34. Military estimate (Map - Annex "B").
a. There are now (May 3, 1943) one corps of two Italian
divisions on CORSICA, which with supporting troops total
46,500 men. It is believed, however, that one of these
divisions will be transferred to SARDINIA when that island is
attacked. The Italians obtained intact the original French
fixed defenses, and very likely have strengthened them. Re-
inforcement of the garrison would be limited by the port
capacities (2800 D.W. Tons per day) to about one division
each 10 days. Total garrison of the island would be limited
by maintenance considerations alone to four divisions, only
two of which could be mobile.
b. The Axis air strength available to defend SARDINIA
(estimated at 1500 aircraft, all types) will have been re-
duced considerably by air action, attendant on the seizure of
SARDINIA. Reinfsrcements by GERMANY from WESTERN
EUROPE or RUSSIA is believed unlikely.
c. It is estimated that a maximum of 230 aircraft could be
based on existing airdromes in CORSICA with a minimum amount
of improvement, and that facilities for a maximum of 480 air-
craft could be constructed on the island.
35. Forces required.
a. Ground:
4 RCT, assault loaded, with
supporting arms ....................40,000
2 RCT, convoy loaded, with
supporting arms ....................20,000
Service troops (estimated) .................30,000
90,000
b. Air and naval:
There will be sufficient air and naval forces available
for the Sardinian operation to fulfill the requirements of a
subsequent Corsican operation. The assignment of missions
directly supporting the CORSICA assault to portions of the air
and naval forces available will be done by the theater commander
Appendix "B"
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