Operation Overlord was the overall code name for the Allies’ cross-channel invasion of France. The code name for Normandy’s amphibious landings was Operation Neptune. Overlord was the successor to Operation Sledgehammer, a 1942 plan delayed by the allies in favor of landings in North Africa and later Italy. The original plan to land in France included a simultaneous set of landings in southern France (Operation Anvil). However, when the landings in Normandy were expanded from three to five landing sites a lack of LSTs (Landing Ship, Tank) forced a change in plan. Operation Anvil was delayed to 15 August 1944 and renamed Operation Dragoon.
When Overlord was launched, the Allies enjoyed overwhelming control of the air and were unchallenged at sea. Despite the size of the invasion, (see previous Map Monday post for details about Operation Overlord), they also preserved the element of surprise through Operation Bodyguard. That execution included fictious Army Groups (led by Patton), fake radio traffic, double agents, and fake military equipment. The Axis knew an invasion was imminent, but they didn’t know where the Allies would strike. Even after the landings began, they mistakenly thought Normandy was a feint for an attack near Calais. Within one day of the landings, the Allies’ control of the air and sea enabled them to build Mulberry harbors. These artificial docks allowed for rapid supply of the growing Allied force in France. Combined with the general fog of battle the less experienced Axis’ troops manning the defenses had little chance to repulse the initial landings or prevent a breakout.
What if Overlord Failed?
As with most alternative history debates there’s no correct answer, but there are numerous opinions. They range from, not much difference to all of Europe becoming part of the Soviet bloc. Given such a wide ranging canvas, there were literally dozens of proposed maps, I decided to go with something in the middle. In this scenario, the Axis see through the Allied deceptions and position their best troops to oppose the landings. Acknowledging the failure General Eisenhower releases the following statement:
“Our landings in the Cherbourg-Havre area have failed to gain a satisfactory foothold and I have withdrawn the troops. My decision to attack at this time and place was based upon the best information available. The troops, the air, and the navy did all that bravery and devotion to duty could do. If any blame or fault attaches to the attempt, it is mine alone.”
Consequences
The repulsion of the invasion extends the war into early 1946, but doesn’t alter the ultimate fate of Nazi Germany. On the eastern front, the Soviets continue their destruction of the Wehrmacht. After their defeat in Normandy, the Allies devote extra resources (diverted from Italy) to Operation Dragoon. It succeeds, but fails to liberate northern France before the Soviets, who overrun all of Germany, Denmark, and the Benelux countries.
The map below comes courtesy of reddit user ( Oscdie ). Unlike the scenario I outline, it moves Spain and Norway into the Soviet orbit. I might see Norway, but I don’t think Franco would lose Spain. That said, it’s all just an opinion. How do you think things would be different? Please feel free to leave your comments or alternative maps in the comments section.
Thanks for reading.
Armen
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