With
the United States' entry into World War II in December 1941, the war did not immediately
improve for the Allies. In the Pacific, the Japanese dealt severe blows to the
United States and Great Britain, capturing the Philippines, Malaya, and Indonesia,
and threatening Britain's crown jewel, India. In mid-1941, Germany captured the
Balkans and Greece, and German armies in Africa threatened Egypt and Britain's
short route to India, the Suez Canal. The importance of India to British strategic
thinking can not be overemphasized.
France had
fallen to Germany in 1940 and was partially occupied. Making every effort to maintain
its North African and Eastern Mediterranean possessions, the unoccupied portion
(the Vichy Government) tried to remain neutral. Out of necessity, they collaborated
with Germany.
Germany invaded the Soviet Union in
1941, and by 1942 Russia was reeling as German armies sliced deep into the country.
The United States and Great Britain sent military supplies to Russia, but in addition
the Soviets wanted a second front in Europe to reduce the tremendous pressure
the German forces applied. Without that second front, the Soviets believed they
would bleed to death....
For the complete,
printer-friendly history of the Battle of Casablanca, follow this
link.
RADM Giffen
flew his flag from BB59 at Casablanca.
RADM
ROBERT GIFFEN (1886-1962) Responsible for protecting American troop ships
from French warships during the invasion of North Africa, Admiral Giffen chose
to fly his flag from Massachusetts.
Knighted
by the British Empire, this Naval Academy graduate was tall and heavy-set, the
portrait of the fighting man. Calm in the face of battle, Giffen reportedly strode
Massachusetts' decks in near-sprint during the Battle of Casablanca, bellowing
encouragement such as “Let them have it!” and "Pour it on them!"
As a salvo passed close overhead, Giffen exclaimed, "If one lands at my feet
I'll be the first to line up to make a date with Helen
of Troy!"
ADMIRALS'
QUARTERS RESTORED: At some point in her postwar history, USS Massachusetts
was stripped of all the furnishings in her Admiral's Quarters - even the kitchen
sink!..Ctd.
"GENERAL" KNOWLEDGE: Think
you know your World War II trivia? Take this quiz to find out if your knowledge
base is ship shape!
