OKW directive for Seelöwe dates

The Armed Forces High Command WFSt/L 1 Nr. 33255/40 g.Kdos.Chefs. Führer Headquarters 3 Sep. 1940 Eight Copies Top secret

Re: Operation "Seelöwe"

For the time being the following dates have been decided upon for the preparations for operation "Seelöwe":

1. The earliest date for departure of the transport fleets is 20 Sep., and for S day (day of the landing) 21 Sep.
2. The order for the start of the operation will be issued on S minus 10 day, in other words probably on 11 Sep. 1940.
3. The final decision on S day and S time (the beginning of the first landing) will be made at the latest at noon on S minus 3 day.
4. All preparations must be made in such a manner that the operation may be stopped as late as 24 hours before S time.

The Chief of Staff, Armed Forces High Command

signed: Keitel