Footnote in History: Sixth Army Group Operations in the Second World War and Lessons for Contemporary Planners
Abstract
Operations by Sixth Army Group are not as familiar to Americans for a variety of reasons. For most Americans there tends to be more attentiveness with the literature on the landings in Normandy and subsequent operations. This monograph investigates operations conducted by the Sixth Army Group during the Second World War and its effective contribution to Eisenhower's broad front strategy as measured by how they integrated the French First Army into operations, arranging its logistic support, and resolving the inevitable nationalistic disagreements. As one of four Army Groups operating in Europe, Sixth Army Group coalition operations in World War II were secondary operation to Overlord and dependent on the integration of the French Army to be successful. In addition, Devers provided the French leadership, led by Charles de Gaulle, with an important element of reestablishing the French State. The conclusion of the monograph identifies several ways for today's planners working in a joint and combined operational environment to apply the six joint tenents for coalition operations and deal with the inevitable problems that will arise from national differences.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 26, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1021808
Entities
People
- Rebecca E. Beard
Organizations
- School of Advanced Military Studies