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Cockade OOB?

Discussion in 'Western Europe 1943 - 1945' started by Australian_II_Corps, Jun 9, 2011.

  1. Australian_II_Corps

    Australian_II_Corps recruit

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    I've always been interested in the failed deception operation that preceded Operation Fortitude, but I've never been able to find an OOB for the various sub operations (TINDALL, STARKEY, WADHAM) and I was wondering if anyone had one?
     
  2. canambridge

    canambridge Member

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    Double post, see below.
     
  3. canambridge

    canambridge Member

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    You've probably already seen this, but just in case you haven't:
    From the history of COSSAC at
    History, Chief of Staff to Supreme Allied Commad

    Operation'COCKADE' was a broad strategic deception plan for simulatedinvasions at different points which would pin down enemy forces andmight induce the GERMAN Air Force to give battle to the superiorAllied air formations. It "an elaborate camouflage and deceptionscheme extending over the whole summer with a view to pinning theenemy in the WEST and keeping alive the expectation of large scalecross-Channel operations in 1943”. Operation 'COCKADE' as a wholewas intimately connected with the 'RANKIN' plans for a return ofAllied Forces to the Continent in the event of GERMAN weakening orcollapse. By 3 June 1943, the appreciation and outline plans, basedupon these considerations, were ready, and it consisted of threecomponent operations, 'STARKEY', 'WADHAM' and 'TINDALL'.


    Operation'STARKEY'
    Athreat against the PAS DE CALAIS area of Northern FRANCE.
    Thetarget date for the operation was between 8 and 14 September 1943.


    Landforces would be provided by the CANADIAN Army (1st, 2nd, & 3rdInfantry divisions, 4th & 5th Armoured divisions, and twoarmoured/tank brigades) with the attachment of the Marine Divisionand four Commandos. Parts of the BRITISH 2nd Army were to be used tosimulate a force of about nine divisions.


    Sufficientsea lift and landing craft for one division at assault scales plusfour commandos. The naval supporting forces were to include twoR-class battleships.


    Itwas estimated that 3,000 U.S. heavy and medium day bomber sorties and3,000 BRITISH heavy and medium night bomber sorties would benecessary, with 15,000 fighter sorties.


    Operation'WADHAM'
    Adeception to convince the enemy that a large scale operation wasbeing prepared for the capture of the BREST Peninsula by AMERICANforces in the early autumn.
    Theculminating date of the operation was fixed as 30 September.


    Landforces were the headquarters of U.S. V Corps, with two infantrydivisions, an armored division and leading elements of an airbornedivision.


    Nospecial naval resources were available for the operation


    Airresources were also limited, but a certain number of Thunderbolt(P-47) fighters were available, some gliders could be provided, andbombing attacks could be made by formations of Eighth Air Force priorto their use in 'STARKEY'.


    Operation'TINDALL'
    Amajor deceptive threat aimed at STAVANGER with a view to pinning downGERMAN forces in NORWAY during the summer and early autumn.
    Theculminating date of the operation, was originally between 12 and l8September 1943, later postponed.


    Theland force was to consist of headquarters British I Corps, with atleast three field force divisions, including 52nd (Mountain)Division, three parachute brigades and two air-landing brigades.


    Elementsof the Home Fleet for naval support and cover


    “Considerable”heavy and medium bomber support.

     
  4. canambridge

    canambridge Member

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    The'STARKEY' plan also included a series of Commando raids (14, of which 8were actually launched) and an amphibious training exercise codenamed 'FORFAR'. 'FORFAR' was to simulate intelligence gathering prior to the “invasion” of 'STARKEY'.
     

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