A crossing between two shores invites comparison with a very large river crossing. That academic distinction changes little about the practical demands of organizing and landing an assault force. Sea Lion still required amphibious expertise that Germany had limited experience of applying. Norway offered a successful example, but even the Germans had been surprised by that success. Its different political circumstances provided an uncertain basis for expecting the same result against Britain.
Notable Point · 8:44-9:43
Why Norway offered an uncertain amphibious precedent
Calling the Channel a large river crossing does little to remove the amphibious demands or make Norway a reliable precedent.