GEORGE S. PATTON DIARIES Original Nov. 13, 1943-May 31, 1944

BOX 1 FOLDER 9

DIARY (VI)

NOV. 13, 1943
           I
MAY 31, 1944

VI
Diary of 
Lt. Gen. G S Patton Jr.
Nov 13 43
to
May 31 '44

Secret and Personal
Expurgated Edition
covers this period
has been typed
GSP Jr

359                    

(ready for action
I think most of this
trouble is due to the fact
that Poletti plays politics 
instead of doing his
work.) He should be gotten 
rid of.
Walked two miles in 24m-68s

11-13-43
Gay, Cummings, Campi
went to Italy by plane to
pick up Gen Hodges.
Gen. Clark (B) called he is
not much excited over
the riots.  Alas some 
600 Italian troops landed

11-14-43
Went to Church.  There was to 
be a gala performance of the Opera
at 1500 but Col Harkins got
word that there was going to
be a separatist demonstration
and probably an attempt to 
get me involved either for
or against the movement so
I did not go.  I used
Gen Hodges arrival as
an excuse.

360

Merrell Shephard Lt. Navy called
Hodges and I had long talk
we both feel that viewed
at June value the situation
in Italy is bad.  Our men are
tired and fed up they are 
so battle wise that they can
appear to attack with out
doing so and only advance
when there is an amazing
amount of artillery support.
When divisions get like that
their value except for
defense is gone.  I can't see
why Ike has not asked for 
many more divisions I started
asking for four more last
December and have 
told him again and again
ever since.  With the stabalized
fighting Clark is having we
could blood half a dozen
green divisions and have
them in great shape for
a real attack.
Both Clark and Gruenther
are jumpy Clark has fired 
several aides. I hope he
or Gruenther or both
break down.  But I dont

361

want the job my self as now
it is in a very sad state
only six fresh divisions could
restore it and then only
provided that the British
would fight.  At the moment
they show no intention of
doing so.

There is something very
phony about all our British
and American efforts. Our
strategy seems to be based
on votes not victories.

It will be just as bad for
us to have Russia win the
war as to have Germany win.
We must win by destroying
both Germany and Japan and
be ready to stop Russia.
Hodges also noted the lack
of zest for battle in our men
just as I have we both think
it due to too much security
and lack of tallyho! at home 
it is sad.

11- 15 - 43
Saw a recent wire which 
said in part referring to 
Seventh Army.  "The moment

362

of this unit (to U K) at present time
is not deserved. It is to be retrained 
in the North African Theater
until you are advised of
final decision asto its employment."
X X X "Providing additional 
Corps headquarters for your
Theater will be decided upon 
when the final decision is
made as to the disposition
of the Hq. Seventh Army"

If I had not been made a
permanent Maj Gen this
would look like curtains
for me. But I know that I 
am necessary.

11-16-43
Col Muller, Col Franklin and 
I drove east of Terminy
to visit 9 & 11 Evac hospitals
the 11th was the one I had in
the desert.  They looked well 
there is quite a lot of
contagious jaundice.
Decorated some officers 
and men of 5th Armd. Art
Group at 1400.

I am quite disturbed about
the food situation and about

363
the ability of AMGOT to handle 
it. Apparently the natives
are getting less food than
they did under the Facists
and they are complaining
also they realize that we have
no force left with which
to coerce them.

As I take it they are comparing
Democracy unfavorably
to Facism. I think that
there is plenty of grain in
the hills but we are not
using lron handed
methods to secure it. I think
that if one or two hoarders
and black market men
were hanged that there
would be plenty of grain
as it is there may be a 
revolt.

11-17-43
We got an order at 0130 to
send four officers to Algeria
to day. Great staff work.
I have seldom passed a 
more miserable day.
I have absolutely nothing
to do and hours of

364

time in which to do it .
From commanding 24000 men
I now have less than
5000." Ah! what a fall is here
my countrymen" well pretty
soon I will hit bottom and 
then bounce.

Had dinner with some
Italians last night. Their talk
especially against Polletti
simply emphasizes what I 
have already felt about
the critical situation
which confronts us.

11 - 18 - 43
Called in all station chiefs
the PM the MP etc and 
told them to get ready for
combat with what
troops we have but to
do it in a way which
would not excite attention.
All officers and clerks
to go armed.  At 1000
I.B.S.-AMGOT etc are coming
to see me. Situation is bad
and may end with bloodshed
I let the rest talk and
said that I would concur

365

with any reasonable
suggestions they had to
make.  But that except in
an emergency I could do
nothing.

They asked me to wire 
A F H Q for 10000 tons of
flour at once. I have
done so.

"This was the most unkindest
cut of all"

A.G. 370.5/221 C-O   13 Nov 43
removes 1st, 9th, 2d Armd and 
about every thing else 
from the 7th Army.
Gen. N. B. Forrest had all his 
troops taken from him
twice during Civil War.

11 - 19- 43
Nothing

11 -20 -43
Wrote A F H Q a letter on the
food situation and inclosed
letters from the Cardinal
and his Secretary on
the same subject.

A M G O T has neither the 
capacity or the ability
to administer a

366

Captured country the only
answer is ruthless imposment
of law by the death
Penalty especially is this
true among a race of
bastards like the Sicilians.
Also wrote Hughes with
more length and candor
Have a hunch that Ike is 
in the states?

11 - 21 -43
Went to church.  It is a very
nasty day raining and
cold.

11 - 22 - 43
Codman brought me a 
statement picked up by our
monitoring not that A F H Q
had categorically denied
that I had been reprimanded
by Gen Eisenhower or that
men had failed to obey
me. Apparently Drew
Peirson had said something
in Washington.

11- 2 3 - 43
About 2230 I got a long

367

wire from Beadle Smith about 
correspondents raising hell 
and about his efforts to 
placate them also I was 
told to back up AFHQ 
and make no statement if I 
was visited by correspondents. 
Of course such messages 
are a bit disturbing but 
I feel that this one is
2/3 for the purpose of 
covering A.F.H.Q.

11-24-43
Got a second message 
at 2230 to night sounding
quite serious "The affair 
may blow over" I am to make 
no quote statement but am 
to talk frankly. 

If the fate of a successful 
General and the only one who
has been fully successful
depends on the whim of
a discredited writer like
Pearson, we are in a 
hell of a fix. Of course
I am worried but have
great confidence that 
the Lord will see me

368

this one too.
"Oh! thou of little faith 
wherefore didst thou 
doubt".

I think it would be a
good thing if the 
reporters come. It will 
be amusing to see how 
the papers and the people 
at home take it.  Whether 
they will turn on me or 
defend me. 

One good Article 
would do a lot to
make people think
clearly.

This is not the end
of me.

11-25-43
Thanks Giving Day. I had 
nothing to be thankful for
so I did not. 

Inspected Hq. Co. and
Prov. Tank Co. men seemed
contented and were warm
and dry.

Got letter from Beadle 
repeating that we are
going to england but

369

under a new name. I fear 
that this is an attempt to 
make me take a new 
staff of favorite sons 
picked for me in U.K.
I will have to find some 
way of circumventing 
such a move. 

Walked three miles in 
42 minutes.

11-26-43
Gen Williams (Air C) came 
to see me about the possible 
arrival of dignitaries 
at Castlevetrano at the
end of the Cairo conference. 
(I told him I could give
him a band and a tank Co
not much for an aledged
Army.) [*omit for type*]
(Sent Codman with the
two female agents to 
Tunis he will pick them
up Sunday.

Milton Pervis (FBI) Lt Col.
came to see me on a 
secret mission.) [*omit for type*]

370

11-27-43
[*omit
for 
type*]
(Wrote a letter to the Sec War 
explaining exactly what 
happened I make no 
excuses simply tell
facts. Sent a Copy to
Hughes asking his opinion 
on sending it.

11-28-43
Codman got back from Algiers 
to day with a very complete 
appreciation of my
sad state. I seem to be 
the means by which 
McNarney is trying to 
hurt Ike so asto become 
C of S in the event that 
Gen Marshall leaves. 
Ike and Beadle are not at 
all interested in me but 
simply in saving their 
own face. I might act 
the same if the case 
was reversed but I
doubt it.

Our two agents got back 
from Tunis with out 
attracting any attention 
at least I hope so they are back

371

I am worried but realy
more angry.  My side is
not being shown and
my friends must think me
a S O B nut.
I guess there is nothing
to do but read the bible 
and trust to destiny.

11 - 29 - 43
Gen Joyce came at lunch
time he retires for age (64)
tomorrow and has to take
a physical looking fifty
He thought my letter to
Sec. fine. Had word
from Hughes not to send
it so concurred as he 
is on the ground and knows
the scene better than I
do and is a sincere
friend. Had C P X

11-30-43
Inspected Port with
Col Muller. Got some
dupe on Black Market
passed it on to Pervis
Wrote some notes
on my operations

372

I have done better than I
realized. It would be a 
national calamity to have
me as an Army Commander.

12- 1- 43
Gen Joyce whom I talked to
on the Drew Pearson incident
remarked "Gen tell them the
exact truth in those words' I had
been dealing with heros I came 
on two men who I thought
were cowards naturally
I was not too gentle with
them!"

   Col. J. A. Dodge who wrote
"Great Captains" etc dedicated
his life of Hannibal thus:
   "To the American Soldier who,
not bred to Arms, but nurtured
by independence, has achieved
the proudest rank among
the veterans of history"

   This is a good quote to use
some time.

   Air Marshall Park
who commanded the fighters
covering London during 
the Blitz came to spend 
the night he is a New Zelander

373

and a nice man.  He later 
commanded the Air Defense of
Malta.
  
With reference to the Blitz Parks 
said that he had two rings 
of fighter air fields the 
first one near the coast 
and the second one nearer 
London.  The Bosch bombed 
him completely off the 
coastal ring and had him 
groggy on his inner ring 
when they suddenly shifted 
and bombed London.  Had 
they keep on one week more
bombing his air fields
he would have been 
grounded and London
would have had no 
protection.

In June 1943 at Malta his
planes were the ones which
were stopping the supplies
getting to Rommell but he
was so low in gas that
had the Bosch concentrated
on Malta he would have 
been grounded there
and then supplies in
ample quantities could

374

have reached Rommell.  He
believes that at that time
Malta could have been
taken by a combined
Air and sea attack but
that Rommell would not
let the Germans do it - as
he wanted all their effort
in Lybia.  With Malta out
Rommell would have needed
no Air in Lybia because
he could have gotten extra
Divs.  And one extra div
would have enabled
him to take Cairo.  There
were at that time 40
German Divs available
in France.  On such small
things do the destinies of
empires depend.

Park also said that had
Conyingham allowed it
he could have given me 
direct Air Support at 
Gala.  Where as to get
it through Conyingham
took four hours if
it arrived at all.
I told him that with
ten fresh divs in

375

in Italy I felt that with our 
Air and Naval supremacy
we could drive the Germans
out if we had LST's etc
sufficient to lift a reinforced 
regiment. 
 
My plan would be to
first blood the new 
divs in short actions with
those now holding the
line then to withdraw
the tired divs and attack
with the fresh ones.
I wish I could do it.  

12-2-43
Corp. M. MATASSA my barber 
who is a Sicilian by birth 
told me that the people
tell him that we are 
dealing too gently with
them, that they are all 
crooks and are used to 
and need an Iron hand 
and that in that respect
Mussolini was much 
better than we are.  
The natives feel that 
the farmers have 
plenty of grain but

376

are holding it for high 
prices and that if a few 
hoarders were hanged 
there would be plenty 
of grain.  They also feel
that AMG is retaining 
too many of the old guard 
Fascists in power.  I doubt 
this as any man of 
ability had to say he was 
a Fascist in order to 
get a job. 

It is possible that even 
my armor of self confidence 
has taken a few punctures
as a result of different things.  
Just now I went to retreat 
Parade of the 1st Armd. Sig.
Bn who have been with me 
since I took command of the 
1st Armd Corps at Benning.  
They too have been ordered 
to Italy to join the 5th Army.
Yet the 5th Army which is 
static has twice the 
signal troops we ever 
had.  It almost looks like 
an attempt to strip the body 
before the spirit has 
flown.  But one should

377

never indulge in self pity.  
Efforts are also being made 
to get Gen Gar. Davidson
for "A special mission to
Italy".  He does not want 
to go and I want to keep him 
and have so radioed.  
It is folly to break up an
efficient battle proven 
staff just for expediency.

12-3-4-43
Nothing.

12-5-43
Today my self - Polette -
McSherry and some others 
are to get LLD in Political 
science at the University of 
Palermo at 1100 about 1030
Col. Koch came with the
rumor that there was to 
be a student demonstration
and possibly a riot. 
We got to the university
just after the Cardinal 
there was a large very 
noisy crowd.
In the hall where 
the show was to take 

378

place the students in the back 
of the hall made a lot 
of noise those in the front 
urged those in rear not 
to make any noise and 
in doing it made just as
much.  The "Magnificent 
Rector" clasped his hands
and the Cardinal looked 
worried.  Every one made 
speeches which no one 
could hear due to the 
tumult.  Codman said 
that he could not see 
a student who looked 
capable of being
educated.  Muso. must 
have been quite a man
to get as far as he did 
with such scum.

JCH Lee spent the night 
and gave me some hearsay 
dope on the Stalin, Churchill 
Roosevelt meeting.  
According to Lee Uncle
Joe had the whip 
hand and used it.  

Once on a military 
question Churchill said 
"we can leave that to our

379

military advisors" Uncle Joe
 replied "Do you have to
 have Gen Brookes
make up your mind for you."  

12-6-43
Lee left at 0800.

12-7-43
Mr. McCloy and Gen Holmes 
arrived at 1000 they had 
intended to arrive at 0800 but 
at last moment the B-25 set up 
for them failed to arrive. 
 
Mr McCloy came to my 
office at 1730 and said he wanted
to put me wise to what had 
gone on at the two conferences.
When Churchill and the President 
first got to Cairo the Chinese 
were there and C & R committed 
them selves to an Amphibious
operation in the Chinese theater.  
Then C & R had a near 
split (too bad it did not 
materialize) over the "Overlord" 
Plan.  C said that instead of
its being "Overlord" it was 
becoming "Master" he is still 
fooling around about

380

small attacks in the Agean sea
particularly with a view to 
the capture of Rhodes.  
He is actuated in this by 
political considerations as he 
has been attacked at home by 
the opposition for losing 
the three islands.  They also 
quarreled over the appointment 
of a supreme commander 
the British hedging on the 
amount of authority he
was to have.  Things were 
apparently pretty grim 
when they went to see
Joe Stalin.

Joe came into the
conference and said: "There 
are only two things I want 
to know when are you
going to attack France 
and when are you going 
to appoint a supreme 
commander."  C began 
talking about the Agean 
operation this winter 
Joe said that is nothing
this is the last round 
of a prize fight it is 
not the time to dance

381

around the ring but to go in 
and slug.  I admit that your 
bombing has removed some 
enemy air but what I want 
taken off my neck is 
divisions not bombers.  

It is time for you to attack 
both in the north and also 
in the south of France I 
have whittled the enemy 
down to your size. C suggested 
that a committee be
appointed to consider 
plans and make a report 
Joe said: "If we three cant 
decide who can I dont have 
to ask my generals to 
make up my mind for 
me.  I have no time for 
discussions by juniors.  
I have to get back to 
Mosco and win a war 
and win it fast so I can 
reconstitute my country."

To put on the attacks
in northern and southern 
France landing boats will 
be necessary hence the 
Chinese operation will 
have to be canceled

382

and in addition landing boats 
and carriers will have to 
be withdrawn from the
pacific.  King was agreeable
to this when Joe said that
as soon as Germany was 
wiped up he would help with
Japan as he had an old 
grudge to settle with her.
It has been decided that 
Marshall will remain as 
Chief of Staff but will 
participate more actively 
in operations. That Ike
will be supreme commander 
in UK and that when 
southern attack gets ashore 
that too will come under 
him. That Spaats will 
go to U.K. as chief of all
Air Operations both in UK 
and Africa.  C kicked on
this and so did.
Portal but Joe insisted.  
That Gen Wilson (B) will 
succeed Ike in Africa 
C picked Wilson over 
Alexander.  I think that
there is considerable 
discontent over lack 

383

drive in Italy.
I asked Mr Mc Cloy about 
my self.  He said that he 
had never let friendship 
move him but that he 
felt that I had in my 
make up certain chemicals 
no other general had  
that I was a great fighter 
and an inspiring leader 
though probably not
a Moltke and had to be
used.  That I was not to 
worry about what was 
said about me as that 
would hurt my efficiency.
He also said that I looked
and acted like a General
and that no one else we
had did. He asked 
Gen Marshall what was
to become of me and
M. had said he will 
have an Army. I should
have a group of Armies 
but that will come.  
I think that my luck 
is in again in a few 
minutes I leave to 
see the President and

384

after that can tell more
about it.

12-8-43
Mr McCloy left at 0715 
on the way out to the field he
said "Another thing about
you is that you look like 
a general you have color 
personality and size men
like to follow a man that
they can respect."
We got to Castlevetrano 
at 0930 the president was
supposed to arrive at 
1015 but due to motor 
trouble he did not get 
in until 1420.  Gen Arnold 
got in at 1330 we had 
quite a talk.  He substantiated 
all that Mr McCloy said 
about the conference and added
that Joe ran the show 
saying to Mr. Churchill 
among other things "What 
is the matter with you 
English you used to be 
good soldiers now 
you don't fight at all 
are you afraid of the sight 
of blood."

