A document outlining Adolf Hitler’s plan to invade Ireland has sold at auction for €1,100.
The document detailed the strategy for a Nazi invasion during World War 2 in a mission that was codenamed Unternehmen Grün (Operation Green).
The plan had been devised by one of Hitler’s officers known by the alias Hadel.
It was written in 1941 and it is believed that the attack on Ireland was planned to occur in conjunction with the Nazi invasion of Great Britain.
Neither operation took place in the end as the Germans had their resources stretched dealing with the conflicts on the Eastern front.
However, this historic document proves that the possibility of an Irish invasion was certainly being considered by Hitler.
It outlines a plan to attack Ireland with amphibious vehicles from the west coast. It is believed that this was an attractive proposition for the Nazis as it would allow them to control the links to the Atlantic Ocean, and intercept any weaponry, supplies or troops coming from America.
It is understood the plan was to arm forward-facing guns onto the boats to fight off any resistance on landing.
Aswell as the links to the Atlantic Ocean, the Germans were also impressed by the road network in Ireland and the document features detailed maps, photos and illustrations of the bridges and landscape of Ireland.
Historians are undecided how serious Hitler ever was about invading Ireland. Some believe it was a genuine consideration and would have gone ahead had the Nazis not been pre-occupied with fighting the Soviet Union.
Others believe it may have been a diversionary tactic, to move British troops from the mainland UK so an attack there would have had more chance of success.
Either way the document outlining the details of Operation Green was created, although there are no known plans for the German action should it successfully land in Ireland.
The documents were described as ‘of the upmost rarity’ by Purcell Auctioneers who sold them to an unknown buyer for €1,100.
