Desert Campaign 1942 41st/47th RTR -

1. Why did my father, who served with the 41st/47th RTR under General Montgomerys 8th Army not go on to the Italian Campaign but return to the UK to train for D-Day?

 

A number of Allied units were transferred from the Mediterranean theater to England in preparation for the invasion of France, which was rightly recognized as the most important upcoming operation. These included the British 50 and 51 Divisions, 7 Armoured Division, and 1 Airborne Division. On the American side, 1st and 9th Infantry Divisions, 2nd Armored, and 82nd Airborne. The intent was to provide a core of combat-experienced units to spearhead the invasion. 50 Div, 1st Infantry, and 82nd Airborne landed on D-Day, 51 and 7 Armoured on D+1.

Most of the troops in England had not been in combat since 1940, if at all, and of course units coming from the US were inexperienced. Inevitably most of the troops going into battle in northern Europe would be facing their first combat, but the veteran units at least helped ensure the success of the initial landing. Incidentally 5 of the 9 D-Day divisions were having their first battle, and British 3 Division had not been in action since 1940.

Several new American divisions were sent to Italy to make up for the units transferred to England.

 

What Carronade said. Experienced units were needed to stiffen the new divisions.

Better time in Jolly Ole' England than be a D-Day Dodger (derogatory term applied by Lady Astor to the troops in Italy). Fighting up the Italian boot was H*ll on Earth.