385

Arnold also said that 
inspite of our Air efforts 
the German Air Force is 
getting bigger now has 
8000 planes the three Alies 
have over 20000 planes
but are not using them
he thinks Air Marshall 
Portal is to blame.  He 
feels that the Russians and 
US are much more of 
the same mind than the 
B's.
He said that it had 
been necessary to tell the 
B's that unless they went 
on with us in the "Overlord" 
operation that we would 
take all but a token 
force out of England 
and concentrate on Japan 
and let England stew in
her own juice.  
He has been at every 
conference and says that
in every case after we 
have found the B's to 
agree to a policy we 
have no sooner gotten
home than they have

386

practically repudiated the 
agreement and he thinks 
that unless Joe and the P
use pressure that they 
will do it again.  
The President was most 
afilable to me so was
Pa. Watson and Harry 
Hopkins.  The latter took 
me aside and said 
"Don't let any thing that 
SOB Pearson said bother 
you." He also told Col
Harkins that so far 
as he knew the
incident was closed.  
Ike was very nice also 
and said that he felt 
sure I that would 
soon get orders to go 
to UK and command an 
Army.  He asked me 
what to do with Jake Devers?
The Group of Armies Staff 
which Bradley has
been assembling was
predicated on Gen Marshall's
going to London now 
that Ike is going it
may all have to be 

387

changed.  
On the way to the Plane
after refreshments the President
said to me "Poor dear old 
Winney is getting pretty 
difficult but uncle Joe and
I see Eye for Eye."  The tide 
has turned I hope.
Gen D. I. Sultan was at 
Palermo when we returned 
we had a nice time. 

12-9-43
D. I. Sultan left at 1315 
in our Plain.  
At supper got a 
wire from Alex. Congratulating 
me on being a C.B. 

12-10-43
Wired thanks to Alex and 
Wired Gen Wilson at 
Cairo that I would 
arrive Sunday.  
Raining like hell.
Mr Murphy came to see 
me and we had quite a 
talk he told me about 
De Gaul who he says
was put in through

388

British duplicity and the native 
stupidity of Giraud.  
He feels that there is a verbal
agreement between R and C to
let C run Europe while we
run the West.  However he
thinks that R is playing with
the idea of keeping Dakar and 
may take part of Morocco.  
While at Terhan R stayed 
at the Russian legation and 
that made C very mad.  
Murphy thinks Germany 
will negotiate within
two months.

12-11-43
All ready to start for Cairo 
at 0700 in the morning, weather 
permitting.  Raining again.  
Last night Mr. Murphy, Gen
Wickersham, Gen Larkin, Gen 
Stewart came to dinner 
and we had the first
good movie I have 
seen called "China".

389

[*omit - type better*]
12-12-43
(Mr Mc Cloy left at 0715 and 
we started for Cairo right
after wards.
Flew over  ocean
as far as BENGAZI where 
we stopped 45 min for gas
arrived at Cairo at dark 
time 8 1/2 hours.) 
The desert from Bengazi 
east is very much with
out land marks but is 
quite rolling so that at 
1500 yds in almost any 
place troops would be 
concealed.  I cant see why
the B's did not use
captive baloons or
observation ladders
The surface is hard but 
breaks up with much 
travel however it is 
much easier going than
around Indio.  
We flew right over the
El Alamaine battle field and
saw surprisingly little
evidence of combat.
I got quite a thrill when
I saw the Pyramids

390

Our party consisted of, Codman,
Cummings, Hammond, Franklin
Harvey, Carter, Chambers,
Birch & Van Buskirk)

12-13-43
Codman and I are staying at 
Gen Wilsons house quite a
nasty little shack about 
twenty minutes out of town 
at a place called MAADI. 
A very complete program
has been "Laid on" for 
us by Maj H. Chapman Walker A.D.C.  
We went shopping with
Lady Ranforly who is Sec to 
Gen Wilson her husband was 
captured over a year ago.
We had cocktails at Shephards 
Hotel.  
The Egyptian pesant is 
definitely lower than the 
Sicilian whom I had
thought was the bottom.  
When the dam at Aswan
was built it developed 
snails who are the 
host for the sort of 
hook worm.  The native
men and some of the

391

women get this.  It gives them 
the belly ake and also 
reduces their sex varility 
so they smoke Hashis to 
pep them selves up.  But the
effect is brief and also it 
makes them suffer more 
pain from the worms it is 
a sort of vicious circle
About 1200 people own all 
the land so that each pesant 
if he has any land does 
not own over 4/5 of an
acre.  
The average pay is $50.00 a 
year and out of this they
have to pay for the water 
they drink. 
I saw a man defecating in 
the "Fresh Water Canal" down
stream a few yards women 
were washing clothes and
a little lower several women
drawing water.  
The sail boats have the
same lines they had 
4000 years ago but since 
762 AD they have 
adopted the Arab latine
sail instead of the

392

squair sail that they used 
previously.  The strange thing
is that they sail fast 
and well.  They have huge 
rudders which also act out
as a sort of center board.
Visited Tank School

12-14-43
Took off for JERUSALEM
at 0700 crossed the canal 
just south of lake TENIS
Thence we followed the
road to BEERSHEBA.  We
crossed the Wadi el ARISH
near where the battle took 
place, it is a less formidable
obstacle than I had gathered 
from the Books.  Beersheba 
and the surrounding ground
do not look too difficult
I took a picture we also
flew over HEBRON and
BETHELEM where I also 
took picture.  We
flew just south of 
Jerusalem and landed
at AQIR near the 
coast.  From there 
we drove to the holy city 
a distance of 30 miles

393

Gen D. F. McConnell who 
commands the district gave 
us a very intelligent Priest 
who took us to see the 
sights we entered the
city by the gate which 
Tancred stormed to 
take the city.  
The Church of the Holy 
Supplicer covers both the 
Tomb of Christ and the place 
where the cross stood.  It is run 
by Catholics, Greeks and Copts.  
The TOMB is a small cave 
with a little chapel out
side.  The floor of the cave
and the slab on which 
the body lay are both 
protected by marble 
slabs.  The cave is very 
small.  Most of the hill 
where the Cross stood 
has been cut away but 
there is an alter on the
spot where the Cross 
was erected.  Under the
altar is a brass plate 
with a hole in it 
so one can stick his 
hand in and feel the 

394

stone also there is a sliding 
plate which can be moved
to show where the 
rocks were cracked,
not far away is a cistern 
where the three crosses 
were found.  They had 
a simple way of telling 
which was the proper 
one.  They had a sick man 
touch each cross and 
naturally the one that 
cured him was the 
proper one.  Simple
if true.  The priest believed
it was.  I bought a rosary 
for Mary Scalley in 
the Church and had it 
blessed at the Alter 
of the Cross.  
We also saw the 
Crusaders Chapel and 
the swords with 
which the Knights 
were accoladed.  I think 
the sword is jenuine 
although the Pommel 
is smaller than usual.  
From here we followed 
the way of the Cross 

395

backwards to the site of 
the roman fort where
the trial [was] took 
place.  
We then drove to the 
Garden of G [*Gethsemane*] there are 
still olive trees and 
the Church of the Passion
which is very pretty.
I forgot to say that the 
door keeper at the Church 
of the Suppilcre is a 
Mohamidan. Also that 
four secret service men 
protected me while 
visiting all the Holy 
places - lack of faith?  
We then drove the 
Mount of Olives there
is A Mosk on the spot 
where the lord took 
off and while we 
were there the Muzzen 
sounded off.  
The walls of the city 
are in fine shape and 
good eleventh
century construction.  
Mohammed also
took off for Heaven 

396

mounted on a white 
horse from the Cathedral
in the City.  
We flew back along the
beach and passed 
right over Gaza.  Here
too the place did not 
look too formidable.

12-15-43
Her Ladyship arranged 
for an emenent scholar
to show us the sights so 
we picked him up at 
the hotel and asked how 
to get to the Pyramids. He 
was shocked and grieved
and assured us that he 
knew nothing about them 
but was a Mosque specialist.  
I firmly told him that I 
was not interested in
Mosques and told him 
good by.  
We picked up a 
native guide at the Mena
house and went to see 
the Pyramids.  The guide 
knew less about them
than I did but we had 

397

an interesting time just the
age of the things is thrilling.  
They were just a memory 
when Rameses II was 
Pharo.  Besides Napoleon 
had been there.  They are 
not as impressive and 
to my mind not so 
large as those at Mexico 
City. Height 490 Ft. Base 
about 700.  I must look 
up the Mexican ones.  
Called on Mr Casey the 
British Minister and 
member of their War 
Council.  
Had lunch with Alexander 
Pen and six Sadi 
Arabian Princes. The latter
spoke no known language 
and did not understand 
each other very well but 
were quite fine looking 
men who wore european
clothes under their 
robes.  They are just 
back from the U.S. apparently
there is some sort of an 
oil deal on.  
After lunch visited a factory

398

where the B's make dummy 
Air Planes - Tanks - Guns and 
even landing craft the
tanks run on truck bodies 
and the boats float.  
I was told with great pride
that the dummies cost only
1/10 as much as an original.
Personally I think it is 
money very much 
wasted but the people who 
make them are very 
enthusiastic.  
At 5:30 P made a talk 
on landing operations to 
about four hundred
officers of the Hq. staff
it was a good talk and 
they were quite 
enthusiastic.

12-16-43
Gen Beaumont Nesbitt 
took me to Shephards 
Hotel where I met 
the rest of the staff and 
we drove along the 
Suez road for 2 1/2 hours 
and finally got to the 
Combined Operations

399

Training Center which is 
on the shores of the 
Small Bitter Lake.  I gave
a talk.  To the instructors
and some 200 students 
including Lt Gen. R.M. Scobie 
who commands the only 
corps in Egypt.  
Inspite of the fact that 
I am sure the P - PM - and 
Uncle Joe agreed not
to waste men in side 
shows in the Greek 
Islands these people are 
getting ready for just 
such a show.  
Their training stuff
is about like ours but 
not so well done 
and they are making 
landings in still water
I was not impressed
although they were 
quite interested in my 
talk took notes and
asked a lot of 
questions.  Gen Scobie 
said he had never 
learned so much in 
forty five minutes in

400

his life.  
On the way back we 
had quite a dust storm
Gen SIR HENRY MAITLAND-WILSON
had returned, he is large 
rather fat and stupid
but is probably a good 
soldier.  I liked him and 
he is more impressive 
than either Alex or Montey.  
There is a very definate 
effort on the part of all 
the staff except Gen. W.
to run Monty down
and to try and get me 
to agree with them I did
not commit my self

12-17-43
Gen Nesbitt and I met 
Gen Anders who
commands the Polish 2d Corps 
and drove to the Polish 
Camp near FAQUS.
which is on the eastern
They had a guard of 
honor a very fine one 
then we had lunch 
and later inspected units
At lunch Gen Anders 
gave me one of his

401

insignia of a Lt. Gen 
also the Corps Shoulder 
Patch a mermaid.  I gave 
him a U.S. and a 7th Army 
shoulder Patch.  
He is much of a man 
has been hit eight times 
and was C of S of a 
Russian Div in W.W.I.
The troops are the finest 
looking and best 
disciplined I have ever 
seen.  They wear 
British Uniforms.  
Anders says that they 
hate the Germans and 
Russians equally.  
He says that the Russians 
murdered 1500 Polish 
officers in cold blood. 
Col. Cummings and I 
drove to Alexandria 
reaching there after dark
the delta which we 
had to cross looks 
just like Indio but 
is wetter.

402

12-18-43
At 1000 Col Mosley of
the B's called as representative 
of Vice Admiral SIR A. Willis 
C in C Levant and took me 
to the Yacht Club where 
some more Admirals
met me.  We got in a barge 
and inspected the harbor 
which is huge and not 
damaged at all. We landed
and inspected the tank 
repair shop which is 
in a huge shed however
the methods are archaic 
and they only work ten
hours a day.  There are
practically no machines 
and it takes them 52
hours to strip and 
reassemble a tank.  They
even make gaskets 
by hand.  Not the least 
notion of modern
methods or mass 
Production and
they are very proud 
of them selves.  A very 
poor show yet flaunted
in my face as a

403

model of efficiency.  Truly
a pathetic race.  
We were then taken to the 
Army and RAF joint 
operations room where 
we were supposed to
marvel at their non-
existent efficiency. Yet 
lots of Americans fall for
it because the B's are
so self confident.
We drove back to Cairo 
over the desert road.  
They have signs saying 
not to halt except at 
convoy parking places 
also signs showing the 
distance to the nearest 
gas filling point these 
are ideas worth copying
after a drive of 150 miles
we reached Cairo.

12-19-43
Left at 0630 by plane
for Carnach & Luxor. 
Maj Emory a noted
Egyptologist came along
as guide he has been 
in the country 22 years

404A. Note. Pages 404A-405A up to
410 came in before page 404
See note on that page.

and was a member of the 
Carter expedition.
He pointed out several
other groups of pyramids 
also a buried city which 
he had just started to 
excavate when the war 
came.
At Carnack air port we got some
cars and drove a few 
miles to the city.  Here 
we took a sail boat
and crossed to the 
west Bank where we
got some dilapidated 
Ford's and drove to 
the valley of the Kings.  
Emery showed me how 
they hunt for tombs.  They 
cut galleries in the face 
of the hills and can tell 
if an excavation has 
occurred by the shape 
of the stone chips they 
find.  They tell the age 
by the type of chip.
The tombs are built 
like the houses of 
those buried in 
them. And the rooms

405
A

are in general filled with 
the objects which would 
have been in them in life.  
The first Tomb we entered 
was that of King Tut.  
He was a young and not 
important King so the Tomb
is relatively small.  The
big ones like that of Rameses II 
must have contained 
much more stuff.
In Tuts burial chamber 
there is a huge stone 
coffin inside which is
wooden  SARCOPHAGUS 
covered with gold plate.  
Actually there were 
three such cofins the 
one we saw is number 2 
and the body is in it.  
Number one which was 
of solid gold valued at 
70000 £ used to hold the body
but is now in the Cairo 
Museum as is also 
number three, the outer
one, which is of painted 
wood.
The Valley of the Kings 
looks like the box Canon

406
A
at Indio but is much smaller 
it is supposed that there 
are still three undiscovered 
Royal Tombs in it.
We then drove to Thebes 
about two miles and 
visited the Tomb of a
Prime minister that was
discovered by Maj Emory.  
It is of interest as it shows
the methods of work one 
can see line drawings of
the relief, then where 
they were chipped out 
in the rough and finally 
the finished  relief.  
The work is very beautiful.  
This man started his 
tomb under the old 
Orthodox religion and 
half the carvings are of 
the old formal type.  
The other half was done 
after the reformed 
faith came in and the
figures are much less 
stiff and more life like.  
One carving shows the 
rays of the sun god 
falling on the Pharo

407
A
when the old faith got back 
the priests cut a line 
across the rays so 
that they would not fall 
on the apostate King - small 
potatoes?
We then drove to the Palace 
and Temple of Rameses II it 
is quite a formidable structure 
with a moat cut in the solid 
rock.  Also the walls are 
crenelated.  While fighting in 
Syria he had met such walls 
and copied them.
Near by is an artificial 
lake which he built for his
Queen because she had been 
raised on the seashore and 
missed a large body of water
it is several hundred acres 
in extent and was all hand 
work of course now it is 
dried up but one can 
still see the banks.  
Maj Emery says that 
in all building projects 
the Pharoes were careful 
not to take too many 
men because it 
interfered with the

408A

cultivation of the land. Also 
they did not keep any one 
group too long because 
since they were not soldiers 
it was feared that they 
might develop revolutionary
ideas if they associated 
too long.  Times have
 changed very little. We 
ran that danger with the 
C.C.C. and will do it now 
unless we get all our 
troops into battle.  
We recrossed the river 
had lunch at an hotel
and then visited first 
Luxor and then Carnack.  
These two temples are so 
huge and grand that it 
is not possible to 
describe them.  Out side
Carnack there is a 
Roman Forum of average 
size yet it is so 
dwarfed by the
temple that it is hardly
noticeable

409A

12-20-43
Left Cairo at 0630 and
reached Palermo at 1430
A great deal of mail was 
waiting for me.  Gen Gay 
is out of the hospital and
looks fine and I am glad to 
have him back.  
Had a note from Hughes 
saying that the Gallop
Poll was 77% for me 19% 
against and 4% not voting.

12-21-43
Read letters and wrote 
replies all day.  I had 
38 letters mostly from 
strangers backing me up 
and only six cussing me
out.  
I am having copies made 
of all letters both good 
and bad.  
I dont read the bad
ones as they simply 
make me angry to no 
purpose.  Codman 
leaves for Alger in 
the morning to buy 
some Christmas food

410A

and drink and to get the latest 
reaction.  He will take Hughes
a set of the letters to 
show him how the wind
is blowing.
We received a wire 
to day asking how many 
officers we need to send
to Alger to plan an operation 
about the size of "Huskey."  
I replied 200 which is 
more than I have but 
I know they will cut 
me so I had best ask 
for plenty.  
I have a hunch that 
I will not go to the U.K. 
but will command an 
attack against the south 
coast of France probably 
under the command of Gen 
Sir H. M. Wilson.  If they
leave Hughes at Alger as 
deputy I will get on 
all right - I will any 
way

12-22 & 23-43
Nothing.

404

Note due to being somewhat
upset by the D.P. incident
I numbered the pages
from 404A to 410A wrong
and wrote on the odd
numbered sides first
so had to rewrite and
re number.  This comes
in after 410A, and then
reads O.K.

12-24-43
Went to the 7th Army officers 
party at the Hotel it was
very nice with a tree and
presents and a movi.  
Later Codman and I went to 
mid night service at the 
Episcopal Church there
was a huge crowd.  
We talked over the incident
until nearly 0300. He has 
been of great help 
and has also been most 
reassuring.  He flew to 
Alger to get the latest 
dope getting back this 
afternoon.

404

Jimmy Doolittle called to 
see me this P.M.  He 
says that Ike is going to
U.K. with Tedder as his
deputy.  Spaats also goes 
but is surrounded by B's
H. Maitland - Wilson gets 
AFHQ at Alger.  I command 
a mixed pack to attack
from --------. But it will be
about 9 Divs.  I hope we 
get the Naval lift - necessary 
I fear that Wilson will
divert some of it to that 
crazy Greek attack on 
Rhodes to save the 
PM's face.  Stalin may 
and I hope will balk at 
that. 
I will certainly be glad 
to fight again and the
place is the one which 
we have been studying
for six weeks.  But it 
was not a guess it is 
the only possible place 
and I knew it as soon 
as I looked at the 
map.  I hope the war 
does not abort until

405

I have a chance to put on 
another show in Europe 
so asto be the inevitable 
choice for Japan.

