Q&A ยท 4:42:07-4:42:54

Rommel secretly aids the Allies in 1942

An early Rommel defection could collapse the Axis position in North Africa and later expose major weaknesses in Atlantic defenses.

Question

What if Erwin Rommel turned against the Axis and secretly aided Britain in 1942?

Short answer

He could hasten the Axis defeat in North Africa and later provide the Allies with valuable knowledge of Atlantic defenses.

Notes

With his family safe in Britain, Rommel could pass operational information while continuing to appear loyal to the Axis. British forces could repeatedly locate and destroy Italian positions, eventually forcing his withdrawal from North Africa despite his apparent efforts. Later, a conveniently undefended sector of the Atlantic defenses could create an invasion opportunity. His assistance would work through failures that appeared to result from poor military judgment, including a mistaken belief that the Allies could not land in a particular place.