Why Patton Beat Monty to Messina — The Duel That Shifted the Mediterranean War скачать в хорошем качестве

Why Patton Beat Monty to Messina — The Duel That Shifted the Mediterranean War

August 17th, 1943. 10:00 a.m. Lieutenant Colonel Lyle Bernard's third battalion entered Messina, Sicily. American soldiers fanned out through the ancient port city. American flags went up over the ramparts. Hours later, a British patrol from Montgomery's Eighth Army arrived expecting to be first. They found Americans already smoking against the walls. They found General George S. Patton waiting with his ivory-handled pistols gleaming in the Mediterranean sun. Brigadier J.C. Currie saluted and reportedly said, "General, it was a jolly good race. I congratulate you." The silence that followed spoke louder than artillery. This wasn't just about two generals competing for headlines. This was the moment the United States Army proved it belonged at the table. This was when American commanders showed they could outmaneuver, outpace, and outthink their British counterparts. This was the 38-day campaign that redrew the hierarchy of Allied command. And it started with an insult. Operation Husky. July 1943. The Allied invasion of Sicily—more than 3,000 ships landing over 150,000 ground troops, covered by more than 4,000 aircraft. Until D-Day eleven months later, this would be the largest amphibious operation in history. The plan was developed by British and American planners under General Harold Alexander, who commanded the 15th Army Group. Alexander was British, experienced, and believed strongly in giving Montgomery what he wanted. Of the 161 staff officers at his headquarters, only 12 were American. This wasn't planning. This was an echo chamber. Montgomery's British Eighth Army would land on Sicily's southeastern beaches and advance up the eastern coast. Objective: Messina, the port city at Sicily's northeastern tip. Capture Messina and you controlled the island. The route was direct, good roads, coastal terrain, the shortest path to victory.