A CALCULATED AND TERRIBLE EFFICIENCY: 80 YEARS AFTER "ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE."

(For a more detailed examination of the First Canadian Army’s artillery bombardment, see my article in Canadian Military History Journal here).

The First Canadian Army launched Operation VERITABLE eighty years ago today, 8 February, 1945. It was the largest offensive undertaken by First Canadian Army in the Second World War, supported by what was, to that point in the conflict, the largest British Commonwealth artillery bombardment of the war.

The leadership exhibited by the men who planned, organized and executed the massive artillery bombardment that preceded First Canadian Army’s assault into the Reichswald region of Germany in February 1945 provides a treasure trove of lessons for modern public and private sector managers and leaders.

In February of 1945, the Army of Nazi Germany was on the backfoot, but not defeated. The German’s gamble to split the Allied Armies with a late December surprise offensive that has become known to history as the Battle of the Bulge had failed, and now the Allies stood ready to resume the offense and invade Germany itself.

Before the allies could invade Germany, however, a strip of heavily forested land along the west bank of the Rhine River had to be cleared of German defenders. The task fell to the First Canadian Army, and while the operation had been originally scheduled for early January 1945, it was delayed due to the German offensive. By late January, Allied offensive plans resumed, and First Canadian Army began planning the attack. The assault into the Reichswald region of Germany would be known as Operation Veritable.

Operation Veritable, a crucial Allied military campaign during World War II, serves as a timeless source of strategic wisdom for leaders in both public and private enterprises. This article explores the significance of the artillery plan employed in Operation Veritable and extrapolates key lessons that can be applied to contemporary leadership scenarios. From establishing clear aims to adapting in the face of adversity, the principles derived from this historical military operation offer invaluable insights for leaders striving for success in their respective fields.

Operation Veritable Overview:

Operation Veritable, launched on February 8, 1945, was a pivotal offensive in the later stages of World War II. Conducted by the First Canadian Army under the British 21st Army Group, the operation aimed to clear German forces from the the Reichswald, a critical region that would serve as the launching point for the Allied assault across the Rhine and into Germany. The operation's success relied heavily on meticulous planning and execution, with the artillery playing a central role in softening enemy defenses before the ground forces advanced.

By this point in the war, the Allies had established a vast superiority in fire support. The prevailing doctrine emphasized the use of massive artillery bombardments preceding the ground assault, with the goal of smashing German defenses, stupefying the defenders and keeping the Germans hiding in their trenches while Allied infantry advance to the objective.

To achieve this, the First Canadian Army assembled an artillery park of over 1000 guns of varying calibers. Assembling such an enormous force required herculean logistical efforts: the guns had to be moved into position in utmost secrecy during night time in order to deceive the Germans as to the direction from which the attack would come. Exacerbating the challenge, the artillery batteries had to travel with their guns and howitzers in tow over roads winding through thick woods, churned into a quagmire of oozing mud due to an early thaw and flooding. Not only did the guns have to be brought into place, so did the hundreds of thousands of artillery rounds that were scheduled to be assembled need to be transported and dumped onto gun positions and buried in pits to protect them from German artillery rounds, all under the cloak of darkness.

Despite this challenge, by the time of Zero Hour, 5:00 AM on 8 February 1945, all guns and all ammunition were in place. At Zero Hour an ungodly cacophony erupted as the thousand guns spewed forth their iron indignation against the German positions. Watching from a nearby observation platform installed in a tree near the line of departure, British Lieutenant-General Brian Horrocks, who commanded XXX British Corps, the formation tasked to lead the assault, simply recalled “all hell let loose.”

The massive artillery bombardment was the result of weeks of intricate planning, coordination and seamless execution. What lessons can modern leaders derive from it?

Key Lessons from the Artillery Plan:

• Establishing a Clear Aim:

The foundation of Operation Veritable's success lay in its clear and well-defined objectives. Often times the problem confronting artillerists is that there are more targets than guns to engage them. Even if the artillery leader is blessed with an immense artillery park, it is critical to establish clear priorities and a defined goal for the use of limited and often scarce resources. The objectives of the artillery bombardment were clearly articulated: firstly, to neutralize all known enemy batteries, secondly to destroy all known headquarters and communications nodes, and finally to neutralize enemy in the line of advance of the Allied infantry. This clear direction allowed subordinates to develop their own plans with their own resources free from ambiguity or confusion. Modern leaders can draw a valuable lesson from this, emphasizing the importance of establishing a precise aim before initiating any venture. Whether in public administration or private enterprises, a clear objective provides a guiding light for decision-making, resource allocation, and overall strategy. Leaders must articulate a vision that is both inspiring and achievable, fostering alignment and commitment within the team.

