British and German Logistics Support during the World War 2 North African Campaign
Abstract
Germany did not initially intend to become involved in the North African conflict. Facing a potential Italian collapse. Hitler could no longer ignore a deteriorating situation, for if Africa were lost there was a possibility that the Facist regime would also fall, removing Italy from the Axis partnership. Erwin Rommel was sent to Africa in 1941 with a small force to assist the Italians. The ensuing battles between the Axis and British forces ebbed and flowed along the North African coast for over two years. These campaigns were to become a battle of logistics characterized by severely extended lines of communication. Rommel's actions were characterized by an almost complete disregard for logistics in his operations planning, whereas British operations were characterized by methodical logistics planning, resulting in supply build-up prior to initiating operations. Rommel was more successful than his British counterparts in applying sound tactics (similar to our current AirLand Battle doctrine). His downfall was logistics. The British, however, were more concerned with the application of sound logistics principles which in the long run served to turn the tide of the campaign. Keywords: Logistics support.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 05, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA220715
Entities
People
- John D. Caviggia
Organizations
- United States Army War College