The Great Escape: An Analysis Of Allied Actions Leading To The Axis Evacuation Of Sicily In World War II

Nonfiction, History, Germany, European General, Military, United States
Cover of the book The Great Escape: An Analysis Of Allied Actions Leading To The Axis Evacuation Of Sicily In World War II by Major Barton V. Barnhart, Lucknow Books
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Major Barton V. Barnhart ISBN: 9781786256386
Publisher: Lucknow Books Publication: November 6, 2015
Imprint: Lucknow Books Language: English
Author: Major Barton V. Barnhart
ISBN: 9781786256386
Publisher: Lucknow Books
Publication: November 6, 2015
Imprint: Lucknow Books
Language: English

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. Finally, Generals Eisenhower and Alexander did not communicate to their field army commanders a campaign strategic vision or commander’s intent, which led to two decisions that eliminated the possibility to trap Axis forces. Additionally, the newness of combined operational practices and differences in command relationships caused coordination problems that hindered operational responsiveness. Though Sicily was a tactical success, the Allies missed an opportunity to capture a substantial Axis force, which demonstrates the importance of commander’s vision and intent, cultivating unity of command in an allied environment and preserving the ability to exploit favorable conditions with an eye toward operational goals.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

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. Finally, Generals Eisenhower and Alexander did not communicate to their field army commanders a campaign strategic vision or commander’s intent, which led to two decisions that eliminated the possibility to trap Axis forces. Additionally, the newness of combined operational practices and differences in command relationships caused coordination problems that hindered operational responsiveness. Though Sicily was a tactical success, the Allies missed an opportunity to capture a substantial Axis force, which demonstrates the importance of commander’s vision and intent, cultivating unity of command in an allied environment and preserving the ability to exploit favorable conditions with an eye toward operational goals.

More books from Lucknow Books

Cover of the book Operation HUSKY: A Critical Analysis by Major Barton V. Barnhart
Cover of the book The Dardanelles Campaign [Illustrated Edition] by Major Barton V. Barnhart
Cover of the book War Diaries And Other Papers – Vol. II by Major Barton V. Barnhart
Cover of the book The Daredevil Of The Army; Experiences As A “Buzzer” And Despatch Rider [Illustrated Edition] by Major Barton V. Barnhart
Cover of the book Field Marshal William J. Slim: The Great General and the Breaking of the Glass Ceiling by Major Barton V. Barnhart
Cover of the book The Enemy Objectives Unit In World War II: by Major Barton V. Barnhart
Cover of the book Trooper Bluegum At The Dardanelles; Descriptive Narratives Of The More Desperate Engagements On The Gallipoli Peninsula by Major Barton V. Barnhart
Cover of the book A Private In The Guards [Illustrated Edition] by Major Barton V. Barnhart
Cover of the book United States Army in WWII - Europe - Riviera to the Rhine by Major Barton V. Barnhart
Cover of the book Italy In The Second World War: Memories And Documents by Major Barton V. Barnhart
Cover of the book At The Front In A Flivver [Illustrated Edition] by Major Barton V. Barnhart
Cover of the book St Vith: Lion In The Way: 106th Infantry Division in World War II [Illustrated Edition] by Major Barton V. Barnhart
Cover of the book Air Power In North Africa, 1942-43: An Additional Perspective by Major Barton V. Barnhart
Cover of the book Ashmead-Bartlett’s Despatches From The Dardanelles by Major Barton V. Barnhart
Cover of the book Forty Days In 1914 [Illustrated Edition] by Major Barton V. Barnhart
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy