Marching Orders: The Untold Story of How the American Breaking of the Japanese Secret Codes Led to the Defeat of Nazi Germany and Japan

by Bruce Lee

of his troops and his basic order of battle. Thus, Montgomery wins what historians call a “model defensive battle, by accepting the intelligence he was given.”21 A few months later, Montgomery wins the battle of Alamein. This changes the course of the war in Africa. Montgomery has understood the significance of Ultra material from the very moment he assumed command. He uses it to win the first battles he fights, and he believes in it ever afterward. During this time, Montgomery knows that almost every supply ship sent to bolster Rommel is being sunk, and that the Germans are blaming their Italian allies for leaking the dates and routes the ships are leaving and taking. Montgomery also knows Rommel is in ill health, that Hitler is concentrating his attention on Russia and is loathe to send reinforcements to Africa. (The British had also managed to capture Rommel’s radio-intercept unit in July, which taught the British how the Germans had successfully infiltrated the British radio nets and forced the British to improve their own radio security.) Nevertheless, the issue is in doubt as Montgomery attacks in the second battle of El Alamein in late October. British infantry strength is waning because the Germans still fight doggedly, counterattacking whenever possible. But even though he knows his own losses to