Facts, information and articles about the Operation Dragoon, a battle of World War II
Operation Dragoon Facts
Dates
August 15, 1944- September 14, 1944
Location
Southern France
Generals/Commanders
Allies: Jean de Lattre de Tassigny
Germans: Johannes Blaskowitz
Soldiers Engaged
Allies:175,000-200,000
Germans: 285,000-300,000
Casualties
Allies:12,000
Germans: 7,000 killed, 20,000 wounded, 130,000 Captured
Outcome
Allied Victory
Operation Dragoon Articles
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Operation Dragoon summary: This was the name given to the southern France invasion of Allied forces on 8.15.1944 in World War II. Despite its effectively forcing the German Army Group G to fall back and leave Southern France because of the constant attacks by allied troops it isn’t very well known.
During the states of planning it was also called ‘Anvil’ to go with the Operation Sledgehammer, which was the current codename for the Normandy invasion. Later both of these were renamed, with ‘Sledgehammer’ becoming Operation Overlord.
Many of the leaders argued about the execution of this Operation right down to whether or not it should happen, including Churchill. After the Normandy landings proved successful there were amphibian assets that were freed and the Allies were able to move forward with Operation Dragoon.
The initial attacks forced a counter attack by the Germans who were hit so suddenly that confusion was created. They were forced to withdraw and move further inland. The continued onslaught liberated both Toulon and Marseille. On August, 29th the Allies forced the Germans out of Montelimar and into further retreat thus freeing France from German occupation. The Germans finally left by retreating through the Vosges Mountains.
In The Years Following Operation Dragoon
Dragoon was a huge success for all the Allied forces. It made it possible to liberate France in just a month and to cause large casualties to all the German forces. The plan had initially planned on the majority of the attack happening on the beaches so there was a shortage of fuel and travel equipment for the land attack. The operation was almost forced to a halt in September of 1944 before the southern ports and The French railway system became useful enough to bring about further supplies.