Patton is nearing the German border and the Allies are not ready cross the Rhine and into Germany. First Army still has a lot of easy terrain ahead of it and can help clear the way for the slow moving Brits.
The other problem is supply, which henkster addressed a few days ago. Patton is now so far from Normandy he is reaching the end of what the Red Ball Express can deliver. Don't get me wrong, the Express was a great achievement, but only so many supplies can be delivered by truck from Cherbourg. The other thing First Army can help the Brits deliver is Antwerp, which is one of Europe's great ports. With Antwerp, we can drive into Germany with all the supplies we need.
I understand Patton's frustration, especially after Monty will cock up Market Garden and opening the Scheldt, but he is mostly a victim of circumstances.
I’ve thought that the logistic tail and terrain made sense to have British 21st AG and American 12th AG with 9th and 1st Armies operate from the Ardennes north, and have its support go through Antwerp. 6th AG could comprise 3rd and 7th US Armies (French 1st Army was a weak sister) and they could operate south of the Ardennes. Their support would more naturally come up the valley of the Rhone from Marseilles. The main striking power of the Allied armies would be directed toward the Ruhr on the shortest route and with the best terrain.
Patton’s terrain was tougher in Lorrain, and across through the Saar to the upper Rhine. But looking at the map, it would make more sense to have 12th AG conduct separate operations on separate axes. That leaves 6th AG the resonsibility of coordinating the southern striking force. So why not?
I’m afraid it’s pretty simple: Ike despised Devers, commander of 6th AG, and treated him like a red-headed stepchild. No way was Devers getting Patton’s 3rd Army and anything like a major role in operations.
I can post more on this, and definitely will later in November when Bradley and Patton show up with Ike at Devers’ HQ looking to poach units from his command.