Q&A ยท 3:54:30-3:55:47

Invading a fortified island in 1940

Landing craft, suitable beaches, captured ports and sustained supply would govern feasibility; the scenario needs more information.

Question

How could a Taiwan-sized fortified island be invaded or neutralized in 1940 despite enemy anti-shipping bombers, given an advantage in surface warships?

Short answer

Landing craft, suitable beaches, captured ports and sustained supply would govern feasibility; the scenario needs more information.

Notes

The attacking force's advantage in surface warships does not remove the difficulty posed by skilled enemy anti-shipping bombers. Suitable beach gradients determine whether the available landing craft can get troops ashore, and such craft are scarce in 1940. Gaining access to a port would allow troops and supplies to unload directly. Taking an island this large could require months or years, with convoys sustaining a large force throughout the campaign. Air bases would need to be established ashore quickly to strengthen its defence. A reliable plan requires more information about the island and the opposing forces.