Operational Art in the Western Desert Theater of Operations 1940-43

This monograph addresses the contribution made by the campaigns in the Western Desert to the evolution of the operational art by examining theory as reflected in history. It discusses the campaigns in the Western Desert of North Africa from September 1940 through January 1943. The discussion focuses on three operational issues that have impacted on the evolution of the operational art: the connection between strategic aims and the conduct of operations, the concept of culminating points, and the operational artist. The monograph first presents a broad overview of five major operations conducted in the Western Desert of North Africa from 1940-1943. After examining the three operational issues in detail, the author concludes that many elements of military theory have valid application as demonstrated in the major operations of the Western Desert. The theory offers a valid benchmark for study by the operational planner, but offers him no formulae. The conclusions support Clausewitz'; assertion that, "...theory gives the mind greater insights into the mass of phenomena of their relationships and leaves it free to rise into the higher realms of action."