Operation Maple
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During World War II, Operation Maple was a naval mine laying operation in support of the invasion of northern France (Operation Overlord). Operation Maple was part of Operation Neptune.
The objectives were stated as:
* 1)To impede the movement of light enemy vessels stationed inside the Channel,
* 2}To impede ingress into the Channel by enemy naval forces situated in the Atlantic and North Sea,
* 3)To compel enemy naval forces moving toward the NEPTUNE area to follow a course to seaward of the extreme range of enemy shore batteries and shore based fighter cover, in order that allied surfaces forces would be free to intercept their progress,
* 4)To disrupt enemy shipping generally during the critical period, in order to reduce seaborne movement of enemy reinforcements and supplies toward the battle area
The mines were laid by ships and aircraft.
A linked operation, Bravado laid mines in German waters, in and around the Kiel Canal. The objective was to disrupt German naval movements.
The mine-laying operations were seen as a great success.
