Combined Chiefs of Staff Evaluate Operation OVERLORD and the Proposed Invasion of Southern France (1943)

Date: November - December, 1943

Created By: Edited and Published by the Office , U.S. Secretary, Office of the Combined Chiefs of Staff

Original or Replica: Original

Era: The General, D-Day and the Normandy Invasion

Collection: Eisenhower Presidential Library

Citations: Combined Chiefs of Staff: Conference Proceedings, Box 2, Sextant Conference November-December 1943 Papers and Minutes of Meetings; NAID #12005144

This document is a collection of Combined Chiefs of Staff planning papers prepared during the Sextant and Eureka Conferences in November and December 1943. The selected memoranda examine two critical Allied planning issues: the effect of weather on Operation OVERLORD, the planned invasion of Normandy, and the feasibility of conducting a simultaneous amphibious invasion of Southern France (later Operation DRAGOON, then referred to as Operation ANVIL). The papers reflect the close cooperation between American and British military planners as they refined strategy for the liberation of Western Europe.

The memoranda analyze historical weather patterns, tidal conditions, air operations, and beach maintenance requirements to determine the best timing for OVERLORD. They also estimate the naval, air, shipping, and troop resources required for an invasion of Southern France while emphasizing that the operation should not weaken OVERLORD. Included is a draft directive instructing General Dwight D. Eisenhower to prepare plans for the Mediterranean operation in coordination with the cross-Channel invasion.