12-25-43
I got a great many 
presents and some lovely
letters.  
We had the Navy the 
Senior British officer 
Col Poolletti and the heads 
of all the staff sections 
for [lunch] Dinner at
one.  Before that I 
inspected all that is
left of the 7th Army 
and they were all glad 
to see me.  
My men are crazy
about me and that is 
what makes me most 
angry with Drew 
Pearson.  I will live to 
see him die.  
As a matter of fact
the ability to survive
this has had a 
good effect on America 
and on me.  My destiny

406

is sure and I am a fool 
and a coward ever to 
have doubted it.  
I don't any more.
Some people are needed 
to do things and they have 
to be tempered by
adversity as well as 
thrilled by success.  I have 
had both.  Now for some 
more success.

12-26-43
Codman and I went to 
Church but most of
the others over slept.  
I had a very fine letter 
from Mr. Stimson.  He 
answered the letter I 
sent him by Mr McCloy. 
I would have sent it
sooner but Ike was 
opposed to it.

12-27-43
I woke in the night 
amazed at the size of 
the training job which
confronts me.  I dreamed
first that there were

407

endless miles of beach
with soldiers training 
on them.  
I wish I had just one - just
one veteran division
and one US Armored 
div.  
Apparently I will have 
5 French Inf Divs, 2 French
Armored Divs and 2 US
Inf Divs, In three Corps
I wish I could go to 
Africa and get to work
there is a lot to do
The French will have 
to be wholy retrained 
especially their Armor.  
I will try to get I. D. White 
on a loan.  
I also need some 
infantry officers I may 
be able to get wounded 
ones Possibly Middleton 
or Terry Allen.  Well 
we will have quite 
a lot of time and if 
Hughes Stays he and
I can get what we 
need.  I wish to God 
Ike would leave and

408

take Beadel Smith 
with him. They cramp 
my style.  Better to rule
in Hell than serve in 
Heaven.
Campanole left for Wash
to day on a loan he will 
be with the President
for some weeks.  He is a 
loyal and lovable man

12-28-43
Sent Harkins to Alger to 
find out what is going 
to happen.  Campy left
with him enroute to US
to accompany the President
on a Good Will Trip.

12-31-43
Another year ended I 
hope I do bigger and 
better fighting in 1944.
Harkins got back yesterday 
I can't make head or tail
of the mess.  The 7th Army 
Staff is going to Alger to 
Plan "Anvil" but Hughes
writes that I wont command 
Anvil he thinks I am

409

going to U.K.  I hope not.  I would 
hate to play too far down
in the team also if I do go
to england as it seems to be 
set up it means I go alone
to pick up a new staff
I prefer my present one 
to any I have seen. 
They have stuck by me and 
I propose to stick by them.
Harkins thinks that Italy is 
over and that we will 
get at least one Corps from 
there if so they must be 
pulled out and rested for 
at least six weeks.  
There is no use worrying 
or guessing.  Soon we 
will know Destiny will 
keep on floating me down 
the stream of fate.
Adm. Davidson is back 
and dined with us last 
night.  
Col Paulletti brought in 
an advisory committee 
for Civil Government on 
which were a lot 
of Russians lead by 
Mr. VYCHINSKI who

410

is the man who got all the 
confessions from accused 
Russians in the Trials.  
He is a benign looking
little man with near sighted 
eyes but very clever.  
I had a Russian who is a 
Corporal in G-2 explain 
the Russian situation on 
the Big Map to them it
made quite a hit.  

1-1-44
Received an "Eyes only" 
radio from Natousa 
Saying that I will be
relieved from Command of 
the 7th Army to day.  And 
report to Alger for further 
information.  That 7th Army 
Staff will plan "Anvil" and 
that when he thinks he 
should quit Italy Clark
will notify AFHQ and 
be assigned to command
the 7th Army.  That no 
transfers between the 
staff of the 5 & 7 Armies will 
be made with out 
higher authority.  That

411

The 5 Army will have only 
88-85-34 & 1st Armd Divs
The 3-45-36 coming to 7th Army 
for veteran spear head.
The training center will 
be moved to Italy.  
I feel terribly not so much
for my self as for my
staff who have stuck with
me all the time in good
weather and bad.
I suppose that I am going to 
England but if they use me
simply for training and
not for command I will
resign.
It is, I think, unpardonable
to keep a man of my 
rank and attainments
waiting.  It is just one more
thing to remember when 
the time comes to pay
my debts.  
A Hell of a Happy New 
Year.

412

1-2-44
Flew to Alger after Church 
arriving 1330.  Hughes met me 
and was very nice.  He knows 
nothing about this Anvil 
plan than I do and agrees with 
me that it is totally unreasonable
and crazy.

1-3-44
Went to see Carey Crane assistant 
G-3 but was careful to ask no
questions about myself or 
who conceived this plan.  
On the face of it the thing looks 
like an attempt to Save Clark
from the onus of his utter
failure in Italy.  Probably it was 
decided to let me relieve him 
while he got the new job  
then some one decided to 
make Lucas the goat.  
Called on Hewitt to say
good by he is on his 
way home for a short 
visit.  He was most
 outspoken in his regret 
that he and I were to do 
Anvil together.  
Saw a copy of a letter by

413

a British General in which he 
said "We don't need to worry 
being commanded by an 
American.  Ike is only a 
political general and cannot 
command as he has never 
had any experience."  
I wired Air V. Marshall Park 
asking if I could accept his
invitation to visit Malta
he replied  yes and 
we fly up tomorrow.
I can't see how any normally 
intelligent person could 
inspire this fool change 
of staffs.  It is unfair and
insulting to me but is 
heart breaking for the 
staff of 7th Army.  Who have 
been utterly loyal and 
now find that their 
efforts get them no where
it is damnable.  I hope
I find out who did it 
and then get to a position 
so that I can realy
hurt him.  
I have contemplated
asking to be relieved 
but will stick it least

414

for the present.  B gave me 
"The Duke" a life of Wellington 
and he too had many
adversities. Fate.

 1-4-44
Left Alger at 1000 Flew
to Tabessa on the way passed 
over a rather large Roman 
ruin with a temple and 
Theater that is not even
listed on the map.  Took 
a picture.  
All the dump areas at
Tabessa are cleaned up.  
(Picture). Hunted for and 
found another Roman
ruin N of Tabessa - Fariana
road I saw it in the 
distance once in March.
Took a picture of Fariana 
It was quite thrilling to
fly over Gasfa and El Guetar 
hundreds of memories
surged up and all were 
of success. Had I gone
up in a plane I feel that
I might have evaded
some errors.  Certainly
had the Division  comdes

415

done so they would have.
I took several pictures of
Jebel Burda the plateau
we shelled with P.W.
etc.

(The gum tree road looks
quite different from the 
air than it does on the 
map.  It was never as
much of an obstacle as
I thought.  El Guetar was
a great school for me
but at the moment I don't
seem able to practice 
my knowledge.)
a far less dangerous
Arrived Malta at 1500
Park met me and showed 
me all around the air 
fields.  His men are the 
best disciplined and 
smartest air men I have 
ever seen and I told him
so.  
At 1830 we went to 
the SAN. LORENZO Palace 
built in 1620 by the 
then Grand Master.  
Lord F.M. Gorth lives 
here and Codman Stiller
and I are staying here

416

as Park is going to Cario 
and his house is packed.
Lord Gorth is most 
charming and quite a man
he has a V.C. three DSO's 
and a 70 foot yawl.
Played Pool after dinner  
no running water or heat
in Palace.

1-5-44
Capt  ADC took 
us to see the sights.  The
forts are artillery proof 
stone structures not quite 
Vauban but pretty good 
and very well built.  
The library was most 
interesting I saw a codex 
of 1420 being the story of 
St Anthony from birth to 
death he was continually 
be set with women or 
rather devils in the shape 
of women.  They all have 
horns sort of turned 
in with their head dresses
There was one very 
interesting picture in this 
set which showed an

417


an Armorers Shop with
suits of armor hanging 
up for sale.  These suits
were both mail and plate 
and ranged from late 1100
to 1400 showing clearly 
that there must have
been a trade in second 
hand Armor so that one
is wrong in thinking of 
Armor as of distinct dates.  
Every Knight had to 
have 16 crosses of nobility 
before he could join 
all these are preserved 
and are a great genealogical 
record.  
Some of the illuminated
M.S. are beautiful.  Even 
after printing came in the 
capitals were painted in
by hand.  
The knights had to vow
Poverty, Chastity and Obedience.  
They only kept the last vow
they were not Priests.  
Dock yard was most 
interesting and shows
that air bombing is
important to destroy a harbor

418.

1-6-44
Left Malta at 0900.
Park came to see me off.  
Island is very densely 
populated some 2000 to the 
acre it is full of walls
and houses and churches 
and is utterly not self
supporting. 
Reached Palermo at 
1030 all the mountains are 
covered with snow.
I called all the Chiefs of
Sections in at 1330 and 
had Gay read the 
order relieving me from 
the 7th Army. 
I told them not to worry
but to be as loyal to
Clark as they have been to 
me.  I thanked them for 
their loyalty and then choked 
up and quit.  
Well if the 3d Cav was 
baptized in blood and
fire and came out steel
I have been rolled in 
the mud and have 
come out with my 
faith and a sense of humor.

419

1-7-44
Made out recommendations 
for the promotion of Gay to M.G.
Cummings, Muller, Nixon 
and Franklin to be BGs
Also had two copies made 
of recommendations for DSM
for officers of 7th Army which
had been turned down
I am taking all these to 
Italy tomorrow and am 
going to ask both Clark 
and Lucas to do what 
they can to get them
approved.  It is the most 
and the least I can do 
for men who have been
utterly loyal to me.

1-8-44
Landed at Napoli
at 1000.  Lt. Col. Southerland 
Clark's ADC met me 
with two cars and two 
motor cycles. 
We drove to CASERTA 
where Clark has his 
Hq.  The rear echelon
occupies the Bourbon 
Palace a huge building

420

of 2400 rooms which with
its grounds served as the
model for VERSAILLES.  
The advanced C.P. where
Clark advertises that he 
lives with his troops is 
some 4000 yards further
north but still in the palace
grounds.  He and Grunther 
have caravans there and 
a large wooden hut.
This dangerous position
is some three hours fast
driving from the front 
lines.
Both Grunther and Clark 
were most condescending 
and treated me like an
undertaker treats the family 
of the deceased.  It was 
rather hard to take
especially as I am certain 
that they pulled the wires 
which got me removed
from Anvil but I had 
to be nice as I wanted
my men promoted and
decorated.  
I then drove with 
Codman to see Keyes

421

whose C.P. is well up
Keyes met me on the road 
and we went to see the 
right side of his front.  
I slept in a Caravan for
the first time and think 
them very comfortable.

1-9-44
Keyes, Codman, Lowman 
and I drove up to see 
Honk Allen's attack we 
climbed a high hill and
inspite of my practice 
at Palermo I was quite 
out of breath so were 
the rest.  Honk had his 
OP in a house, the only one 
on the hill this is a 
mistake as houses,
especially isolated ones,
draw fire.  
Honk is doing pretty well 
but is too far back.  
He has taken his objective
but the British on his 
left failed as usual to
take theirs and are 
trying to blame Allen 
saying that fire from his

422

hill got them in flank
This is not true.  They 
failed because they only 
sent in a battalion 
where a regiment was needed.  
In the P.M. we visited 
Ryder at the Hq 34 Div.  He 
still has his bumb C of S
whom I told him to get 
rid of in Tunisia.  He 
seemed full of reasons why 
things could not be done.  
We then drove down to 
an Artillery OP and climed 
up to have a look
on the way down one of 
our batteries close by 
started to fire so I stopped
to take a picture.  We then 
started down again and
a salvo of four shells
struck.  Two in the road 
where we would have 
been but for the picture 
and two on top of the 
hill where we had
done the observing.  
It was a nice volley as 
they all arrived 
together and well

423

grouped.  None was more
than 30 feet from where 
we were yet no one was
hit.  Codman had some 
fragments hit his helmet
and a piece of a [ricochet] a shell nose
struck with in a few 
inches of my foot 
but was evidently a 
ricochet as it did not 
bury.  
At the foot of the hill was 
a cave full of ammunition 
and sleeping men.  A
fragment set this off and
I never saw men move
so fast one fat fellow
turned two summersaults
getting out and lit running.
However a lieutenant and 
several men came back
at once to see that
no wounded were in
the cave, that was good.
None had been hit.
I gave Keyes my fleece
lined over shoes
as it is very cold.
 (We spent the night
 at VI Corps Hq which is

424

south of Caserta.  Lucas
was fine.  He does not
expect to get the 5th Army
when Clark leaves, thinks
some home town boy from
Washington will get it.  I hope
he is wrong.)

1-10-44
Told Clark good by.  He 
says that due to the efforts 
of the P.M. more emphasis 
is being placed on SHINGLE
to such an extent that 
ANVIL may not have 
the troops or the boats to 
come off.  
If this is so it may 
produce trouble with 
Stalin as Anvil was 
definitely promised him.  
Clark and the B. Navy between 
them have changed the
date on Shingle three
times it is set too soon 
now.  No rehearsal.
The left corner 
of Clark's mouth is 
slightly drawn down as if he
had been slightly

425

paralyzed.  He is quite jumpy 
so is Grunther.  
Drove to see 3rd Div
Truscott was as usual 
and we had a long talk 
on river crossings.  He has
done one.  They are like 
landings. Also talked on
rifle fire and heavy 
weapons he has no 
changes to offer on what
I have written.  
Sent for Francis Gravis 
and saw him just a 
child. 
Could not locate Jim 
Totten he is supposed
to be in Sicily looking 
for me.
Reached Palermo at 
1600 no news no Totten.

1-11-12-13-44
Nothing

1-14-44
Gay had a letter from Col
Harkins which is quite 
discouraging.  Clark 
has sent Gen Caffey

426

to Algers to represent him 
with Planning of Anvil.  
Caffey is no good so 
Clark must think the 
show is off.  
Also we are already 
pressed for time on the
requisitions.  I wish this 
thing would clear up.

x  1-15-44
Gay, The Doc, Murnaine,
Stiller & Lt. Busey left at
0800 for TROINA by car.  
Gays and my car both
broke down so we rode 
in a Command Car and a 
Weapons Carrier.  
It was quite cold at 3900 ft.
The town is much less
hurt than one would
expect and only 240 civilians
were killed.
Count Rogers Castle is 
now part of the Church 
but is clearly Norman 
and I saw some pieces 
of what I think are 
roman brick in the 
cellar.  The priest knew 

427

something of the history 
but not much.
I had hoped to get to Enna 
before dark to see the 
castle there which is 
supposed to be built 
on a Roman Basilica
but it was dark.
No news of what will 
happen to me.  
[*Type here*] [*omit*] Gay made one profound
remark. He said why did
Bradley storm it we had
it cut off.  Of course to use
the road east we had
to have the town but
could have probably have
taken it just as easily and
quickly by surrounding
it.)
On the way to Troina we
stopped off to look at the 
Chateau at CERAMI there is
little left of it but the town
is worth seeing as it is by
all odds the most filthy
place I have yet been in.
It is amazing how the
animals can live with such 
dirty people not how the

428

people can live with 
dirty animals.)  

1-16-44
Gen. Joyce and two aides came 
at 1600 and stayed all night
he is apparently on the way
out (but gave no sign of
being bitter.) 

1-17-44
Saw Gen Joyce off in the morning.  
Came to office and am either
coming down with some 
disease or else have Cathar
very badly.  I simply don't
feel like doing a thing so 
am going home.  
I do wish something would 
eventuate about my self.

1-18-44
Feel allright this morning.  
Sgt. Meeks told me after 
breakfast that he had
heard on the radio last 
night that Gen. Bradley 
had been made commander 
of the ground troops in
 England.  I suppose that this

429

means that he will command 
the American Army Group.  
I had thought that possibly
I might get this command.  
It is another disappointment 
but so far in my life all 
the disappointments I have
had have finally worked 
out to my advantage 
although at the time it is 
hard to see how they will. 
If I am Predestined as I 
feel that I am this too will 
eventually be to my 
advantage.  
Bradley is a man of 
great mediocrity.   At Benning
he failed to get discipline.  
At Gafsa when it looked 
as if the Germans might turn 
our right flank on April 5-6
he suggested that we 
withdraw Corps Hq. to 
Feriana.  I refused to move.  
In Sicily when the 45th Div 
approached CEFALU 
he halted them for fear 
of a possible German
landing east of TERMINI.  
I had to order him to move 

430

and told him I would be 
responsible for his rear 
that timidity lost us one 
day.  
He tried to stop the landing 
operation (no 2) east of 
Cape D'ORLANDO because he
thought it was dangerous. 
I told him I would take the 
blame if it failed and that 
he could have the credit if 
it was a success.  
Finally on the night of 
August 16-17 he asked me 
to call off the landing 
east of MILAZZO for fear 
our troops might shoot
at each other.  
He also failed to get word 
to all units of the II Corps
of the second Para Troop
landing.
However he wears glasses
talks profoundly and is
a shooting companion
of the C of S.  Also a loyal man.
I suppose that all that
has happened is calculated 
to get my morale
so that I will say 'oh what 

431

the Hell stick it up your ass 
I'll go home" But I won't
I still believe.

1-19-44
Nothing

1-20-44
Capt Carey of the Navy came
to call he says that "Shingle"
is pretty dubious as the beaches
are bad and largely unknown 
and that  in the event that
the LST's can't land they 
are to be landed 
LCVP's.  This is always 
difficult and if a coastal 
battery at one end of
the beach is not taken 
out by the Rangers it will 
be nearly impossible.
At a rehearsal some 
nights ago 40 Ducks were 
lost.  I think that the
British 1st Div is using
the Ducks.  
If the thing is a success
Clark will take the 
Credit if it fails Lucas 
will get the blame.

