famous "blood and guts" speeches of World War II began at this time in an amphitheater he had built to accommodate the entire division. His ability to turn up unexpectedly anywhere in the divisional training area became legendary at this time, too, as it would later in the 3rd Army. Using his Stimson Voyager he often commanded on manoeuvre while flying overhead where he could observe the entire area. Much of the credit for light observation planes coming into use in the Army can be attributed to this training technique of Patton's. He soon turned the 2nd Armoured Division into a formidable fighting implement, at one point keeping them in the field almost constantly for 17 weeks. BRITISH GENERAL MONTGOMERY (RIGHT) WAS PATTON`S GREATEST RIVAL IN WW2. GENERAL OMAR BRADLEY STANDS IN THE MIDDLE. They also carried the stamp of high morale and drive for which Patton's units were to become famous. Even Patton's wife Bee got in on the act by writing The March Song of the Armoured Force for the unit. As the armoured forces expanded, so did Patton's responsibilities as he was given command of the Ist U. S. Armoured Corps. While plans for Operation Torch (the Allied invasion of North Africa) progressed early in 1942, Patton was sent to the American southwest to train his tankers for desert warfare. Patton drove the tankers hard, sometimes expecting them to go without sleep for 36 hours at a stretch, but they learned their craft his tankers would be used to deliver the first American jolt to the Germans. In November 1942, Patton and his men participated in the invasion of North Africa. Before an all-out assault by Patton's tanks proved necessary, however, the French surrendered. As much as Patton loved battle, he was happy not to have to fight his old friends the French. Both the French and the Sultan of Morocco were impressed by Patton's style, which helped gain their cooperation after the American forces had occupied Morocco. After the disastrou...
