January 16, 1943 - Saturday - 80 years ago today

Status - John Skinner - USS Fullam: 

John was on duty at his new destroyer, the USS Fullam, at the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston. 

Casablanca Conference

There was discussion of opening a second front in western Europe during the conference.  The British were hesitant as they felt that the time was not ripe for a successful invasion.  One concern was supply, as the Allies were still losing more ships than they could build.  General Marshall was in favor of a 1943 invasion, but President Roosevelt was concerned about the war in the Pacific and how to balance both of the theaters.

The British preferred an invasion of Sicily, leading to an invasion of Italy proper.  Eventually, Roosevelt was not ready to commit to an invasion of France, and agreed to the Sicily plan.  

The leader of French Forces in North Africa, General Giraud, and General de Gaulle reluctantly agreed to joint leadership of the Free French.  There was a dinner meeting with the Sultan of Morocco as well.

The Casablanca Declaration, a product of the conference, stated that the Allies would continue the war until the unconditional surrender of the three main Axis powers, Germany, Italy, and Japan. 

More Information:

• Official Navy Chronology, p. 297-299.
• The Struggle for Guadalcanal, Samuel Eliot Morison, pp. 316-337.
• No Ordinary Time,Doris Kearns Goodwin, pp. 401-410.
  

 

NEXT POST:  JANUARY 20TH

January 12, 1943 - Tuesday - 80 years ago today

Status - John Skinner - USS Fullam: 

John was on duty at his new destroyer, the USS Fullam, at the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston. 

Casablanca Summit

Roosevelt and Churchill had decided to meet at Casablanca, Morocco to further discuss the war effort.  The Conference would began in the 14th.  Due to security concerns, both leader took several days to arrive in Morocco. Stalin was unable to leave the Soviet Union at this time, as the Battle of Stalingrad was coming to a head.  The fighting around the city had already resulted in over a million Soviet casualties.  The German Sixth Army, however, had been trapped in a pocket since late November, and faced starvation or surrender.  

The agenda was to discuss (among other items) the progress in North Africa, the future of a western front in Europe, and how to unite French forces.

More Information:

• Official Navy Chronology, p. 296-297.
• The Struggle for Guadalcanal, Samuel Eliot Morison, pp. 316-337.
• No Ordinary Time,Doris Kearns Goodwin, pp. 401-410.
  

 

NEXT POST:  JANUARY 16TH