432

1-21-44
Col Codman located 
Madame Markoni who
 is head of the Museum in
Palermo and she took us to 
HIMERA.  
The Temple is on the flat at 
the base of the Hill just west 
of the River. After the Capture
by Hamilkan in 405 B.C. it was
utterly destroyed by him as
it was in my opinion the
site of the sacrifice of
the elder Hannibal.  I think
that the greeks erected it
on that site.  If this idea
is current Himera (Town)
was on the western of the two
cusps of the hill.)

1-22-44
Gay, Codman, Madame 
Marconi, Col Odom, Stiller
and Murnane and I 
flew to Castlevetrano 
where we met the cars 
and drove to SELONiOUS 
which is now called 
SELiNUNTE.  Until yesterday
I had always thought

433

that this place was SCiACCA
but I was wrong.  
On the hill west of the town 
there are three temples completely
wrecked by an earthquake 
the northern one that of 
Appollo is the largest in sicily
and must have been 
very magnificent but it 
was never finished and 
only a few of the columns
are fluted.  
We then visited the town 
where there are several
smaller but older temples
the wall of the town to the
north where it was most
vulnerable is most
interesting.  
(There is a double wall
the inner one having
flanking towers on each
side of the gate.  In front of
the outer wall is a ditch
and on the near side of
the ditch a hollow way
with openings leading into
the ditch for the counter
attack of those who
got into the ditch.)

434

beyond the ditch and connected to the
main wall by a double walled
passage is a semi circular
cut work which in its turn is
defended by a mote moat? with
a draw bridge.)
In my opinion this is a more
complicated form of defense
than was known in 350 BC I have
a hunch that it smells of
Norman influence and was
erected much later however
the stone work seems to be
Greek. (I confess I am a little
confused.)

(Coming back we flew
over Moyta and ERICE)
When I got home I had
a telegram as follows.)
To: CG 7th Army, for Patton 22 Jan 44
George S Patton Jr. Lt. Gen 02605 
US Army, Orders issued 
relieving you from assignment
and duty this Theater and
assigning you to duty in U.K.
Request you proceed Natousa
Algiers for orders
CG Natousa)".
Looking at it in respect
to the chain of events

435

this sounds logical. But on
the other hand why have
they been so slow about it 
and why have they taken 
all of my staff. It makes 
it most difficult for my
people and for me.  
I wired Devers who is I 
think is in Italy asking him
if he wants me to await 
him here or what.  
Radio says VI Corps 
landing at mouth of 
Tyber is a success.

1-23-44
Went to Church and spent 
the rest of the day doing 
up my desk and doing the 
other things incident to packing.

1-24-44
Took off at 1030 with 
Col Cummings, Lt Col
Codman and self for
Algeria.  Met by Col Harkins.  
Went to Hughes office who 
knew nothing but that 
Devers had heard I was 

436 

at Palermo and had wired W.D.
for orders for me.  When
they came they simply told 
me to proceed to U.K.  

1-25-44
Left Algeria at 1200 in a
C-54 with 250 pounds of 
extra luggage and one
female secretary belonging 
to Ike.  Arrived Marrakech
at  1600 and went to 
Taylor Villa which is run 
by Air Corps for Visiting 
strangers.  There are no 
charges which I think is 
a mistake as it wastes good 
money and people are 
not appreciative of what 
they get free.
Brigadier Dumphie B's
who was wounded with me 
in Tunisia was there and
had no Silver Star!
asked him where his
was and he said he had
never gotten one so
Codman gave him his
and we pinned it on.
Left for Preswick in a
commercial  G-54 at 2400.
Told Planning staff 7th Army good by with sincere
regret.

437

1-26-44
Arrived Prestwick at
0945 after a perfect trip 
save for the last hour 
when there was no 
visibility.  
Col Henry AC met us 
and was most obliging
I shaved and we had a 
good breakfast.  
Left Preswick at 1100 
in a C-47.  Pea soup all the 
way: could not land at 
the point we meant to.  
Gen J C H Lee and Butch
met me. 
Lee put Codman and me
up at his flat.  
Called on Ike at office and 
found I am to command 
3d Army.  All novices and 
in support of Bradleys
1st Army not such a good 
job but better than nothing.  
Ike asked me to dinner  
Kay, Butch, British ADC
and a WAC Capt present.  
Ike very nasty and 
show offish - he always
is when Kay is present -

438.

criticized Lee for his 
flamboyance which he - Ike -
would give a million to 
possess.  
Well I have an Army and 
it is up to me. "God show 
the right."  27th Start from zero

1-27-44
Had a talk with Lee and his 
C of S showing the set up.
Went to see Beadel Smith who 
looked well and was in rare 
form - SOB - Then Bradley came
and was very nice and
modest.  I also called on
Tedder who seemed genuinely
glad to see me.  
After lunch went to see 
Bradleys plans which I 
consider bad; the landings 
are so close that an attack 
against one affects the 
whole thing. 
As it is now set up 
Bradley with the 1st Army 
of 6 Inf and two Armored 
Divs lands on a 2 Div 
front the B's to his left, east
land on a 3 div front.

439

After B has gotten the Port of 
  - the 3d Army comes 
ashore at the port we take 
Normandie and Britany then 
counter march and come up 
on the right of the 1st Army
While all this is going on 
two other US Armies land.  
A hell of a lot of things can
happen before that time.
Got Beadel to approve 
a list of 15 7th Army officers 
for transfer here.  Both 
Ike and Beadel strongly
advised me to get rid of 
Gay, I am not doing it.  
Bradley and Beadel rate 
Truscott, Middleton,
Gillem ahead of Keyes 
I don't see why.  Well I 
am off to a bad start
but am on my way.  
In addition to general
"Overlord" Plan.  There is a 
plan called Rankin A & B & C
to be put into effect should 
the Bosch cave.  
I feel that there should 
be still another plan
to be put in effect in case

440

Bradley and the 1st Brit. Army
get a bloody nose.  I feel that 
we should then land at the
narrowest place by day
under all the air we can get
& simply blow a hole we
may well have to do this.

[1-28-44]
Got on Lee's special train 
"Alive" at 1600.  Col Heriz-Smith
Chief B liaison officer with 
SOS, and Col. Vaughn U.S.C.O.
W.B.S. 
Train too fine.  Dined and
drank.
[*Type better
omit*]
1-28-44       
Arrived at GOUROCK at 0700
Met by Col. CROTHERS C.O. 26th 
District SOS.  Inspected QM
and Air Force Depots and 
Gen Hospital #50.  We started 
after lunch to board the Ile de France
but weather too rough.
Lt Gen Sir William Thomson 
and Maj Gen Sir Eric Girdwood 
Air Commander Hawes and 
Admiral Hill came to Tea
After dinner Boarded

441

boarded Queen Mary to welcome 
advance party 3d Army under
Col. Molly Williams.  Gen Thompson 
asked me to make a talk to 
all officers which I did first 
telling them that I was not
to be mentioned.  Took 
Williams and his party of 13, O
26 EM on train and 
left for KNUTSFORD.)

1-29-44
Col Jacobs met us and 
took us to Hq. 3d Army at
PEOVER Hall and TOFT HALL
Camp.  
Was not too pleased with 
proposed arrangement of 
Hq. at Toft Hall so decided 
to move advanced echelon
to Peover Hall.  Work done 
by SOS was excellent 
and remarkably quick.  
In PM visited board
of Ship Canal Co at
Manchester and met
Mr. R. D. Brown the 
manager and members of 
his staff.  Visit seemed
futile to me.

442

Went to Red Cross Club
 in Manchester which is run 
by Miss Hendrickson,
Mr. Cassidy and Lady 
Oliver Leese wife of the
C.G. 8th Army.
Later they all came to dinner 
on train. also Mr & Mrs Brown
all seemed very nice.  
The Station Master who 
is one of the two in England 
who wears a silk hat 
called to have a drink.  
Lee puts on a good show 
but I feel that he is too 
ostentatious.   
Train left for CHELTENHAM
during night.  

[*omit 
type 
better*]
1-30-44
(Went to Field Hq SOS
and Gen Weaver Dept.
C.G. SOS give us the set
up.  Went to Church.
Talked to Col Laymon 
head of Replacement
units for the SOS.)
Drove to LITTLE COMPTON
MANOR for Lunch with
Maj Fruity and Lady 

443

Alexander Metcalf.  He was
the Duke of Windsors ADC
and she is the youngest 
Courzon.  Her sister
married Oswald Moseley
just released from jail. 
Miss Moseley came to 
lunch big fine looking girl 
with tragic face.  
On way home drove 
through Cotts wolds and 
inspected PW Enclosure 
No 1 near BLOCKLEY 
also the Ord Depot 
at ASHCHURCH which is 
most impressive and 
is run by a Col.
Richmond ex NCO Cav.
Dinner for SOS staff 
where I made a speech,
and again warned that I 
was incognito.

1-31-44
SOS weekly staff 
conference.  I made speech 
which was good and 
alive.  Warned I was a myth.  
Reached London at 1530
went to see Beadle Smith.

444

We were both charming.  
Had dinner with him and
Miss Weston his girl.
I let him do all the talking 
and played him up.  Washed 
mouth later.
[P Wood's Div (4th Armd)
is fine and in good shape]

x  2-1-44
Left by car at 0800 to 
visit 4th Armd Div Gen.
P. Wood near Badminton 
lovely drive.  Passed
huge Dolmen supposed 
to have been "Thrown
up by Merlin" he 
must have been very 
ill as it covers 16 acres 
and is several hundred 
feet high.  
P was delighted to see 
me we inspected troops 
all afternoon and
found them in fine shape 
except 46th Med Bn
Lt Col. Mailliord which 
was dirty.  P is a good 
leader.  He wants to
get the 988 Treadway 
Bridge Co which used 

445

to belong to his Engr. Bn.  
He should also have 
mine detectors. Senior
officers came to dinner.

2-2-44
Talked to all officers of
the Div.  Inspected remaining 
units.  Div is Superior. 
In PM. called on Mr. 
Fred Darling who trains 
the Kings horses.  He and
I agreed on need of 
length from point of
hip to point of buttock
so are true friends.  
Looked at Druid 
ruins.
Went to a play in London 
by the Lunts "There Shall 
Be no more Night" after
play we met them.  
Miss Hall and Gen Donivan 
called about 2100.

2-3-44
Had long talk with 
Bradley and met 
J. L. (Joe) Collins Wilkies 
younger brother

446

Called on Gen Spaatz and 
told him he and I might
have to pull the chestnuts 
out of the fire if the
attack of 1st Armies
bitches.  We are of one
mind on going shortest
water route and blasting
a hole.
He is fed up with the
B's and said: "We have 
paid a hell of a price 
for the Supreme Command"
We have.
We both feel that
 instead of "Overlord" 
we should have 
shot the works in
Italy and Toulon.
Bought two pairs of 
boots at Faulkners
one short one long.  Also
a Coat and pair of 
trousers at Weatherills.
Went to a farce "While 
the Sun Shines". Then 
to dinner with Marian
Hall, Lady Cavendish 
Col Castles etc.
Air raid came on but 

447

no one was disturbed it 
lasted all night.

2-4-44
Drove to Knutsford 
via Banbury, Chelsea 
Brimingham Stratford.
At latter place we had 
lunch at William and 
Mary Hotel.  B and I 
stopped here in room
named "Two Gentlemen 
from Verona in 1910 
almost 34 years but 
seems shorter.

2-5-44
Wired to expedite arrival 
of rest of 3d Army Staff.
Asked for Koch. To
keep Hodges from being 
reduced I have to be
attached to 3d Army 
till he is made a Lt Gen 
now he is only a 
Lt Gen by virtue of 
commanding the 3d Army.  
We got a Badminton 
sit and Col Williams and
I played a game

448

John Peel used to own 
this house.  
Monteys ADC phoned 
last night asking me 
to see him at 1000 on 
Feb 11.  I will go to 
Ireland on Monday to
see 15 Corps.
 
2-6-44
Went to the Peover Chapel
this morning and was put 
in the Master of the Hall's 
place right next to me 
was a very fine efigy of 
a recumbent knight and 
his lady the armor seemed
late 1300.  There are two
other such tombs in the
chapel.
Called on Maj & Mrs. Lester
Warren who are the
parents of Gen Leese wife
they have a huge
place with a brick
wall entirely around
it seemed quite real.
Rote up some notes 
for future exortations
to units.  The more I see

449


of this fool thing of 
swapping  staffs
 the more I: "Thank 
what ever Gods there be 
for my unconquerable 
soul."

2-7-44
(Drove to Hq. WBS, SOS where
they had a guard of honor
and give me a guard to the
Air Port where I boarded 
a De Havelan Rapid made 1920
it was a biplane with two
motors and a woolen fabric
body top speed 100 MPH.
At 1000 we had heavy head
wind and reached Hq. XV Corps
at LURGAN at 1200. 
In PM inspected 2d Inf. Div 
at ARMAGH in company with
Col Allen Corps. G-3.  Big Martin
commands in the absence of
Gen Robinson who is at Front in
Italy.  Martin talked too much
Div is in excellent shape
so far as one can tell - by a 
hasty glance.)
It is 
Then drove to the MOURNE Mt. Area 
to inspect 5th Div.  Gen Erwen

450

he used to command artillery in
9th Div. I got him promoted.
This Div has been in Iceland 
too long but will come out.)
On returning to Hq. was told 
to call Ike on phone.  He wanted
me to come and see him 
about Hughes whome he feels 
is getting [?] by Jake.  Ike may
want me to take Hughes in the
3d Army.  I will do any thing
for Hughes.
Tried to do a little missionary 
work with Col LOVATT C of S

2-8-44
Allen, Menare and I drove to 
OMAGH Area to see 8th Div
Gen McMahon who is at front.
It struck me as a good
Division. I gave a talk to 
all senior officers, first 
warning them that I was a
secret.  Later I talked briefly 
to various units.  
HAISLIP back, he was a 
little on the patronizing 
side but I don't think it 
was intentional.  
Talked to remaining senior 

451

officers and generals of the 
Corps.  Warned I was a myth.

2-9-44
Haislip, Allen and I inspected 
6th Cav Mec. at TANDRAGEE Area
they made a very fine 
impression.  Corps Engrs
seemed good.  Made talks
Flew back in very bad
weather. 
Hap, Cummins Odom are
here will see them in
London in the morning.  
Feel like I had a disease.
    
2-10-44
Left PEOVER at 0800
reached London at 1245.  
Had lunch and went  to see Tailor. 
Hap, Cummins, Odom, Murnane 
all came to house at 1500
I was delighted to see them.  
Koch, Hammond, Harkins 
and Muller will arrive 
about 26 unless something 
happens.  
We all went to a Musical 
Comedy which was very
poor then had supper

452

afterwards. 

2-11-44
Brad and I went to 
Monteys Hq at 1000.  De Gungan 
C of S and Gen   who
commands British 2d Army Gen
Q. Staff, Monty Bradley and
My self.
Monty - who is an actor - but 
not a fool - made the wise 
dicision to cut out the rocket
boats and the [gulters?] tanks.
He also outlined the general
plan of Campaign.  In some
things I think him too
optimistic in others too 
cautious.  
One Div followed by rest
of one Corps 3d Army goes 
in with Bradley.  Possibly the 
two Armored divs via same 
route.  These will start in 
on D+10 (?) rest of 3d Army 
D+25.  It is not a very 
critical job for me but 
things can develop almost 
any way at any time. 
One can make his own job
in Sicily I was destined to

453

cover the rear of the 8th Army 
but I did not.  
"Little John told me that
it was Brigadier SUGDEN who
said, "Patton is such a 
thruster that soon he will 
have Monty surrounded."
Called on Ike at his house
as he had asked me to.  He 
said that he was rather 
reluctant to bring up the 
question but what did I 
think about taking Hughes 
on as C of S as Devers had 
 declared H. surplus
Ike said that he was not 
making the suggestion due 
to lack of confidence in Gay.
I said that I would take H. and 
felt sure that Gay would 
understand - I had already 
guessed this move and had 
spoken to Gay - It will
not be too easy on
any of us but I doubt 
if it lasts.
Gen. Kenner had us in for
 a drink.  He brought me
two letters one from B Jr & R-E

454

x  2-12-44
Went to see Bradley in the 
morning to get a joint note 
we were writing on the 
question of one extra Col
per Div to replace
casualties. Haislip and 
Erwin suggested it in
Ireland and I got Brad to 
come in and Ike said if 
Brad and I would write a 
note he would put it 
over.  
Later Saw Ike in his office
and asked him for Gar
Davidson he sent a
wire for him to GCM
I hope it does not 
make Jake Devers mad 
and cause him to hold up 
Harkins and the rest of my staff.  Ike 
says that Devers is .22 
calaber and I rather concur 
but some others are not 
over .32 Cal them
selves.  
Ike said of me to me 
"You are fundimentally 
honest on the larger issues
but are too fanatical in

455

your friendships." It is a 
good  thing some 
one is.
Drove to Peover in 
four and a half hours. 
The bridge head south 
of Rome is apt to be 
lost.  Monty told us that 
on the 10th we had already 
evacuated 4000 Vehicles.  
If we lose that beach
it will be bad but so 
much sloath or timidity 
were shown at the 
start that the thing was 
doomed.  Only 8 miles in 
12 days.  I would have 
been in Rome.  I hope I don't
have to go back and 
straighten things out. 

