Operation Husky: Patton Comes to Sicily

In the summer of 1943, after the surrender of the Afrika Korps in Tunisia, the Allies, being begged to open a second European front by Stalin, decide to 'strike at the soft underbelly of Europe' by invading Italy. But first, the Allies must take the island of Sicily to expedite the invasion of mainland Italy. The name of the game: Operation Husky.

Much like the future landings in Normandy, there was a campaign to mislead the Germans about the exact date and time of the Allied landings, known as Operation Mincemeat. This operation was successful, because when the main British landing force arrived at Syracuse, not only were the defending Italian units relaxing after the Allied planes carrying paratroopers had flown off, but they were also convinced that due to the rough seas in the area, the Allies wouldn't attempt a landing. This led to British landing units meeting nearly no resistance on the beaches.

It was planned that the British forces would land near Syracuse and head north toward Messina, while the American forces, including Patton's Seventh Army, would land at Gela, and protect the British left flank. It was determined that if Messina was taken, the Germans would have nowhere to run, and surrender.It was a pleasant surprise to Allied landing forces that the six battleship that accompanied the naval forces were able to destroy nearly all the coastal defenses relatively quickly.

The British were able to land in relative ease, but Patton's forces were not so lucky. Not only were the Italian forces on full alert at Gela, but the port itself was destroyed, making landing in that area that more difficult. However, the rest of the landing forces had a better time when airborne troop that had landed earlier had captured the bridge that led to  Syracuse, which quickly fell and the port helped the remaining forces disembark.

However, it was in Sicily that the great rivalry between Patton and British Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery took shape. Patton felt that the Americans needed to take Palermo, and then take Messina, before the British. This was the struggle that put Patton at odds with the Allied high command, especially General Eisenhower. Against orders, Patton drove north to take Palermo and then took Messina. It was not only this that made Patton an outcast in Allied ranks, but his actions made the public believe that Montgomery had faced the worst opposition and Patton had smashed weak Italian units and taken all the glory.

Also, it was in Sicily that Patton was severely reprimanded for slapping a shell-shocked soldier, calling him a coward and saying he should be shot. However, despite this, Sicily was taken within one month, and the Allies began planning the invasion of mainland Italy. Of course, Patton was destined to do great things after his punishment in England, when he took command of the Third Army, which would make its name tearing through France and into Germany. Until next time, take care, and thank you.