightforward and admirable. Fast-forward to the shelling of the French fleet before the Germans (those other European
aggressors) got their hands on the vessels and used them to gain
dominance in the strategically vital Mediterranean. Also, the
bombing of Calais to rubble to force the enemy into retreat circa D-Day and the eventual liberation of Europe. Not to be applauded
but rather to be understood within the wider parameters of war
against a ruthless ambitious foe intent on enslaving a continent.
Comment is about NOT THEIR FINEST HOUR (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
tommyfazz@yahoo.com
Thu 14th Mar 2019 12:02
Bong! silly me (walks away whistling, looking skyward,hands in pockets) The French National anthem has this second started playing on BBC radio 4. Serendipity?
Tommy
Comment is about NOT THEIR FINEST HOUR (blog)
Original item by John Coopey