Page "Operation Sea Lion" Paragraph 18

Beginning in August 1940, the German Luftwaffe began a series of concentrated aerial attacks ( designated Unternehmen Adlerangriff or Operation Eagle Attack ) on targets throughout the United Kingdom in an attempt to destroy the RAF ( Royal Air Force ) and establish air superiority over Great Britain.

The campaign later became known as the Battle of Britain.

However, the change in emphasis of the bombing from RAF bases to bombing London turned Adler into a strategic bombing operation.

The impact of the switch in strategy is disputed.

Some argue that the change in strategy lost the Luftwaffe the opportunity of winning the air battle, or air superiority.

Others argue the Luftwaffe achieved little in the air battle and the RAF was not on the verge of collapse, as often claimed.

Another perspective has also been put forward, which suggests the Germans could not have gained air superiority before the weather window closed.

Others have pointed out that it was unlikely the Luftwaffe was ever able to destroy RAF Fighter Command.

If British losses became severe, the RAF could simply have withdrawn northward and regrouped.

It could then deploy when, or if, the Germans launched an invasion.

Some also venture to argue Sea Lion would have failed regardless because of the weaknesses of German sea power.