2-13-44
Gay, Codman, Cummins,
Murnaine, Odom and self 
went to Church at Peover 
Chapel.  
Codman and I went to lunch 
with the LESTER-WARRENS
at a most beautiful house 
and picture gallery in

456

Knutsford (Knutes Ford)
Gen Sir William Bromley-Davenport 
the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire 
and his wife were present
The L-W's are a run out 
noble family but must have 
been hot numbers at one 
time.  
There is a great deal of talk 
about gas from the B's and 
also from some of our own people.  
In my opinion the Germans 
will not use it.  As an 
offensive weapon to 
win a war gas is O.K. but 
as a means of defering the 
loosing of a war its use 
is foolish. 

February 14 1944 
Lt. Gen SCHRiVER commanding the 
W Defense District called at 1000
we had a MP guard of honor 
the band a borrowed one
from the 360th Gen Service 
Engr Regt played the ruffles
but not the flourishes  
Walked for forty minutes 
and played badminton 
for 45 more.  The Manwaring

457

family took care of the
Over Peover Chapel for
800 years and there is only
a little paper sign to show
for it.  I think that the Efigies
are not good asto Armor.

2-15-44
Gave a talk to all the
officers and men of 3d Army 
now in this vicinity.  
Notes for talk as follows:  
Discipline - smart - Best.
Letters - Censorship
WHY Fight - Honor - joy of battle
Mental Attitude - eager, fierce - fear
P.W. - search don't trust,
Dig or Die - hit dirt, shoot
Surrender -
Mines - AA & Air
Repeat Best.-
Congratulations.  

Think this is a good sequence  
all men paid close attention
time 25 min. 

2-16-44
At 0130 Codman had a 
phone from Butch for me to

458

report to Ike at once Codman 
said we would start at 
once as it would take 
4 1/2 hours.  Butch then said 
to report prior to 1200. 
We took off by car at 0600
and arrived at 20 Grosvenor 
Sq. at 1045.  
When I went in Ike said 
"I'm afraid you will have 
to eat crow for a little while." 
I said "What have I done?" 
He replied "You may have
to take command of the 
beach head in Italy and 
straighten things out."
I replied that "It was not
eating crow but a 
great compliment."
He then gave me a 
radio from Alex to the 
Combined C of S's in which
Alex said, in effect, no
drive in VI Corps.
British had sustained 
most of the losses (I doubt
this) "if you can't send 
me a thruster like George 
Patton I recommend 
putting a British officer in 

459

command.  I have already
sent a B. MG to Hq VI Corps
to spur them on a little." 
Ike said he would never 
consent to letting the B's have
the command but that he 
would loan me for a 
month as the only
fighting general in the army.  
They have sent a wire
offering me.  Alex, Wilson,
Devers and Clark will
consider it.
I told Ike that I wanted
to go but must be
backed by him as
other wise I would be
made a goat.  He
said he would back me 
and would report the 
whole thing to GCM
by special messenger.  
I suppose I am the only 
person in the world
who would be elated 
at a chance to comit 
personal and official 
suicide.  But I am
tickled to death 
and will make it go. 

460

2-17-44
Went to Middlesex Hospital 
at 0945 to have a spot on
my lip treated with X Ray
While there Lt Col Lee phoned 
to say that Ike said I could 
return to Knutsford.  Nothing 
more.  He did not even 
think it worth while to 
tell me what had happened.  
Gaffey reported at 1245 
ready to go as C of S of 
the expedition.  I was also
going to take I. D. White
as G-3 and Williams as 
Artillery Officer. I could 
not take Gay as he has 
to stay and keep the 
3d Army in shape. 
Gay came down to see 
me off and warn me 
to get rid of the 5d Army 
staff for fear that they 
would cut my throat.  
He was working on the 
assumption that I was 
to relieve Clark.
We were all very 
sorry that the show 
was called off it

461

would have been very 
risky but much honor 
could have been gained. 
No man can live for ever.  
Gen Wedemeyer came in
at 1400 to see me. He told 
me that Truscott was
to relieve Lucas in the 
beach head.  He also 
told me that when he 
was in India he got some 
clippings about D.P. and me
and had written a letter to 
GCM praising me.  He 
sent me a copy of the
letter.  He said that on 
his own initiative 
Adm. Mountbaten also 
wrote GCM to the 
same effect. 

2-18-44
Went to see Bradley 
at 0900 and told him 
we should be prepared 
to land the 3d Army at 
Calais if the 1st Army 
and the British get 
boxed up as was
highly possible

462

The thought had never 
occurred to him but he 
thought well of it,
and said that if it came
off he would trade an 
amphibiously trained Div 
from the 1st Army with one
of mine not so trained.  
I feel that there is much 
merit in the plan as it 
would disperse German 
reserves and give room 
for maneuver.  
At the moment there are
52 German Divs in Holland 
Belgium and France 
forty of which can 
oppose us.  I hope the 
strength of the opposition 
does not bluff us out 
at the last minute.  I still
feel that the B's do not
have their heart in
it.  
I had a long talk 
with Butcher yesterday 
in which he told me 
that Post War divergence
of aimes was already 
causing friction between

463

us and the B's which was 
also coloring Military 
operations.  Alex is certainly 
trying to suggest that the
failure in Italy is due to 
us.  
Called on Ike to say good by
he was very cavalier 
and told me of a General
who had captured a 
pacific Island in a 
"nearly Perfect" maneuver
(he did not have to fight 
until after he had
gotten ashore).  Ike 
is going to get him for 
a Corps Commander. 
I told him that we had 
also done pretty well 
in landings.  This made 
him mad.  He has 
an unfortunate habit 
of under rating all 
Americans who come 
under him.
I wish to [god] God he
was more of a soldier 
and less of a politician.  
Called on Beadle Smith 
to bone bootlick. 

464

Also on Gen Hull. We had
a long talk he agrees 
with me that both 
Clark and Montey are timid 
He told me that GCM
said "I wish Patton was 
commanding at the Beach Head."  
Also he said that Middleton
 and an unnamed Col.
(Probably ropes) told him
that I captured Sicily
inspite of Monty and 
that while I had driven 
them further than they 
thought men could 
endure they would love 
to fight under me any 
time.  
Hull is going to Italy to 
find out why Rome was 
not taken. 
There was quite a big raid 
later we could hear the
Planes and also the
machine guns. 

2-19-44
Left for Peover at 0904 
having stopped to 
tell Gen Lee good by

465

about five or six blocks
from Grosvenor Sq. we came 
on several blocks in which 
all the glass had been 
smashed last night
we also saw some houses 
on side streets that were 
flat.  
It was snowing when
we started then we had
heavy fog.
Went to dinner with Mr
& Mrs Frank Stockdale at 
Alderly Edge Cheshire.  There 
is not much left of him
he lost an ear, most of an 
arm and a shoulder and 
lung in the last war.  
She is realy pretty and nice.  
We have been struck 
with how few pretty women 
or girls there are in England. 

2-20-44
Called on Mr R. D. Brown 
Chief Engineer Manchester 
Ship Canal. He is not much.

466

2-21-44
Worked on a Letter of Instructions 
#1 for Corps, Divs & Separate 
Unit Commanders. 

2-22-44
The Red Cross had a grand 
opening of a Red Cross 
Officer's Club in Manchester
The Lord Mayor of Manchester 
and several other Mayors 
were present all with 
their chains of office on.  
Also there was an American 
who knew the Merrills.  
Lord Derby was there he is 
very old and drooly with 
a collar far too big for 
him but he is quite a 
personality just the same. 
Lady Leese seemed to 
be running the show 
and introduced me to 
every one from Lord Derby 
to the cook.  

2-23-44
Lt. Gen. ECA SCHREIBER
in charge of the Western Defense
Command asked Gay,

467

Codman and my self to
lunch.
We were met by a 
motorcycle escort and
had a guard of honor some
of the men had more than
two months service but
were very soldierly and
well set up better than
Our troops under similar
conditions.
Col Brewster of the
Amphibious training command
came to dinner.  He commanded 
"E" Battery at Myer.  He gives 
me the impression that
there is a lot of useless 
fear of Pil boxes, mines 
and wire. The officers doing 
the training have never 
been in a landing yet we 
have many available in 
Africa who have.  The 
trouble is theater jealousy
Devers refused to let 
any of his officers go as 
observers to Sicily and 
never secured any 
experienced officers 
from there.  

468

We suffer very much from 
lack of command.  No one 
is running the show.  
Certainly Africa and UK 
should be under one 
commander so he could 
exert pressure where
and as he chose.  
Ike has no conception of 
physical command as he 
has never exercised it.

2-24-44
Played golf for the first
time in over forty years.  Did 
very badly but it is an easy 
and fairly amusing means 
of getting exercise. 

2-25-44
Capt Murnane got me 
two golf sticks and some 
balls and I practiced in 
Pasture did better as he 
coached me.  Codman 
who had not had one in 
his hand since he was 
eight hit some good 
balls.  Fear I am bitten 
by the golf bug.

469

2-26-44
Bradley called up to ask if I 
would come to London on 
Tuesday to discuss what 
could be done to the new 
type Armored Div to 
improve it with out 
realy reorganizing it.  
Gen Walker and all Armored
Division Commanders will 
be present.
When we were in Tunisia 
last year Gen McCreery 
then C of S to Alex was loud
in his ideas that the US
Armored div be cut down 
to more nearly the British 
model.  Gen Ward and some 
of the 1st Armored also favored 
this.  Ike sent Gen Harmon 
up to investigate and make
a report.  Harmon and I
talked it over and we
agreed that the original 
Div was O.K. but should
have another infantry 
battalion and more 
reconnaissance.  
I wrote Gen McNair 
to the same effect and also

470

wrote Jake Devers.  Apparently
no one paid any attention
to us but changed to a 
modified British model.  
I don't think that the 
difference is too great but it
is a curious added evidence 
of the mania to trust any
one but Americans.  
Some weeks ago when I 
was talking to Spaatz he 
remarked "We are paying too 
high a price for Supreme 
Command."  We are especially 
when we don't exercise 
it and are just pawns.  
I fear that after we get 
landed in France we 
will be boxed in a 
beach head due to 
timidity and lack of drive 
that is latent in Monty. 
I hope I am wrong.

2-27-44
Had the Parson for lunch 
then lunched with 
the Leicester-Warren's at 
Tabley house.  Lord Edgerton 
of Totten was there he is 

471

a portly deaf little man 
part of whose property
 we are using.  
Also Maj Becke Chief
Constable and his wife were 
there.  
They are all real people.  
Cols Koch and Hammond
 arrived from Africa and 
were delighted to be here.  
Mr Frank Stockdale 
told me that he had never
met such loyal and 
enthusiastic supporters 
as my staff.  He knows 
most of them. 
[*omit type better*]
2-28-44
(Called Bradley to suggest 
that he have a chart of 
the two types of Armored
Divs handy for comparison
tomorrow.)

2-29-44
Left Peover at 0800 very 
cold and a heavy mist 
so that for the first two hours 
there was not over 100 yds
visibility.  Got to meeting

472

at 1335 five minutes late 
found Brad, Ike, Watson (3) 
Gaffey (2), Wood (4) Oliver (5) 
and Grow (6) also Walker (20 Corps)
all present.  
 (After a brief discussion
it was decided to leave the 
2 & 3 divs as now organized
and to correct the organization
of the other divs as follows,
Add to Signal section by 
utilizing 15% overhead.
To increase organic transport
by 10 2 1/2 ton trucks wiht
trailers and 10 peeps.
That the proposed new table 
for Artillery Hq solved problem,
when put into effect.
4. To add one QM Service Co.
platoon to Each Div from 
those allotted to Army.(19)
That the shortage in trucks 
can be met temporary
attachment of Truck Bns.
Gen Ike also said that
so far as possible AA & AT
units attached would 
stay attached.  He further 
suggested that Regiments
be given names of dead

472

soldiers.
Gen. Courtney Hodges 
was also present.  He seemed 
quite depressed.
Called on Hughes his job
is to act as personal
representative of the C in C
In other words his eyes.  
The day Hughes went in 
to report he met Brig Gen
McClure press relations
failure coming out.  Ike 
told him that McClure had 
expressed the opinion that 
I should not command an 
army due to my reputation 
and that Hughes was to 
investigate. Devers certainly
treated Everett in a 
nasty way he is a very
small caliber man 
though he has been
decent to me in releasing
members of old 7th Army.
As I was walking home 
there was an air alert but 
nothing much happened.

3-1-44
Called on Mrs Horace

473

Hutchinson who is quite a
character and a good
sport.)  Her husband was
Amateur Golf Champion of
England around 1890.
sister-in-law of my
Went to Middle Sex Hospital
about my lip.  Prof. Wyndham 
says it is coming along fine
he has treated three British 
generals for the same thing.
I waited 1 1/4 hours to see Ike
but he was busy so made
time with Kay to good 
effect. 
Took Elizabeth P. and
Everett to lunch at Claridges 
then we went dog hunting 
and got one to be sent up
on approval.  Then took 
Everett to the Hospital 
as he has the Flu. 
Called on Ike.  He told me
that while he would not 
order me to replace Gay 
he certainly wanted me
to do so as he felt that 
Gay did not have the
personality of back
ground to represent me
at other Hq or to take over 

474

should I get hit. Keyes 
has always felt the same 
way.  
Of course I owe my 
assigned selection for Torch 
to Ike though I have paived
my way since.   I will try
to get Gaffey of course if
something should happen
to make Keyes available
I would take him like 
a shot.
Ike and I dined alone
and had a very pleasant 
time. He is drinking too 
much but is terribly 
lonely.  I realy feel sorry 
for him I think that in 
his heart he knows he 
is not realy commanding 
any thing. 

3-2-44
Waited till 1100 to get 
dog but he did not 
come.  While waiting I 
visited Hughes who said
he felt I should comply 
with Ike's views on 
a C of S.  I also went

475


to see Beadle Smith 
to keep things greased
I saw Lee who is 
making a fool of him
self on the Nigger
question.  
Called on 1st Army Group 
to butter up Leven Allen. 
After all the ass kissing I 
have to do no wonder
I have a soar lip.  
Ike told me he had 
not decided which of 
us three Hodges, Bradley 
or me should Command
1st Army Group.  Brad will.  
His version of the McClure
Incident was quite different 
from what he told 
Hughes.  He told me 
he kicked McClure out for 
being a fool. 
Beadle offered him to 
me as C of S.  Oh! God! 

3-3-44
Drove back to Peover 
leaving London at 1130.  
I feel very badly over this 
damned Chief of Staff 

476

I must do it in a way not 
to hurt Gay's feelings for I 
truly consider him the best 
Chief of Staff in Europe or
Italy or Africa.  
The only two I can think 
of are Gaffey or Middleton. 
 
3-4-44
Nothing.

3-5-44
Church.  Lunch at Stockdales
had a movie in the 
evening.  Dog arrived, Punch. 

3-6-44
Went for a walk with
Punch and got lost must 
have walked six miles 
did a little running too feel 
fine.  
Talked over with Cummins 
what to do about Gay
he advised telling him so 
I did it was most 
distasteful.  I would retain
more self respect if 
I resigned but I am not 
quite that big hearted

477

Gay was fine could not
have been better.  I told 
him the exact truth 
that Ike ordered me to 
do it.  
Leaving for London in the 
morning to see movie of 
new equipment.  People 
there don't realize what 
a long trip it is.

3-7-44
Went to lecture on new
equipment by an Ord. Col.
He began by telling Ike, Brad
my self etc that we wasted
ammunition and know
nothing of tactics.  All of 
us were very much bored.
Middleton and Doolittle were
there.
MIddleton and I went to 
see Hughes at the 16th Station 
Hospital on Hartley St.  
Mrs Presmall was there 
I asked her to dinner.
Took Middleton home 
and went to 22 Mount 
St.  Gaffey was there as
I had wired him to

478

meet me and discuss the 
question of complying with
Ike's order to get a more
senior C of S than Gay. 
The two men I had in mind 
were Middleton and Gaffey.  
Since Middleton was sent
over by GCM to Command a 
Corps he is out.  
Gaffey said that while he 
did not wish to give up 
the 2d Armd Div he felt that 
since he owed me so much 
he would do it.  If I can get 
Bradley to turn him loose,
and I think I can that will 
be a good solution as Gay
and he are friends.
Elizabeth and I went to 
supper at Claridges it 
was expensive and bad 
except for the wine.

3-8-44
Middleton and I called on 
Bradley first I arranged
about Gaffey and we are
going to ask Ike to cable
for New Garden, Leonard,
Prichard or Brooks in that

479

order to replace Gaffey.  
Middleton will take the 
8th Corps and I will get 
all the Corps troops etc
assigned to the 3d Army
instead of having them 
attached to the 8th Corps
as is now the case.
I can then assign them to
the 20-15-or 8th Corps as
is appropriate when the
90th 79th and 80th Divs arrive 
they will go to the 8th
Corps and when the 4 or
12 Corps arrives what ever
one it may be we will
use it to take over new
troops as they arrive.
Also I got the 5th & 6th Armored 
Divs assigned to the 3d Army 
and eventually by us to the
20th Corps.
I arranged to call on Ike and
Beadel to get all this 
approved. I then went 
to see Lee and he informed 
me that he had phoned 
Beadel recommending 
Middleton as my C of S 
on the alleged grounds that

480

since Gen. Marshall had great 
confidence in M. it would
strengthen my position.  I told 
him that I was quite able to
take care of my self and 
that for the future I hoped
he would not medal. 
He is either a congenital
doer of good deeds or has 
some ulterior motive I 
fancy the latter.
I hurried back to see 
Brad and asked him 
to come with me to see
Ike I also saw Middleton 
who said he prefered to
command a corps.
We went out to Wide Wing 
to see Ike.)
As we entered his office
he was talking on the phone
and said: "Now listen 
Arthur (Tedder) I am tired 
of dealing with a lot of 
premadonas by God you 
tell that bunch that if they 
can't get together and stop 
quarreling like children 
I will tell the Prime Minister 
to get some one else to

481

run his damned war - I'll 
quit." This is as near as 
I can remember.  He talked 
for some time longer and 
repeated that he would 
"Ask to be relieved and sent 
home" unless Tedder could 
get the British and American 
Air and the two navies to 
agree.  
I was quite impressed 
as he showed more 
assurance than I have 
ever seen him display.
But he should have 
had the warring factions
in and jumped them him
self and not left it to 
Tedder (his deputy).
(All the things we wanted
were approved including a 15% over strength for 3d Army and 
I stopped by to tell Lee
to get out the orders.)
However it is always 
depressing to me to see 
how completely Ike is under 
the influence of the B's.  He even 
prefers steel to rubber 
tracks on tanks because 
Montey does!!!

