Discover this 140-page document (14.2 MB) which in addition to preparing the Italian campaign, gives us accurate information on the preparation of the landing in Normandy.
4. By maximum utilization of shipping and UNITED KINGDOM port facilities for the movement of UNITED STATES forces, and by placing increased emphasis on the conversion of British defensive divisions into offensive units, it is estimated that 36 UNITED NATIONS Divisions can be made available for cross-Channel operations by 1 April 1944.
5. Whether the available shipping is used to move forces from the UNITED STATES or the MEDITERRANEAN,the total number of divisions available in the UNITED KINGDOM will be the same. However, the addition of battle seasoned troops from the MEDITERRANEAN will provide an added insurance for the success of the initial assault.
6. The two most promising areas for assault operations, the CAEN and COTENTIN PENINSULA sectors, will afford port facilities for a build-up in 12 months of about 1,000,000 men. By extending this bridgehead to include the SEINE RIVER and the ports of LE HAVRE and ROUEN, the buildup in 12 months would be about 4,000,000 men,or about 100 divisions.
7. It should be noted that consideration of cross-Channel operations in this study has been confined to the initial movement. Landing craft for this purpose as compared with the requirements of C.C.S. 105/2 may be met, but at the expense of some operations in other theaters. The build-up immediately thereafter and the requirements in APA's, AKA'S, AP's, AK's, etc, have not been examined.
8. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT:
a. The combined bomber offensive be given first priority in buildup and its execution be facilitated.
b. As the combined bomber offensive progresses, its effects should be continuously examined and integrated with other factors, the results of these examinations to be used in determining the date for cross-Channel operations.
c. A balanced invasion force be built up in the UNITED KINGDOM as rapidly as possible for the purpose of an early invasion in the event of a collapse of GERMANY (SLEDGEHAMMER).
d. No operations be undertaken in the MEDITERRANEAN which will interfere with the build-up of maximum forces in the UNITED KINGDOM for SLELGEHAMMER as well as for ROUNDUP.
e. Production of landing craft be increased to the maximum without undue interference with the construction of other essential war materials.
f. The target date of 1 April 1944 be accepted for operations from the UNITED KINGDOM. The target date coincides with the completion of the firth phase of the bomber offensive and is subject to revision in the light of the results obtained.