I've come accross these theories before and I also like the idea of the last one. The official story was, as you said, Goering wanting the Luftwaffe to do the job, but I'm sure Hitler would have pulled the plug on this after a couple of days had that really been the case.
Interesting topic!

Interesting question Woody. I have often pondered this myself. Who can explain the often incomprehensible decisions taken by Hitler? From reading books on the subject by respected authors like Len Deighton I have come to my own conclusions.

The Panzer units had advanced quickly right across several countries. They were cut off from support with supplies running out & the crews were tired. The German command had no experience of naval operations & could not see any way out for the BEF. They were virtually surrounded with nowhere to go. Apparently Goering wanted to demonstrate the superiority of his air force & volunteered to show what they could do. It would seem natural to rest the Panzers & let the Luftwaffe do the job. If they failed the rested tank crews would be able to mop up at their leisure. Without the brilliant efforts of Admiral Ramsey this would most likely have happened.

I've seen many accounts from Dunkirk survivors & they nearly all ask "Where was the bloody RAF?". This caused much resentment between the services which in some cases lasted throughout WWII. In fact they were operating throughout Operation Dynamo & had many successes especially against the unescorted Ju 87s. Prior to Dunkirk the RAF had suffered severe losses of their own. "Home defence was reduced to 331 Spitfires and Hurricanes, supported by 150 'second line' fighters - Blenheims, Defiants, and Gladiators. ....... In just eight days of operations at Dunkirk, 60 pilots of Fighter Command were killed, 15 sustained injuries, 8 were taken prisoner, and 2 were missing presumed killed"

The action took place out of sight of the beachead but this did make the Luftwaffe operation much less effective. The RAF were still using outdated combat techniques & much was learned during this period. As discussed in another thread the fighters were not really suitable for operating too far from base & had a limited time over target of 10 - 15 minutes. The Luftwaffe escort fighters would suffer the same handicap during the BoB.

Battles and wars are won and lost as the result of decisions. Good decisions usually come from good knowledge, vast experience, reliable sources of men and material, daring, bluffing and pure luck. Hitler was a corporal before becoming a chanellor. He was a good politician but a lousy tactician. He made some "corporal type" decisions in Dunkirk and blew it. There were many bad decisions made by militarists from all nations. Examples are Dieppe, Battle of the Philippine Sea, Dien Bien Phu, Singapore, Stalingrad, The Ardennes, and many others resulting in near disaster. Hitler and his staff simply made a lousy decision during Dunkirk, no ifs, ands and buts.

Zero Bubble