482

As my car was getting a
new pump I drove down 
to CHISLEDON with Gaffey 
to visit the 5th Armd Div Gen Oliver,
Gen Walker commanding 20 Corps
was also also there as was
Jean Regnier who had on
(a heavy looking experimental
field jacket which I told
him never to wear again.)
I gave them a few thoughts 
and then we inspected the 
Artillery which was
distinctly bad in that 
it was distinctly not 
good.  We ate supper
there.

3-9-44
 (Inspected units near 
Hq. uniforms bad, dirty
and no attempt to have 
all men dressed alike
men negligent about
military quarters and
kitchens not too clean.
At 1000 I made a 35 min
speech to all the officers and
seemed to get a good 
response.  Tupper Cole

483

Commands one Combat Command 
as a Colonel his unit
was the best I have seen
in this div.
I get the impression that 
the division would probably
fight diligently but not
brilliantly as it lacks 
finish - class - polish in a 
word a realy good leader.)
Left at 1400 to visit the 6th 
Armored Div at MORETON-ON-MARSH
Gen R. Grow commanding
Addressed all the officers 
at 1600 there was a band
Colors and evident
pre arrangement wholy
lacking with the 5th)
Inspected troops till dark 
then had dinner with Div 
Staff and Lord and Lady 
DuLVERTON who is WiLLS
the British Tobacco King.  
Gen Grow was utterly 
bemused by being with 
a LORD and frequently 
addressed him just that 
way.  The effect titles
have on even the 
most rugged Americans

484

is disgusting.

3-10-44
Inspected rest of 6th A.D. and
found it in superior shape
I will have Gen. Walker 
inspect it and take Gen. Oliver
with him to note as 
painlessly as possible the 
differences.
Reached Peover about
1750 and found that Willey had
been run over by a
C & R Car and the skin taken 
off his front leg.  He feels very
sorry for him self but is 
not realy hurt at all.

3-11-44
Col Solbert and Capt Wallace (son VP)
want to sell me a scheme for
evaluating morale by 
questioning enlisted men.
I told them that it smelled 
strongly of the Russian
Political Commissar's whom
Stalin had to remove 
to have an army.  It is
absurd.

485

3-12-44
Codman and I went to 
lunch with the Leicester-Warrens
at 1330 we invited all to 
come to movies.  Mrs Bromley-
Davenport Jr. an American 
from Phila and Mrs Beck and 
another woman come. The
movie was Md. Cure and very 
good.

3-13-44
Had lunch at Manchester 
Midlands Hotel with 
a Sir Eugene Ramsden and
Mr. Stockdale, Gen Le Roy Collins
was also there I think he 
is off his nut. He sticks his 
head down and rotates 
his chin and his eyes are 
funny. Codman and Muller 
were with me. 

3-14-44
(Sent Gay, Harkins, Maddox 
and Muller to London to 
get straightened out on
planning with the 1st Army 
Group.  This latter outfit
are not clever they plan

486

too minutely on some things 
and not definately enough 
on others.)
For example they tell us
what to do after 1st Army 
has captured ST. NAZAIR &
NANTES if they do and then
say that if they do we are 
to take the BRITTANY PENINSULA
I think that if Nantes falls 
the Peninsula falls too it is 
cut off.
I have just read the 
1st Army Group (FUSAG) plan 
again.  It says that the 
object of OVERLORD is to: "Secure 
a lodgement on the continent
from which further offensive 
operation can be developed."  
The words "further offensive 
operation" indicate a halt
on a phone line this is
clearly wrong.  We must
land and keep going.

3-15-44
Erected flagpole in front 
of Peover Hall.  
Gen Palmer C of Art at ETO
spent night.  Stupid and 
opinionated.

487


Told me that Condor was still
a Lt. Col.  I asked him to get 
him promoted.)

x 3-16-44
In going over some papers 
with a view to writing a 
new letter of instruction 
on tactics I found the following 
"5 Aug 1943"
"Memo:
To:  Corps, Div and Separate 
Brigade Commanders."

"It has come to my attention 
that a very small number
of soldiers are going to the 
hospital on the pretext that 
they are nervously incapable 
of combat.  Such men are 
cowards, and bring discredit
on the Army and disgrace
to their comrades whom 
they heartlessly leave to 
endure dangers of battle 
which they them selves 
use the hospital as a 
means of escaping."  

488

"You will take measures
to see that such cases are
not sent to the hospital,
but are dealt with in their
units."
"Those who are not 
willing to fight will be 
tried by Court Martial 
for Cowardice in the face of 
the enemy."
"GS Patton Jr."
Lt. Gen US Army
Comd."

This order was gotten out 
immediately after the first 
instedent at a time when 
no reports on it existed
it exactly expresses my
feelings then and now.

The bronze plate which 
I had put in the English
church at Palermo reads
thus.
"To the Glory of God
In memory of the heroic 
Americans of the Seventh 
Army and the supporting
units of the Navy and Air 

489

Force who gave their 
lives for victory in the 
Sicilian Campaign,
July 10 - August 17, 1943"

"From their General"

3-17-44
(Drove to London with Col
Codman to attend a reception 
given by Ike at Claridges.  
All the high British and 
Americans were there 
except F.M. Brooke C of S
and Montey I think Montey
cant bare to be seen unless
he is top dog.)
Sir Andrew Cunningham 
took special trouble to
look me up.  Also Air
Marshall Conyingham and
a lot of others.  Doolittle 
was there and we had a 
nice talk.  All the Military 
Elements of the Governments 
in exile were there too.  
The pleasure was not 
worth the long drive
but one had to go.

490

3-18-44
Saw Bradley, Hodges,
Joe Collins and Corlett.  
The two latter told me a 
lot about fighting Japs.  
They consider them vicious 
but not skillful fighters.  
[*type*] (Their methods of using
tanks against pill boxes 
will not work when 
A.T. guns are present.)
 
3-19-44
(Campanole, Stiller and I went 
to lunch with Sir Eugene 
Ramsden at a place some 
45 miles from here we
drove through Manchester 
and then over the Moores
every few miles we 
would come on quite a 
large city hidden in a
valley.  Leeds is
so situated.)

3-20-44
Worked hard most of 
day on Letter of Instruction 
# 2. covering Tactics.  
Gaffey and Gay arrived

491

About 1900 I was glad to 
see [Gaffey] both of them.

3-21-44
Had in all the staff of 7th Army 
and Col Williams 3d Army 
and told them that 3d Army
staff was carefully selected
and of long experience and 
that we were not to jump
at the conclusion that all 
we did was right and all 
they did wrong. Both have 
good methods and must
evolve a better method 
embodying the methods of
both staffs.

3-22-44
Nothing

[*Type*]  (3-23-44
Staff and Enlisted Hq. 3d Army
started arriving at 2045 
and finished at 0430
All were met and put
away. Col. Cummings did 
a good job.
Papers announced that Gen Patch is 
Commanding 7 Army.  Said I had one too.)

492

3-24-44
Gen Davis former C of S 
of 3d Army whom I asked 
not to have sent to UK 
came any how.  Either ETO
failed to send the wire or
it was not delivered by the 
A.G.
At 1000 we had all officers 
and men form infront of Peover 
and I gave them a talk
then.  Men marched off and 
I talked to all officers.  
Finally we had chiefs of 
sections and assistant in 
office.  
The talks went over 
in good shape.

3-25-44
We got a very amusing 
"Report on the Italian 
Campaign."  Signed by
Barr, Devers C of S but 
written, I think, by Clark
or Grunther.
It spent most of the 
opening pages saying 
how much higher the 
mountains in Italy were 

493

How much bigger and
meaner the Germans in 
Italy were and how 
much heavier Clarkes
losses have been.  
Finally to prove their 
superiority they said
that while we won a 
campaign in 38 days 
they had not won theirs 
yet.  It was stupid and
in bad taste.
The Leicester-Warren 
dance was a great 
success and we all 
had a fine time.
Sunday I am going 
to inspect the Royal Naval 
College, Eaton, Chester
have lunch there and
then fly to London so 
asto be on hand to be 
C B's Monday noon.

x  3-26-44
Captain B.H. Warner, R.N.
Commandant of the Royal Naval
College, Eaton, Chester asked 
me three weeks ago to 
come down today and

494

inspect the college.  
Capt Stiller and I arrived at 
1000 I saw the Colors taken
over by the guard.  They use a 
special march at half time
it is very impressive one 
of the color bearers had a 
fever of 102 but refused
to go sick until he had had 
the honor of carrying the 
colors.  
I inspected the guard then
48 Rens who do the clerical work then the different 
Companies of the Cadets 
they range in age from 
14 to nearly 18.  
[*Type*](Eaton hall is the home of
the Duke of Westminister
who is one of the richest
men in england.  It is
indecentlally large.  The
grounds are pretty before
the war he employed 120
gardners.)
[*Type*] (Flew to London arriving 
1700, called up Hughes and
found Lucas was with him
so went to their place.
As a result of my talk 
with Lucas I think that 

495

He was timid at the Beach Head
He said he did not feel 
justified in expending a 
Corps.  Well hed did not 
expend it because he did 
not try.  Had he taken the
high ground he might have 
been cut off but again 
he might not with out
the high ground the landing
was useless.  Our losses 
probably in excess of 18000 
have been useless.
Both Alex and Clark were 
present on shore on D day 
and said nothing.
They should have put the
heat on had it seemed
necessary.)

3-27-44
[*Type*] (Went to Wide Wing (Ikes Hq)
at 1050.  Found that I was 
not expected to lunch
in fact with the exception 
of McClure with the exception
of McCluer the Publicity man
none of the officers
to be decorated were
asked. Lunch was for 
the benefit of the British

496

I had lunch with Butcher 
Kay, Briggs and several 
other Wacs.
At 1400 there was a two
Company guard American and 
British. 
F.M. Sir Allen Brooke CIGS
Represented the King and 
pinned on the ribbons.  
Eddy and I got CB's Holmes
and McCluer OBE's and the
other there lesser things.) 
Sir Andrew Cunningham 
was there and very nice 
as usual.  Brooke said 
"Don't wince Patton I shant 
kiss you."  He also said 
that I had earned the 
decoration more than 
any other American.  
He probably said the same 
thing to each one.  He is of the 
clerical type.  
Ike said "I wish the Americans 
could be a smart as 
the British.
I also chatted with Phillips 
Political Advisor to Ike. Mr P. 
was terribly worried about 
how to prevent

497

Fraternization between 
Germans and Americans 
during the first seven 
months of our occupation. 
I think he crosses bridges
before he reaches them).
I learned from Lucas that 
in the initial landing the 
British as usual failed to
land until evening. 14 hours 
late.  3-28-44
At noon Gen W B Smith phoned 
me about my letter to 
Gen Lee about 15% overstrength 
for 3d Army.  He stated that 
Gen Bradley and Gen Allen were 
excited because I was trying 
to rob them.  He said that
I should have come to him 
after Ike told me in the
presence of Bradley on Mar 8
that the 3d Army could also
have 15% over just as
the 1st Army.  He said Ike 
often makes mistakes
unless "I see to it."
I told him that I had 
carried out the exact 
instructions I had 
received from the C in C

498

I also stated that during 15
days between Mar 8 & Mar 23 
when Lee phoned me 
and asked that I resubmit
the directive in writing
nothing had been done.
Beadle said that when 
I knew Lee better I would 
be surprised that he got
around to it in two weeks.
We are most unfortunate 
to have Lee who is a star
gazer and Pro English, and
Beadle who yearns for
safe power.


3-29-44
Gen Hughes, who came back 
with me on the 27, and I 
waited all day for the weather 
to clear so we could fly 
to Ireland it did not clear.

3-30-44
At the moment 0900 it
looks as if we could get off 
soon.  
Took off at 1330 and 
landed at 1440.  Gen 
Haislip met us and we

499

drove to the Hq. 5 Div.
Commanded by Gen Irwin 
who was Artillery officer of 
9th Div in Tunisia and whom 
I got promoted.  Brig Gen Alan
Warnock is No 2 and Brig Gen
Vandevere is artillery he was
artillery instructor at Riley 
when I was there in '38.  
The whole Div was arranged 
in Mass and looked superior
I have never seen a better 
turn out.  And having done 
it many times in all grades 
from Major to Major General
I know the amount of care 
and effort put into it.  The 
junior officers must be
good.  
My talk was a little too 
long. But I praised them 
for their two years in 
Iceland of which they are 
proud and on which 
no one has commended
them.  
We then saw an attack 
against a fortified 
position using all types 
of live ammunition

500

it was very well done. 
They will fight.

3-31-44
Made a talk to the 8th Div 
Gen McMahon, Gen Walker 
no 2 and Gen Pickering my
old Chief of staff Artillery.  
The Div was massed and 
looked as well or better 
than the 5th it was a most 
inspiring sight.  
After lunch they put on 
a battalion reinforced in 
an attack on a hostily
occupied position. It was 
the best thing of its sort 
I have ever seen.  They 
used marching fire and
two men were hit one
in the fleshy part of 
the right shoulder. The 
other in the calf of the 
leg.  Nothing serious.  
(The man hit in the
shoulder kept on and 
even threw grenades
it showed a very fine 
spirit.  The Lt. Col
commanding is a R.O. named

501

Jones  who is a famous 
foot ball coach in the 
south - a natural leader.
I asked that the soldier
be given the "Soldiers 
medal")
This Div will fight. 

4-1-44
Talked to the 2d Div Gen 
Robertson, B.G. Martin (the artist) 
Artillery Hayes M.H. 
Later we saw an attack 
by a battalion supported 
by the entire Div Artillery.  
The Parade was as good 
as the other two or nearly so
but the problem was poor 
in concept though well 
executed in technique.  
M.G. and mortars too far 
back, no marching fire 
and infantry advancing by 
rushes when there was 
no point to it.  I was 
rather too severe in my 
criticism to Robertson 
but told the men how 
good they were.  It is 
a good division

502

Called on Lt Gen Cunningham 
who commands in Ireland.  He 
is brother to Sir Andrew 
but not so impressive. 

4-2-44
Hoped to fly back to day
but no visibility.  Hughes
and I had long talk with 
Haislip and did a lot of
good I am quite impressed 
with him.  
Took a long walk. 

4-3-44
Still weather bound.  Inspected 
Corps Ordnance and Signal 
units all excellent to superior.  
Took boat at Belfast at
2000 very quiet trip. 

4-4-44
Landed at 0600 near 
Black Pool.  Reached 
Peover at 0900 by car,
Gaffey tells me that a 
W.D. inspector is in London
in connection with the
killing of prisoners in 
[#] Sicily.  I tried two 

503

men  a Captain and a 
Sgt for it and they pleaded
at the trial that I had 
ordered them to do it.  
When I addressed the 45 Div 
in Africa just before we
sailed for Sicily I got 
pretty bloody trying to get 
an untried division to 
the sticking point.  Among 
other things I said if the 
enemy keeps shooting at 
you till you are right 
on top of him you 
can't stop shooting when 
he tries to surrender if 
he wants to surrender 
he must do it in time 
or come to you with his 
hands up.  If he snipes 
you from the rear you 
must kill him if you can.  
I just heard an amusing 
incident.  Some one overheard
a heated discussion 
between Wedemeyer and Ike 
about me.  Finally Wedemeyer said 
"Hell get onto your self Ike. You 
didn't make him!  He made 
you."

504

4-5-44
Codman Odom and I left 
for London via Hq. VIII Corps
I wanted to talk to Middleton 
about the shootings and 
also about my two addresses 
to the 45th Div as he was
present at both in his
capacity of the then Div 
Commander.  
His memory was the same
as mine on what I had
said.
[*Type*] (We reached London at 
1530 and called up Gen
Ollie Haines the I.G. and
asked him to come over.
Lt. Col Williams an I.G.
from Washington was with
him.)
They asked me the regular 
questions about being 
willing to testify and notified
me of my rights. 
Capt Compton Co A 180 inf
and Sgt West Co C 180 were 
the two men who did
the murdering on July 14 
43 near Butera Air field  
Compton rounded up 32

505

snipers five of whom were 
in civilian clothes in hole or
in part and had them
shot with out trial.  
The ones in civilian clothes 
could have been legaly 
the rest not.  
Sgt. West was conducting 
36 men to the rear and just
halted them on the road
and killed them.  I think he
was crazy.
At the trials the defense 
councils said that on
my speech to the Div on 
June 27(?) I had said
that if the enemy resisted 
until we got to with in
200 yds they had forfeited 
their right to live.  What 
I said as near as I can 
remember was "In a close 
fight when you get within 
100 or 200 yds of the enemy
and he shows signs of 
wishing to surrender 
don't cease firing and go in 
to get him but keep on 
shooting until he 
comes to you with his

506

hands up."  
Concirning snipers I said 
"when you are sniped 
especially from the rear 
the snipers must be 
destroyed."  Of course in 
neither case did I contemplate 
murder of men who had 
surrendered.  The fact that 
Johnny Waters is a prisoner 
would aside from any
thing else have made me 
the last one to do a thing 
for which they could 
retaliate on him. 
Codman and I took 
Wedemeyer to dinner and 
had a very pleasant talk 
with him later.

4-6-44
Hughes came in at 0800 to 
see if he could do any
thing to help me.  We
decided to write Surles 
an accurate account of 
the murders so that 
if DP got hold of it
we could get the
truth out at once

507

I went to see Bradley but 
he was busy.  Saw Wedemeyer 
again in P.M.  Went to 
theater with Hughes and 
Elizabeth. 

