Patton Arrives in France

National Archives

 July 6th 1944, General George S. Patton, Jr, arrived in France as head of Third Army, an army that he had neither seen nor had the chance to prepare. Much to his disappointment, he had missed D-Day, but he was finally going to have his chance to get into the fight. For months, he had been at the head of the phantom U.S. 1st Army group,  part of 'Operation Fortitude'. In his opinion, he had done his penance for the 'slapping incident' and now he was straining at the leash.

Traveling with 'Willie' his bull terrier and  his history of 'The Norman Conquest', Patton  had boarded the C47 in England wondering if there was still going to be a war when he got to France. There was, and he was going to play a major part in it, but he would have to cool his heels a while longer.

He landed at an airstrip beside Omaha Beach and was escorted to Bradley's CP. The relationship between the two men was cordial, but Patton had been Bradley's boss in Sicily and now the tables were turned. Patton took a back seat during his meeting with Bradley. He kept quiet while Generals discussed tactics and poured over maps and situation reports. He was determined not to rock the boat. After all, he was at last in France and he desperately wanted to get into the action.

Map on display at Camp Patton

Apple Orchard, one original tree remains

Patton's third army HQ was an apple orchard on the outskirts of Nehou, a small village. This compound became known as 'Camp Patton'. Strict secrecy was to be maintained. No one was to know of the arrival of the great general. As far as the Germans were concerned he was still in England preparing for the real invasion in the Pas de Calais. That was probably the main reason for the secrecy, but it was widely rumored that George Patton was not to be given any limelight, on the strict orders of Eisenhower himself.

Sherman tank at Camp Patton

Monument at Camp Patton

It would be some weeks before Patton got into the action that he so craved.