The British Public and the German Invasion: Preparations and Secrecy in WWII

During World War II, the British public was faced with the reality of a potential German invasion. However, the preparations and secrecy surrounding the plan were more extensive and intricate than many historical accounts suggest. This article explores the actions taken by the British government, the Auxiliary Units, and the public response during these critical years.

Government Posters and Public Perception

As a child during the war, I vividly remember the posters that were placed around the country. They emphasized the importance of maintaining a "stiff upper lip" and staying resolute. These posters have been the subject of ridicule and parody ever since, with one of my favorites being a sweatshirt that reflects the sentiment in a humorous way.

While it's easy to mock these posters, it's essential to understand that they were part of a broader strategy to keep the morale of the nation high. Preparations for an invasion had been ongoing for some time, even before the outbreak of the war. Gas masks were distributed, and air raid shelters were built. However, the overarching issue was that an invasion was always considered unlikely to succeed.

The rhetoric from the British government at the time was often designed to encourage Hitler to launch the invasion. The British were much better prepared, both militarily and civilly, than many historians later suggested. The goal was to make the invasion so challenging that Hitler would be deterred, and this strategy worked to a certain extent.

The Role of Auxiliary Units

One of the most covert and secretive preparations was the Auxiliary Units. These groups consisted of highly trained individuals who held 'reserved occupations' and were considered physically fit and capable. Their existence was a closely guarded secret, and they were not even informed of it by their families. The involvement of some individuals was only revealed decades after the war had ended.

These units were supplied with weapons and stores hidden in various locations. However, they were not expected to last long if an invasion did occur. The ultimate goal was to sabotage and delay the enemy, but the secrecy surrounding their existence was maintained for strategic reasons. The mention of these units can evoke a sense of tension and uncertainty. How would such secrecy be maintained, especially when the very fabric of the code and trust within a community needed to be preserved?

The Secret Leaflet and Public Response

A leaflet was distributed to all households in June 1940, warning those in coastal areas, which were at the most risk of invasion, to leave if their presence wasn't necessary for the war effort. The population in towns like Dover, Folkestone, Hastings, and Eastbourne dropped to about a third of their prewar levels as a result. Those who chose to remain were instructed to stay in place to avoid air attacks and potential hindrances to military movements.

The widespread population reduction in these areas was a significant measure to prevent the potential chaos of increased civilian turnover. People who stayed behind were advised to stay indoors and be prepared for an invasion, as staying on the road would expose them to higher risks from air attacks.

Conclusion

The British public and the government exhibited a high degree of preparedness and secrecy in the face of the potential German invasion during WWII. The Auxiliary Units, despite their covert nature, played a critical role in maintaining the nation's readiness. The public was also informed of certain measures to protect themselves, though the extent of detailed knowledge varied. The experience of the British people during this period reflects their resilience and the complexity of wartime preparations.