4-7-44
[*Type*] (Gaffey, Maddox, Muller and 
I went to the "Briefing of the 
1st US and 2d British Armies
at St. Pauls school at 0855
Monty talked two hours
then Air Marshall Sir [Leigh] T.
Leigh-Mallory and Adm Sir B Ramsey
there was much better
mutual understanding
then in the one we had
at Algers last July but)
the navy was still quite 
gloomy and had lots 
of reasons why 
the thing would fail. 
After lunch Bradley 
Geroe and Collins gave 
1st Army Plans and the 
British 2 British army
plans.  The B's were
much too prolix and
vague at the same 
time.  We did well

508

The PM made the last talk 
and the best he said
remember that this is an 
invasion not the
creation of a fortified 
beach head.
During his talk I was
the only Army he refered
to by name calling it Pattons
army.  As a matter of fact
I am the only one who has
commanded an army except
him self.
Had dinner with Ike,
Mr McCloy, McNarney
Bradley, Beadel and me. 
McNarney jumped on 
Ike about the mis handling 
of replacements in Africa 
which is correct and 
they are doing a worse 
job here. I can't get
any one to realize that
even with out fighting
a unit is always about
8% below strength due
 to sickness etc and that
a unit fifteen percent
low in man power
is at least 30% low

509 [in efficiency]

in efficiency.  That is
because none of our
top flight generals have
ever fought.  As usual
Brad said nothing. He 
does all the getting along and 
does it to his own advantage.  
I expect I take chances 
because at heart the 
army is not my living
besides I am a soldier -
a simple soldier.  
Referring to the I.G. incident 
Ike said "you talk too 
much."  I said if you order 
me not to I will stop
other wise I will 
continue to influence
men the only way I know"
he said go ahead but 
watch your self.
All of them but me are 
scared to death.

4-8-44
Drove back by
way of Henley and
Turville Park where papa 
and mama lived one 
summer 

510

We had quite a time 
finding it. First we got 
to Turville Grange where 
an old lady named 
D'Hotpal (?) said she was 
sure they had never 
lived there as she had 
lived there 30 years and 
the Dear Queen Alexandrine
had visited her there during 
the last dreadful war.  
Turville Park is now
taken over by the ministry
of works and used as 
a storage place for 
things from the British 
Museum.  I was glad to 
have seen it as the family 
liked it so much. 

4-9-44
Easter: went to church.

4-10-44
Nothing

4-11-44
Nothing

511

4-12-44
Gen Greer of the 79 Div 
called.  He was Col of the 
18 Inf.  In Tunisia and 
did very well I had him 
made.  We had him to 
lunch and had a very 
pleasant talk.

4-13-44
Gen Macon of the 83rd Div 
called.  He commanded the 
7th Inf when we landed 
in Morocco and did 
well I had him made. 
Gen. Middleton came to 
see me and we had a 
talk on the use of 
separate Tank Bns in 
support of Inf.  I used 
many of his ideas in 
the memo I am writing 
on that subject.  
Gen Hines Chief of AA
3d Army came to lunch
After lunch I had Gen
Earnest in to talk on the 
use of Tank Destroyers
he is to draw up a 
memo of them similar

512

to the one I wrote on Tanks.  
We also had a staff 
meeting to discuss the new 
Directive for the employment 
of the 3d Army.  It is pretty 
general and means that 
when we get to France 
we will fight.  I have 
a feeling - probably 
unfounded - that either 
Monty or Bradley are 
not too anxious for me 
to have a command.  If 
they knew what little 
respect I have for the 
fighting ability of either 
of them they would be 
even less anxious for 
me to show them up. 

4-14-44
Played golf alone with 
a half wit caddy and did 
worse than usual also 
ran a little and walked 
about a mile I am in 
good shape and wish 
the whistle would 
blow.  Col Paige who 
used to be in the Artillery 

513

of the 9th Div and should have 
had a star is here. Eddy 
said he was unhappy in 
the 9th under Ikes classmate 
Rowell who got the star 
so I got him transferred to 
the 5th Armored Div.  The 
Artillery officer they had was 
no good. 

4-15-44
Not a damned thing I can 
do.  All the staff is working 
and we are doing all right. 
I inspected the Engrs Art
G-3 and G-2 offices.  This 
staff does not work with 
the same intensity as 
that of the 7th Army but
it will learn.
I inspected the Army 
Forward Echelon Messes 
and had Gay Eat lunch 
at the officers.  Stiller 
will eat supper at
the E.M's mess
A Lt. was picked up for
entering a factory over
a fence. He was probably
drunk.  

514

I talked to Col MacDonald 
the Provost M.  about him
He will be tried. 

4-16-44
(Lunch with the Leicester-Warrens
they used to be de-Warrens 
as I saw this on an inscription 
in the Chapel.  
Called on Col Goldsmith
who wrote a lot of good
books I gather that he
is a better writer than a 
horseman.)

4-17-44
(Had a staff meeting at 
1100 to tell staff that they
were lax and did not
follow things through.
I told them that I was
not going to cut off any
heads but just me that
they frustrated.)
Col Cutler M.C. was 
here for breakfast he 
has a very good idea put 
the slightly wounded in 
a hospital by them
selves and the badly

515

wounded in another.
Then the doctors in the
slightly wounded hospital
will be interested to get
their men back quickly
If a man gets back to his
old outfit it will reassure
the others and they will
not worry about wounds.
Floyd Scowden came 
to lunch and was quite
keen to hear about uniforms
shoes etc.)

4-18-44
Mr McCloy & Gens McNarney 
and Lee arrived in their 
special Train at Knutsford 
at 0745 we had breakfast 
and drove here in jeeps
showed them the map 
giving location of 3d Army 
and then took them to
a statemt by the Staff 
on our part of the
assault plan.  The whole
show took 55 min and 
was well done.)
 (I mentioned and so 
did Middleton that the

516

in the set up there is a
British Corps under 1st U S
Army set to enter paris.)
I also said to them in 
private that I hoped the 
1st U S Army Group would 
be functioning so that 
American troops would 
not enter paris under 
an Englishman. 
Mr McCloy asked me what 
I thought of Montey.  I said 
first that I preferred 
not to answer and then 
on being pressed I said 
I thought Montey was 
too cautious and would 
not take calculated risks. 
They both urged me to
say nothing that would 
get me criticized as it 
was possible that some
one would put a resolution
in congress to have me
returned. I told them that 
my methods had produced 
men who would fight 
and that I would be 
untrue to my self 
If I failed to use them

517

regardless of what happened
to me.  McNarney said
that the thing was to keep 
out of trouble so that I could 
lead the men.  
McCloy said that he would
see that I commanded an 
Army in France inspite 
of Hell. 
[*Type*] (Gen Waterhouse an Englishman 
is coming to lunch.  
Gen W told me a good story
attributed to Moltke.
"Officers have four attributes
Intelligence - Stupidity 
Energy - Lazyness
An Energetic & intelligent man
makes a good staff officer
An intelligent Lazy man
makes a commander
A stupid lazy man can be 
used but God deliver me 
from an energetic fool.)

4-19-44
Nothing

518

4-20-44
Left at 0800 to give a talk 
to the 90th Div, MacKelvie - Devine
Williams at BRIDGENORTH all the
officers and senior non coms 
were present.  After I finished 
Gen Middleton the Corps Commander 
gave a fine talk using 
football as a vehicle of 
expression.  
When the troops were 
dismissed we assembled 
all Colonels and Battalion 
Commanders and had an 
informal talk.  I was very 
favorably impressed 
with the appearance and 
discipline and size of 
the division.
After lunch we drove 
to the Hq XX Corps at MARLBOROUGH
I talked at some length 
to the Corps staff.  Walker 
tries hard but is fat and 
short two qualities which
I always distrust. 

4-21-44
In morning we inspected 
A Corps Artillery CPX

519

it was very bookish and 
showed lack of imagination. 
The problem was in the 
downs and there were as 
far as the eye could see 
three lines of trees - natural
enemy artillery targets. 
[*Type*] (The close defense MGs were 
right in the position and so 
unable to keep fire from 
reaching it.) 
Before lunch we looked 
at a racing stable 
where some Astor 
horses were training.  
I thought that from the 
conformation standpoint they 
were a poor lot.  
After lunch spoke to the 
officers [of] and senior
Non Coms of the 28th Div 
Gen Lloyd Brown, Buchanan 
& Perry at CHISLENDON
Walker told me that they 
were pretty ratty but I 
thought them very good.  
Talked to Regimental and 
Battalion commanders at 
some length especially 
on use of assault fire

520

[*Type*] (Walker and I then drove to 
Chippenham to see Gen JS Wood 
4th Armored div. and explain
to him an illustrative
exercise I want put on to 
show use of a tank [?Pra] Pl.
in close support of 
infantry. P. was pretty well
cracked up as a result
of a Peep rolling over him.)

4-22-44
Left P's Hq at 0600
and got to CASTLE MARTIN
at the SW end of Wailes 
at 1100.  C.C.B. under Col 
George Reed of the 6th Armd Div 
is there having firing and 
doing well.  Gen Grow 
was also there.  Inspected 
all types of firing. the 
Bazooka was bad as they 
were firing at long
ranges 150 yds and getting
misses.  
The tactical dispositions 
were bad but the use 
of weapons good
they did however take
too long in ingaging

521

surprise A.T.

4-23-44
Left at 0800 and got 
to Peover at 1330 drive
along west coast of Wailes
was very pretty.  The Burrous
family came to dinner and 
a very bad movie. 

4-24-44
We gave the CG's and staffs
of VIII & XV Corps a two
hour briefing on the 
assault plan it was 
very well done.  
Decorated Haislip with 
Oak leaf cluster on his DSM 
for work in Desert.  Yet 
Muller & Gay who ran a 
good war can't get the 
DSM.

4-25-44
Gen Billy Wyche and two 
staff officers came to 
lunch and were briefed 
on plan.  Gaffey, Gay, Maddox 
and I went over possible 
use of 3d Army and I drew

522

up a draft memo on it.  We 
fear that Montey will 
steal our 28th Div to use 
against. Havre and then
we will have no 
Amphibious Div to get 
us ashore.  It is too bad 
that no one in FUSAG has
ever been to war they 
are not realists. 
At 1800 Nick, Stiller and
a British ensign who 
is Nicks land ladies nephew 
went to Knutsford to see 
the opening of a British 
Welcome club.  I had been 
asked to open it but 
declined as I don't want 
to be too prominent.  
There were several
speeches to about fifty
people mostly women
and I was asked to say
a few words which I 
did.

4-26-44
Today we had Doc Cook 
of the XII Corps and 
Walker of the XX with

523

staffs to lunch and then gave 
them the long Briefing on
the operation. Our staff did 
a realy swell job and I 
was proud of them.  
Just before lunch the 
public relations people 
from Ikes called up to know 
what I had said in my 
talk yesterday.  They got Hap 
on the line and told him 
to ask me what I had 
said about British and 
Americans ruling the 
world.  I told him that I 
said since it was the 
evident destiny of England
and America and of course 
the Russians to rule the 
world the better we 
knew each other it
would be.  Hap told me 
that some papers
said I mentioned the 
russians and some did 
not.  
Since it seems to have 
been a bad thing to 
do I will copy from 
the program the names

524

of the principle people 
present.
Hon. Mrs Constantine Smith 
Chairman of the Committee 
opened the show and 
introduced Miss Foster 
Jeffery O.B.E. Regional
Administrator of W.V.S.
Miss Jeffery made a speech 
pronounced the club open
and then asked me to 
say something. I did.  As 
far as I knew no 
correspondents were 
present and not more 
than 50 or 60 people
 mostly women.  In any 
case I was realy trying to 
be careful.  
Mr. F. Johnson, Chairman 
of the Knutsford Urban
District Council made
a speech thanking Miss 
Jeffery and me.  
Then Col T. Blatherwick DSO, C.B. 
made a speech.  
Next Mr A. Armstrong 
U. S. Consul for Manchester
and finally Mr G. Mould 
of the Ministry of

525

information.  
I thanked every one and 
went home.  
When Mrs Constantine Smith 
introduced me she said 
"Gen Patton is not here officially" 
which was naturally an added
reason for me to think that 
no mention would be made 
of my presence or remarks 
in the press. 

4-27-44
[*Type*] (Col Ganoe came to 
see me at 0900.  He is 
Historian for the Theater
and is putting a team of
9 officers with each Army.  
Our head man is
Professor of Military history 
at the University of Chicago 
Bill Ganoe told me an 
interesting thing Hooker 
commanded the Union Army 
at Chancellorsville his 
plan was fine and to
a point well executed. 
After he got over the
river he got a letter 
from the President in 

526

which Mr Lincoln said 
that he had given Hooker 
command under protest and 
that he him self had no
confidence in Hooker.  Hooker 
promptly assumed a defensive 
position.) 
So far as I am concerned
every effort is made to 
show lack of confidence 
in my judgment and at the
same time in every case of 
stress great confidence in 
my fighting.  None of those 
at Ikes Hq ever go to bat 
for juniors and in any 
argument between British 
and Americans invariably 
favor the British.  Benedict 
Arnold is a piker compared 
with them and that includes 
Lee as well as Ike and 
Beadle. 
Beadle called up at 1030 
and said that he was 
giving me a verbal 
order from Ike that I
am never to talk in 
public with out 
first submitting 

527

what I am going to say 
to Ike and Beadel for 
censor ship.  There by 
displaying great confidence
 in an Army Commander - If 
I have not been relieved -
Beadle also said that
due to my "unfortunate"
remarks the permanint 
promotion of him self 
and me might never 
come off.  How sad?
In consonance with this 
order I am unable to talk 
to either the 79 - 80 - 83 - or 
7th Armored Divs.  A restriction 
that will surely cost lives 
yet if I break it I will get 
relieved and that would
mean defeat and a still 
larger loss.  "God show the 
right" and damn all 
reporters and gutless men. 
The first group of the
Civil affairs section came
to see me and we had a 
talk.  Gaspar Bacon was
one of them.

528

[*Type*]
4-28-44
(Gen Le Clark who commands 
the French Armored Div 
attached to the 3d Army
came to call we had a guard 
of honor.  He is the man 
who marched to Tunisia 
all the way from central
Africa.)  He looks just like
an American and I think
speaks better english than
he admits.

4-29-44
[*Type*] (A company of our MP's
a band and a group of 
nurses took part in the 
Alderley Edge Salute the 
Soldier Movement.  I went 
and looked on from a
side street.) Later Col 
Goldschmidt and I went to 
look at some horses
they did not impress me
much.  Apparently he and 
Col. McFadden are mortal 
enemies. 

4-30-44 Sunday
Went to Church

529

while I was there Beadle 
called up and told me to 
report to Ike at Ikes office
at either 1100 or 1500 
tomorrow.  It can be any
thing from a reprimand 
to a reduction or a new 
plan of campaign. These
constant pickings are a 
little hard on the nerves 
but great training. I feel 
that if I get reduced 
and sent home it might 
be quite important as 
I would get into politics 
as an honest and straight
spoken man and would 
either be a great 
success or a dismal 
failure.  
Gaffey was told by 
Hughes that on the 28th 
when H. went to see 
him he was just 
writing a cable to 
GCM saying that he
Ike had no further need 
of protecting me and 
would not resist my 
being recalled. 

530

When H. showed him my 
statement on the Knutsford 
speech incident he said 
oh Hell and tore the Cable 
up.  I do know from Mrs P
that H. is still worried 
about me - so am I. 

5-1-44
Inspite of possible 
execution this AM I slept 
well and trust my destiny
God has never let me 
or the country down yet.  
Reported to Ike at 1100.  He 
was most cordial and
asked me to sit down so
I felt a little reassured.  He said 
"George you have gotten your
self into a very serious fix" 
I said "Before you go any 
further I want to say that your 
job is more important than 
mine so if in trying to save 
me you are hurting your
self throw me out."  
He said "I have now got 
all that the Army can 
give me it is not a 
question of hurting me

531

but of hurting your self and 
depriving me of a fighting 
Army Commander."  
He went on to say that 
GCM had wired him 
that my repeated mistakes 
have shaken the confidence 
of the country in the War Dept. 
GCM even harked back 
to the Kent Lambert in 
Nov 1942 - certainly a 
forgiving S.O.B. 
Ike said he had recommended 
that if I were to be 
relieved and sent home 
I be not reduced to a 
Colonel as the relief would
be sufficient punishment 
and that he felt that 
situations might well 
arise where it would 
be necessary to put me
in command of an army. 
I told Ike that I was 
perfectly willing to
fall out on a permanent 
promotion so as not 
to hold the others back.  
Ike said that GCM
had told him that 

532

my crime had destroyed 
all chance of my perminent 
promotions as the opposition 
said that even if I was the
best tactician and strategist 
in the army my demonstrated 
lack of judgment made 
me unfit to command.  
He said that he had 
wired GCM on Sunday 
washing his hands of me
(he did not use those words 
but that is what he 
meant). 
I told him that if I was 
reduced to a Colonel I 
demanded the right to 
command one of the
assault regiments. That 
this was not a favor 
but a right.  He said 
no because he felt 
that he would surely 
need me to command 
an Army. 
I said I am not threatening 
but I want to tell you 
that this attack is 
badly planned and on 
too narrow a front 
204.895.215

533

and may well result in an 
Anzio especially if I am 
not there.  He replied "Don't 
I know it but what can 
I do?"  that is a hell 
of a remark for a 
supreme commander.  
The fact is that the plan 
which he has approved 
 drawn by a 
group of British in 1943
Montey changed it only 
by getting 5 instead of 
three divisions into 
the assault.  But the 
front is too short
there should be three 
separate attacks on at 
least a 90 mile front
I have said this for 
nearly a year. 
Ike said he had written 
me a "savage" letter
but wanted me to know 
that his hand is 
being forced from
U.S.  He talked to the P.M.
about the incident and 
Churchill told him that 
He could see nothing

534

to it as Patton had 
simply told the truth.
Ike then went on to 
excuse GCM on the 
ground that it was an 
election year etc. 
It is sad and shocking 
to think that victory 
and the lives of thousands 
of men are pawns to 
the "fear of they" and 
the writings of a group 
of unprincipled reporters 
and weak kneed
congressmen but so it 
is.  
When I came out I don't 
think that any one 
could tell that I had 
just been killed.  I have
lost lots of compititions 
in a sporting way
but I never did better.  
I feel like death.  But 
I am not out yet if 
they will let me 
fight I will if not 
I will resign so as to 
be able to talk 
and then I will tell 

535

the truth and possibly
do my country more good.  
All the way home, five
hours I recited poetry 
to my self.  
If you can make one heap 
Of all your winnings
And risk them on one game 
Of pitch and toss
And lose and start again
At your beginning
And never breathe a word 
About your loss.

