Sicily Campaign, 1943

Thesis Statement: General Patton's deviation from the Operation Husky Campaign Plan and the speed of his advance ultimately saved allied lives. Discussion: British General Bernard Montgomery developed the allied plan for Operation Husky; the invasion of Sicily. Under Montgomery's plan, The British Eighth Army, commanded by Montgomery, would land on the southeast of Sicily; and the U.S. Seventh Army, commanded by Patton, would land to the west of the British Army. The British Eighth Army was the main effort and was to drive northeast along the coast to capture Messina and trap as many Axis forces on the island as possible. The U.S. Seventh Army, the supporting effort, was to capture several airfields near Gela and protect the left flank of the British Army. Patton left only a portion of his command under General Omar Bradley to screen the British left flank, and with the remainder of his force, he first maneuvered northwest to capture Palermo then maneuvered east along the northern coast to capture Messina. Additionally, Patton received criticism for advancing too rapidly. Conclusion: Patton reached Messina quicker than Montgomery by deviating from the allied plan and by maneuvering quickly. Montgomery and Bradley faced tough opposition in terrain that favored the defending Germans. Had the allies followed the original plan, the allies would have suffered more casualties. Counterpoint: Patton exposed the British left flank by diverting forces to the northwest to capture Palermo. Separating his Army also violated the Principle of War "Mass". Had the entire Army Group advanced toward Messina, the allies would have suffered fewer casualties. Patton's maneuver also took more time, which allowed more Germans to escape the island.