Why the Home Guard changes Sea Lion's beach battle

Sea Lion simulations must account for the Home Guard as well as the fleet and regular army. Many members were First World War veterans defending familiar ground and believed that delaying a landing force protected their families until regular troops arrived. Time before the invasion allowed local units to prepare positions, rehearse, and exploit civilian skills, including mining expertise. Ideas such as igniting oil at the waterline suggest that official plans probably capture only part of the improvised defence. Even German troops who survived the crossing would still face organised resistance on the beach.