I dared extreme occasion 
And never one betrayed.
My final thought on the 
matter is that I am 
destined to achieve some 
great thing what I do not
know.  But this last 
incident was so trivial 
in its nature yet so
terrible in its effect 
that it is not the result 
of an accident but 
the work of God.  His 
will be done.
[*2.04.895.215*]

536

Gen Lutes of the U. S. SOS was
here when I got back after 
supper we gave him a 
Briefing and entertained him
I hope to get some equipment 
as a result. 

5-2-44
Felt very much like a 
Thanksgiving turkey all 
day waiting for the ax to 
fall but no news.  I did 
not feel like working but 
luckily had little to do. 

5-3-44
Went to the Station hospital 
164 to have my teeth cleaned
it is a very good hospital 
the best I have seen in 
any theater at the request 
of Lt. Col. Clune the C.O. I 
made an informal 
inspection.
When I got back 
Gay handed me an 
Eisenhower to Patton
telegram, which said 
in effect, Since the WD
has placed the decision

537

of relieving you on me I have 
decided to keep you.  My 
letter on this subject will 
be put in the official file 
(cover plan) go ahead and 
train your army.
I felt much better and 
wrote Ike thanking him.  
He called up in person and 
was very nice.  Some times 
I am very fond of him 
this is one of the times.  
When I read the wire I
called to Gay "the war
is over" which I always s
ay when I mean
that trouble is over.  Capt
Murnane heard me 
and thought I meant 
that the war was over 
for me.  So when Hugh,
Gay, Codman Stiller and
I all took a drink to 
celebrate he thought 
we were very calous. 
Gen McClane who used 
to be in the 45 Div
called.  He was at Salerno 
and also at Anzio
He said that at Salerno

538

Clark got badly scared 
although the counter attack
was nothing to what 
we had a Gela, and he was 
there too.  As a result of 
this scare the battle cry of 
the Anzio landing was
"No more Salernos" and
they were timid.  He said 
that for the first day
and most of the second 
the high ground could 
have been had for the 
walk. 
Later the Bosch built up 
fast.  
[*Type*] (I heard that this build up 
was made by using the 
motorized reconnaissance 
units from all the available 
units and later bringing 
in the inf.  McClane said
this was possible but
that they certainly got
identifications of the
following German Divs.
Herman Goering, 3rd Armored 
1st Panza. 71-64-114-26-715
Inf Div and one SS Div.)
McClane is a Nat. Guard 

539

officer of great courage 
and efficiency I asked
for him as a reserve 
Div commander but Bradley 
got first chance. 
Brig Gen (Big) Jack Thompson 
came to [?did] dinner.  
Gaffey, Gay, Thompson and I 
went to the Bells of Peover 
Inn to celebrate.  7th Armored 
has been delayed two 
weeks.  

5-4-44
I felt all tense so took 
pills and a bromide with 
no effect so far.  Gaffey 
and Maddox went to 
London to get our final 
plan approved. 

5-5-44
Wrote a paper on the use 
of Armored Divs.  
Major Gen Moore Chief Engr
Natousa came to call.  It is 
a very cold rainy day.
But I have completely 
gotten back in the swing 
of things.  Thank God.

540

5-6-44
Col Miller A.C. the Army Air 
officer has arranged a number 
of flights of Air Planes of
all sorts over our troops 
so they can get some idea 
of how they will look.  
They fly in a specified order 
so the troops can pick them 
out as they have the lists. 
I went out in a Mosquito 
in one of these demonstrations 
and was up for nearly 
two hours the troops
were very attentive and
I think we did some good.
I had never flown at 300 MPH
before and the effects of
gravity and centrifugal 
force are quite interesting.  

5-7-44
Sunday Gay and I 
went calling in P.M. 

5-8-44
Left in AM to talk to 
Officers of XII Corps and 
then to see P Wood about 
the tank and Infantry attack

541

on Apr 15  I wrote paper 
on the tactical use of a separate 
tank Bn in an attack with
infantry.  Showing when inf
leads and when tanks lead and 
how they support each 
other.  
We first went to see the 
sand table demonstration 
which was allong the lines 
I had prescribed with a
few changes in verbiage
and a shortening of the
attack order.
We will go and see a 
rehearsal in the morning.  

5-9-44
Left house at 0800 
and got to downs in time
all arrangements well made.  
In first rehearsal Inf
advanced by rushes when 
defiladed and failed to 
use weapons.  I called 
officers together and explained 
errors them.  Had lunch.  
In second rehearsal I 
accompanied Gen Dager in
a half track with a

542

radio. The support and 
reserves were so far back
as to be wholy useless
the tanks did better but 
the officers and Non Coms of 
Infantry just went along 
as members of the chorus 
and gave no orders it was 
very sad. When the tanks
jumped off from the second 
objective the infantry were 
slow following.  The occupation 
of the position was poor 
and the emplacement of AT guns
awful.  
I again assembled the
officers and gave them hell
I hope they improve.
A majority of the general
officers of the Army came 
to dinner including the 
Frenchman Le Clair
after dinner I read them
a draft of a paper
on the tactical use of
Armored Divs etc and
tried to get reactions
with out much
success.  Hardly any
officer ever projects


543

what he does in training into
battle.  That is why they
do so badly.

5-10-44
We had all the Regimental
and Battalion commanders
of Inf and the separate tank Bn
commanders of the Army
assembled.  The demonstration
was a great success
except that this time the
reserve Co was too close
I was delighted and feel
that I have at last
illustrated the use of
marching fire and of
tanks and Inf.
As the result of an
invitation from Ike to
a lunch on Friday the 12th
I came to London.
It strikes me as a sad
reflection on our state
of preparation for
war that I had to
personally conduct and
drive the rehearsals.
But so it is.

542A

List of officers present
at Dinner
Wood, 4th Armd Div
Wyche, 79 Div
Walker, XX Corps
Patton
MacMahon 8th Div
Lloyd Brown 28th Div
LeClerc 2d French Armd Div
Tailor Bg. 6th Armd Div
Grow 6th Armd Div
Irwin 5th Div
Oliver 5th Armored Div
Regnier Bg. 5th Armd Div
Gay
Thompson 7th Armd Div
Macon 83 Div
Col Allen G-3 XV Corps
Holly Armored Force
Earnest T.D.
Slack Art O. XX Corps

544

5-11-44
(Hughes and I drove to 
Cheltingham to see Col 
Walter Leyman about
replacements.  I think that 
at last I made them see
that owing to sickness
and accident a unit is
never 100% of strength
and that therefore it starts
short and is never
built up.  We should
always have at least
15% over strength in order
to have 100% on the
firing line because
the sick lame and lazy
of any unit always
run around 8 to 10%
and always will that
would leave 5 to 7%
extra to fill first days
casualties and so
bridge the gap to the
arrival of the 1st 
replacements.)
Of course it is a scandel
that we have so
few replacements and
so many SOS troops

545

Every campaign I know of
has failed due to lack
of replacements. (Had 
the Duke of York in 1793 
gotten replacements in Belgium
the French republican
Armies might well
have been stopped and
18 years of British 
defeats made unnecessary.)

5-12-44
[*Type*](Ike had a lunch at the 
Officers Club at Wide Wing
to commemorate the African 
Campaign.  As many as 
possible both British and 
American were there.
Tedder, Conyingham, Doolittle 
Spaats, Hughes, Gaffey, Patton,
Hubner, Eddy, Smith, thirty
two in all.
Ike made an excellent speech
he said "We are gathered here 
to commemorate our 
success in Africa.  
On looking around however
I just calculated that if
each one of you had fired
a MG for half an hour

546

you would have used all together
350000 rounds against the enemy
so perhaps we did not make
the best use of our resources.
But seriously this is hardly 
a time to stress passed
victories too strongly so I 
ask that we all stand and 
drink a silent toast to our 
fellow soldiers who will 
never leave Africa."  
I suggested that it was not
my ambition to be the
object of such a Toast
too soon.
We, Gaffey and I went to 
see Beadle about the constant 
demands being made on 
us by ETOUSA for men and
their failure to get us equipment.
He is a most insuferable
ass and after talking very
loud and using the interphone
a lot gave no discussion. 
Ike asked me to come in 
for a chat which I did)
No lecture at all!!!
Hughes and I went for 
a walk and visited a 
saddle shop on Oxford St

547

Also Purdys gun shop.  Here 
we met the Purdy brothers 
who ran an office more 
like a club than any thing
else.  We saw Beadles shot-gun 
which they are giving him 
he in exchange has presented 
the son of the one of them with 
an electric train value 
$20.00? and two US Army 
Carbines. Which he had 
no right to present.  
The shot gun is probably 
priced at $2000.00. It is 
the cheapest swindle 
either of us had ever seen. 

5-13-44
Read and loafed in PM
Codman and I went to Marian 
Halls for Tea [where] and met
a Col Johnson who is interested
in PW's we had Marian Hall 
and James Hazen Hydes 
daughter in law to dinner.  
Later we called on the Lunts 
with Sandy Patch.  They
are interesting but colorless
sort of human phonograph 
records.

548

5-14-44
Col and Mrs Enriques took 
Codman and me to lunch at the 
Cavalry club.  Church at St. Pauls.  
Later we went out and had 
dinner with Gen Doolittle. 

5-15-44
[*Type*] (All the senior commanders and their 
Chiefs of Staff assembled at 
St. Pauls School for the final
briefing for the attack
The King, PM, Field Marshall
Smuts were also present.  
Ike lead off with a brief
statement. Adm Ramsey told
how hard it was going to
be from a naval stand point
I felt that he over stressed
the difficulty.  Most of the
talks were by the British
and as usual with them
were rambling. Bradley 
and Spaats made short 
and good presentations.  
The King said a few 
colorless words and left
before lunch.
At lunch Mr. Churchill 
was very nice to me and

549

asked if I remembered him.
After lunch there were more 
talks. Adm Kirk made a 
weak stilted one and the 
Corresponding British 
admiral made a fine fighting 
talk.  
Smuts talked a lot but 
repeated him self and was 
not impressive.  
Finally the PM made a 
realy great fighting speech 
it was worth all that 
preceded it.  He took 
a crack at over stressing 
civil government.  And said 
that his views would
hurt the feelings of his 
dear friend Gen. Du Gaul.  
Returned to Peover. 

5-16-44
Made a talk to the officers 
and Senior Non Coms 
of the 79th Div and 
also to Staff of VIII Corps
Middleton made a 
good talk as usual. 

5-17-44

550

5-17-44
Made a talk to the officers 
and Senior Non Coms also 
I addressed 3 Army 
School of Administration.  
As in all my talks I stress
[?stern] fighting and killing.
In addition to the $870 odd 
I already owe Sgt Meeks I 
owe him as of May 1
an additional $347.75.

5-18-44
Beadle Smith called me on 
the phone to say that some
one had told Ike that the 
Discipline and Espirit of 
the 5th Armored Div was 
bad owing to their being 
on house keeping duty in 
the marshaling area.  
Damn these people who 
listen to rumors and 
double damn those 
who spread them, in this 
case I think it was Kenner 
he talks too much.  
Middleton and Maddox 
are going South to 
talk with the Navy

551

about the Belle Isle operation 
and will look into it.  
I marked on my map 
to day the places I think 
I will have to fight.  I did
it before Sicily and was
correct. The only worry I 
have about this show is 
how I am going to get the 
Army across and 
assembled on the other 
side for the fighting I have 
no worries.

5-19-44
For over a month we 
have been trying to get 
a new command Post 
nearer the imbarkation 
area we had it all set 
[*Type*] (and then some one
Beadel I think told us to 
stay put.)  People who 
lack both inspiration 
and experience are 
a menace in war. 
If this show does not 
go as planned and I 
think it won't they 
will need me at once

552

and here I am too far
away.

5-20-44
Middleton and Maddox
got back and tell me that
the 5th A.D. is O.K.

5-21-44
Nothing

5-22-44
(Gen Steve Henry Dr Bowles
and Mr Rowe came to see me
mostly to talk I think but)
it may have done some
good as they all work for
the Sec War.
Also the rest of the Civil
Affairs Section came to
report in.  I specked the 
map for quite a while
and can almost draw it 
from memory now.
Maj Gen C.P. Beckett and 
Maj. Caesar of the Western
Command AA called.  He had
the AA at Malta and lost
only 8% of his men in
seven months of attack.

553

I just heard the full story 
of Beedle Smith at Messina.  
After Keyes, Gay and I took 
of to enter the town, Smith 
and LEMNITZER arrived 
and decided to follow me 
"if it was quite safe"  
Murnane took them when
they got to the top of the 
pass Smith asked if we 
were under fire and was 
told it could happen just 
then one of our Batteries 
of 155 guns let go firing 
at Italy Smith thought it 
was enemy shells arriving 
and jumped from the car 
into the ditch in one leap.
And refused to leave it
even when Lemnitzer and 
Murnane told him it 
was quite safe.  When I
got back he was still 
pale gray and shaking.

5-23-44
Nothing

554

5-24-43
At the invitation of Col
Busch Army QM I gave a
talk to all corps and 
Division Q.M's.  I stressed 
that their duty to see 
that the troops were 
supplied and that in doing
it I expected and demanded
that when the need 
arose they would perform
the impossible. 
Gen Oliver flew up to see 
me about the reports by 
Gen Smith (GDHS) that 
the 5th Armored was low in 
morale and discipline.  
Oliver has done a good
job and is better than I
thought he would be.
When Gen Barton moved
into an area - recently
abandoned by one of his
own Battalions - it was duty
and as Olivers men came
at the same time they
had not cleared it.
Barton may have kicked
or Kenner may have 
talked too much

555

with out knowledge - he often 
does.  
One of the allegations 
was that there were a 
lot of AWOL in April 
there were 40 of whom
39 came back.   As of today
there is only one AWOL.
The Civil Affairs Section 
had a house warming 
which we attended. 

5-25-44
Just read in the Daily Mail 
that the Senate Military Affairs
Committee had tabled 
my promotion.  I hope
they let the others through 
If I get no more out of
this war but a perminant 
Major General I will be
a failure. 
Gen Hawley Chief Surgeon 
SOS came in and we 
had a good talk 
I think he is O.K.

5-26-44
Gen Badde of the 35th 
Div reported in to day

556

we also had the chief nurses 
of the 1st Army and the WBS 
for lunch they are Majors. 
I am leaving in the morning 
to see the air control system 
and the briefing of a 
Bomber raid.  Flew on L-5 
to day. 

5-27-44
Flew to Northolt Air Field
and motored to Uxbridge 
which is the Tactical Air 
Force C.P.  Saw Conyingham 
and was shown how the 
system worked.  There was 
quite a lot of eye wash
the control room was
sixty feet underground.  
We then flew to a place 
in East Anglia to visit the 
354 Fighter Group P.51's 
and saw them get in from
a mission. Brig Gen 
WEYLAND, U.S. who commands 
the 19 Air Support which 
works with this Army 
asked me to talk to both 
the officers and men and 
to stress team work

557

We then  drove to a Wing Hq.
commanded by Col Hovey 
and looked at a lot of 
installations.  Then to the
Field used by the 303 Fighter 
Group P 47's they had failed 
to get a bridge at ROEUN 
this morning so went back
I saw the orders issued 
by the use of a map and 
enlarged Photo thrown on
the screne of the target
area.  The Col (just that
minute promoted) who was
to lead the attack did the
"Briefing" it was well done
the faces of the men were
tense but not too much
so they have flown some
18 missions and had losses
Fifty two planes took off
by pairs in some 7 1/2 min
it was very well done. 
Weyland had me speak
to all the different  groups
we saw the soldiers
all seemed to have
cameras and all
kept taking pictures 
of me.  We flew back to

558

Peover.  I feel sure that as 
a result of to day we have
added greatly to the entent
between the ground and air
Forces.

5-28-44
[*Type*]
(Gaffey took Kenner and 
my self to dinner at the
Bells of Peover we had
a very pleasant evening
Col. Bagby A.C. on the staff 
of 21 Army Group came by
He seemed to be a sort of
salesman for "Swordhilt" but as
he had no credentials Gaffey 
and Gay whom he saw did
not bite.)

5-29-44
Spoke to all Corps & Army
troops in this vicinity
at end of speech had all
F.O's present them selves
and gave them a special 
talk.  I emphasized that
it was the military duty
of the Med Corps to get men
back to the front and that 
serious sick and wounded

559


should be separated from 
light cases. 
wounded ones not only to keep up manpower but to reassure the others. 
[*Type*] (We had Gen Walker (XX),  Haislip (XV)
Cook (XII)  Middleton (VIII)
Gen Weyland 19 Air Support
and the Corps C's of S Collier,
Menoher, Canine, Searcy
Gaffey, Gay and I were
present.  The dinner was quite
informal and later we talked
for a long time I was simply
trying to get them will
indoctrinated.  The only thing
I said was that "in case 
of doubt march to the sound
of the guns.
Every one of the five generals
is a Southerner.)

5-30-44 
[*Type*]
Gen Charlie Simpson and 
his C of S Gen Moore came
at 12/30 we had a guard of 
honor.  After supper we 
give them a briefing 
as Maddox was absent
I did the G-3 part I was
anxious to do this as
I had been told that
Simpson leaves too much

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