GCT/370.28-202/Ops (B)

8th September, 1944

Situation

1. The enemy is in retreat in the West in face of superior Allied forces. He is being compelled on all sectors to conform to the Allied manœuvres. It is considered that he is unlikely to react to any large-scale deceptive operations on the Allied front in the West, but that he may be susceptible to making faulty dispositions elsewhere, and is in a position where disintegration of control may take place at any time.

Policy

2. In view of this situation FORTITUDE SOUTH II is hereby terminated and replaced by the following overall deception policy:

(a) In order to extend further the enemy forces and accelerate his retreat, threats will be maintained against his rear communications and northern flank.

(b) In order to disrupt his system of control and undermine the enemy’s will to fight, maximum assistance will be rendered to Allied Psychological Warfare.

(c) If the enemy offers serious resistance to the Allied advance into Germany, the Allies by deception methods should be in a position to assist the resumption of this advance with the full weight of the resources at their disposal.

Story

3. After the Allied victories in Normandy and Brittany, General Eisenhower decided to make his main thrust into Germany from that area. Subsequent exploitation of the successful Seine battle has made possible rapid advances to the heart of Germany. In order to assist these advances and to prevent the escape of remnants of the German Armies, Eisenhower has decided to retain large airborne and amphibious striking forces and a highly trained strategic reserve in the United Kingdom.

4. The tasks of these forces will be:

5. For these tasks, the forces in the United Kingdom will be regrouped as follows:

(a) Prior to airborne operations by First Allied Airborne Army. First US Army Group will be composed of Fourth British Army and First Allied Airborne Army, plus associated Naval and Air Forces; while Fourteenth US Army will come under direct control of Supreme Headquarters, forming the nucleus of a strategic reserve.

(b) Subsequent to airborne operations. First US Army Group will be disbanded as such, and this Headquarters will take command of the strategic reserve consisting of Fourteenth US and Fourth British Armies under administrative control of Communication Zone.

Allocation of Responsibility

6. Supreme Headquarters, Allied Expeditionary Force, is to give effect to the policy and story under paras 2, 3, 4 and 5.

7. 21 Army Group and Twelfth Army Group and the Communication Zone will submit their requirements for any additional forces necessary to give effect to para. 2 (c) of the Policy

By Command of General Eisenhower:

W. B. SMITH,

Lieutenant-General, US Army,

Chief of Staff

APPENDIX IX

Current Cover and Deception Policy