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Forums - Research / WW2 |
This WW2 forum is intended for asking and discussing reference or historical related issues pertaining to WW2 (1939-1945) subjects. |
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| Subject: | I don't think so... |  |
| Date: | Dec 2, 2004 |
| From: | Frank De Sisto | |
Montgomery's much touted "Master Plan" envisioned the taking of Caen on D-Day, and the use of its bridges and road net to fan out and head for the Seine, then Paris.
Monty was VERY egotistical and to believe that he would sit by and allow the Americans the glory is a serious mis-reading of his character. Plus, the countryside in his sector was more suited to the deployment of armor, which is the real reason the Germans sent their Panzers to that area. They knew that the Bocage was defense enough against the Americans and that it was best to commit their limeted MOBILE resources where they'd do the most good.
Where would you run YOUR tanks? In the Bocage or on the plains around Caen?
Can you imagine any commander, especially Monty, deliberately inviting the enemy's strength to face him (and thereby cause unnecessary suffering to his own men AND the postponement of his so-called "Master Plan"), just to make it easier for the Americans?
There are other things to consider, such as why Patton was held back for so long and why his appreciation of the Bocage country (he toured the area prior to the war) was never included in the American's plans.
Wouldn't Monty want to get through Caen BEFORE Ike took over as overall land commander?
By all accounts, Monty's massive set-piece ASSAULTS were far from being designed as holding actions. They were meant to bludgeon their way through the Germans and almost always failed. Monty was NOT "holding". The Germans were!
Read Carlo D'Este's book "Decision in Normandy", Harper Perennial, ISBN 0-06-097312-9
And, learn to read between the lines, regardless of your source or where your loyalties may lay. In this instance especially, ego played a central role. In that respect, love him or hate him, Monty was supreme.
Frank
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