Operation Hardboiled

Operation Hardboiled: A Deception Plan in the Shadows of World War II

Imagine a world where secrets and lies could change the course of history—this was Operation Hardboiled, a daring deception plan during the Second World War.

The Birth of a Deception

Operation Hardboiled was conceived in 1942 as a strategic deception by the Allies. The goal? To convince the Axis powers that an invasion threat against Norway would soon materialize, even though it had little strategic advantage.

Wasn’t this just another game of cat and mouse, where the cats were the Germans and the mice were the Allies?

The LCS: A Committee in Limbo

The Long Range Planning Committee (LCS) was tasked with planning Operation Hardboiled. However, they struggled to gain support from the military establishment, which was skeptical of strategic deception.

Wasn’t it like trying to convince a fish that water is wet?

A Lack of Guidance and Resources

The operation was approved in December 1941, but Stanley faced difficulty convincing staff officers to participate. The LCS found itself in a state of ‘near impotence,’ with little guidance from Clarke’s department and inadequate knowledge of MI5’s double agent system.

Wasn’t it like trying to build a house without blueprints or materials?

The Deception Plan

Hardboiled aimed to convince Hitler that an invasion would occur at Narvik or Trondheim. However, these targets were deemed implausible, and an alternative target was chosen instead.

Wasn’t it like trying to fool a fox into thinking the chicken coop is empty when you know exactly where the chickens are?

The Relying on German Intelligence

The operation relied heavily on German intelligence, rumor, and leaks to convey deception. Despite its limited impact, it provided the LCS with experience in planning deceptions, which laid groundwork for future exploitation of Hitler’s strategic misjudgments.

Wasn’t it like using a mirror to reflect light back at someone who doesn’t see you?

The Outcome and Legacy

Hitler reinforced Scandinavia in March and April 1942, before Operation Hardboiled was shelved in May. The true extent of the operation is unclear, but it contributed to his decision.

Wasn’t it like planting a seed that might grow into something significant, even if we don’t know its full potential?

The Struggle for Support

The LCS had little guidance on strategic deception and relied on existing information from Clarke’s department. As a result, the operation was not fully prepared due to resistance from chosen units.

Wasn’t it like trying to build a bridge in quicksand?

A Lesson Learned

Operation Hardboiled marked an early attempt at strategic deception by the Allies. The LCS struggled to gain support from the military establishment and relied on inadequate planning, but their efforts laid the groundwork for future operations.

Wasn’t it like a first step in a long journey, where every misstep teaches us something valuable?

Operation Hardboiled, though limited in its impact, was a crucial step in the Allies’ strategic deception efforts. It taught valuable lessons about planning and executing complex operations under challenging circumstances.

The story of Operation Hardboiled is a reminder that sometimes, even the smallest actions can have significant consequences when executed with purpose and determination.