• Assembling Necessary Resources:

Operation Veritable demonstrated the necessity of assembling the right resources for success. In the context of the artillery plan, this meant securing an ample supply of guns, ammunition, and skilled personnel. Hours of detailed planning went into ensuring that the appropriate number of caliber of guns and ammunition were deployed to the best area from which they were able to achieve the aim established by the commanders. The task was a large one: the artillery ammunition required totaled 500,000 rounds and weighed over 11,000 tons. In addition, innovative new weapons were employed such as the rocket projector which could saturate a large area with over 30 explosive rockets, and the radar-emitting proximity fuse which ensured projectiles would explode at the optimum height of burst. Translating this to the modern organizational landscape, leaders must ensure they have the necessary tools, technologies, and skilled personnel to execute their plans effectively. Whether it's investing in state-of-the-art equipment or cultivating a talented workforce, resource allocation is a critical aspect of achieving strategic goals.

• Crafting a Detailed Plan for Execution:

The success of any operation, military or otherwise, hinges on a meticulously crafted plan. Operation Veritable exemplified the importance of a comprehensive strategy, outlining the roles and responsibilities of each unit within the artillery plan. The artillery bombardment for the assault was planned to the minute, articulating the exact time, location and nature of ammunition each gun was to fire during the assault. This information was distributed to the lowest possible level for maximum situational awareness throughout the organization. Modern leaders must similarly invest time and effort in detailed planning, considering potential challenges, contingencies, and coordination mechanisms. A well-thought-out plan not only streamlines execution but also enhances adaptability when confronted with unexpected obstacles.

• Flexibility in the Face of Adversity:

No plan survives contact with reality without adjustments, and Operation Veritable acknowledged this truth. The artillery plan showcased a remarkable ability to adapt to changing circumstances, whether due to weather conditions, enemy counterattacks, or other unforeseen challenges. Although the majority of the assaulting infantry divisions employed a rather rigid barrage of fire, the artillery maintained guns that were designated as being “superimposed” and whose fire could be switched to targets of opportunity or in response to changes in the tactical situation in mere minutes, without diluting the volume of fie in the main barrage. In the contemporary business landscape, leaders must embrace flexibility, recognizing that unforeseen disruptions are inevitable. The ability to pivot and recalibrate strategies in response to changing dynamics is a hallmark of effective leadership.

Applying Lessons to Modern Leadership:

The lessons derived from Operation Veritable's artillery plan are not confined to historical military campaigns; they resonate strongly in the modern leadership landscape. In public administration, leaders can use these principles to navigate complex policy challenges, while in private enterprises, they can guide strategic initiatives for sustainable growth. Here's how modern leaders can apply these lessons:

• Clearly Define Organizational Goals:

Modern leaders should articulate and communicate clear organizational goals that inspire and align their teams. Establishing a shared vision fosters a sense of purpose among team members and directs their efforts towards common objectives.

• Invest in the Right Resources:

To execute plans effectively, leaders must ensure that their organizations have the requisite resources, be it technology, talent, or infrastructure. Investing wisely in these areas sets the stage for successful implementation and achievement of strategic objectives.

• Develop Robust Strategic Plans:

Crafting detailed and well-thought-out strategic plans is paramount. Leaders should anticipate potential challenges, outline specific action steps, and establish mechanisms for continuous evaluation and adaptation. A comprehensive strategy serves as a roadmap for the organization's journey toward success.

• Embrace Flexibility and Adaptability:

Modern leaders must cultivate a culture of flexibility within their organizations. Adapting to changing circumstances requires a willingness to reassess strategies, pivot when necessary, and learn from setbacks. This agility enables organizations to navigate uncertainty and emerge stronger from challenges.

Conclusion:

Operation Veritable's artillery plan offers timeless lessons for leaders in both public and private enterprises. By establishing clear aims, assembling necessary resources, crafting detailed plans, and embracing flexibility, leaders can navigate complexities and increase the likelihood of success. These principles are not confined to the battlefield; they are applicable to diverse fields, from government administration to corporate management. Individuals, too, can incorporate these lessons in their pursuit of personal excellence, recognizing the enduring value of strategic thinking, resourcefulness, and adaptability. As we reflect on the achievements of Operation Veritable, let it serve as a beacon for contemporary leaders seeking to overcome challenges and lead their organizations to new heights.