The Allies

Following France’s defeat in June 1940, as a result of the Blitzkrieg (“Lightning War”), the British were the only ones still standing against the Germans. But after 7 December 1941, with the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour without a declaration of war, President Roosevelt was finally able to enter the war alongside the British, not only against the Japanese but also against the Germans, when the German regime declared war on the USA (though under no obligation whatsoever to do so under the Axis agreements) on 11 December 1941. Thus the British, together with the Americans, became the spearheads of the coalition.

Although the Americans and the British did not possess the Germans’ truly revolutionary technologies (Heavy Tanks, jet aircraft, etc.), the latter should not be underestimated. For they had, in their ranks, an efficient logistics system, enabling the dispatch of equipment in large quantities (even if not of the highest quality), as demonstrated very well by the Shermans, or the simple but effective – and above all inexpensive – Cromwells. The Allies could also rely on their air superiority, thanks to the US Air Force, with the P-51 Mustangs and P-47 Thunderbolts, and the Royal Air Force (RAF), with the Spitfires and the formidable Typhoons.