The Great Escape: An Analysis of Allied Action Leading to the Axis Evacuation of Sicily in World War II
Abstract
As Allied armies advanced in North Africa, Allied leadership established Sicily as the next target. As the invasion unfolded, the Allies pushed Axis forces into northeastern Sicily where a well-organized evacuation moved over 100,000 Axis troops, with equipment, to the Italian mainland. The central research question is: Did an opportunity exist for the Allies to trap and compel the capitulation of Axis forces during the Sicily campaign? Analysis of the invasion decision, the planning cycle, and the operation resulted in several conclusions. First, strategic guidance adequately promoted successful planning. Second, operational planning was disjointed and lacked senior ground commander involvement.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 06, 2003
- Accession Number
- AD1130680
Entities
People
- Barton V. Barnhart
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College