Sea Lion - Invasion of England

[Sparky0565]

Has anyone successfully pulled of a Sea Lion attack. If so, what was your research, build and etc.

[ElvisJJonesRambo]

I've been SeaLion'ed once (HamburgerMeat).
I've given 2-SeaLions.
I've sniffed out a couple more, took damage, and called it off.

All about the paratroops, air cover, AV timing. Off course you'll need Maritime or Bomber for some visibility.

It's all about the 5-port

[lwarmonger]

I've successfully Sealioned Britain three times. Each time it has been opportunistic (namely the allied player sent the bulk of their fleet and all of their British Army to the Med). As soon as I identified that, landed with paratroopers and 1 amphib. Take a port that has over 5 size when you are done, and in comes the headquarters and armor. Once Axis have expanded a foothold it is only a matter of time.

I have been successfully Sealioned once in 1942 by Sveint. Very well executed, with good technology, and minor resources drawn off from the Soviet Front. 3 Unsuccessful Sealions have been launched against me in 1940. I would say against a prepared British opponent in 1940, Sealion is a trap. You will lose because there is simply not enough time to prepare enough of an overmatch as the German player. You should only launch Sealion if you see the British opponent being careless. Each game I buy 3 AA as the British and place in my Southern ports and London. That, plus part of the BEF, the Royal Air Force and about 40% of the British navy, if you deploy well and remain vigilant, is enough to stop any German attempt at Sealion in its tracks, and win any attempt at the Battle of Britain by the Germans.

[ElvisJJonesRambo]

That's about the size of it. Axis can play their hand with some flexibility; based on UK behavior. Pre-booking reservations in London doesn't necessary make a good move, deterministically, has no guarantee, yet you can call it off. As Axis, if you never try SeaLion, you're not putting enough pressure on your opponent. Like poker, how many times have you played this opponent & are their tendencies? Real life isn't Paper-Scissors-Rock, there's no best of 3, kind of like women, unless you up the action with a new car.

UK has it rough, they need it all. Fighters, Anti-Sub, Naval +2 really helps, Infantry, etc. Agree, Axis have the advantage if they play the "Cookie-Cutter" all against Russia. If you're gonna bet your life on a game, you'd spend nothing on German Naval (except limited suicide or +2 Subs), and all goes on Tanks tech + Tanks. Japans go all out on Russia also. Maximum pressure.

[fluidwill]

I tried a Sealion in spring 41 because I thought UK was over committed in the Med (which they were)and it went ok but it triggered US and USSR early entry (London was held by a US army in the end after some desperate too and fro) and I got steamrollered and it was all over by spring 44. Does Sealion always trigger entry of the big two or is it just a % swing?

[Marcinos1985]

It is a % swing, but a big one. And it may grow, depending on Axis progress on the Island - not completely sure.

[amandkm]

I've been experimenting with baiting opponents into Sealioning me. More often than not, I leave England too weak, and it gets taken out before the US and USSR are at 90%+, but I think, properly executed, it can be a very successful trap for the allies to lay.