Crete becomes the proposed base for a bombing offensive against Romanian oil. January 1942 is the chosen start, after the German invasion of the Soviet Union stretches its transport and fuel reserves into winter. The operation requires time to assemble bombers and build the supporting infrastructure. Ships could carry aircraft and supplies along the North African coast, using ports overnight, or take the longer route around Africa to Alexandria. A March 1942 landing in southern France would follow the attacks on fuel production. Italian neutrality would remove the need to invade Italy, while Italian forces committed to the Soviet Union would be dispersed if the country remained at war. The further this projection runs into 1942, the less secure its assumptions become.
Chapter · 1:52:54-1:56:26
Crete-based bombers target Romanian oil
A proposed January 1942 offensive from Crete attacks Romanian oil as German winter fuel reserves fall, followed by a March landing in southern France.