More specifically, the lost opportunity to capture the approaches to Antwerp before the Germans had a chance to dig in. The port had been captured intact, but the estuary was neglected, even though there was the opportunity.
Instead, Monty’s ass was afire because Patton was getting all the ink. That was the reason he planned Market Garden, and insisted on the supplies to carry it out.
Instead, we got The Bulge, and East Germany postwar.
To say nothing of that pompous poofter Monty claiming that he could take Caen in a matter of days.
Instead it took over a month, allowing the Germans to bring tanks to bear to the SW as VDH mentions.
I used to like reading Victor’s work, but not in the last few years with analyses such as this. Time and again we see that Politics and Ego trump everything, even if it means losing the war. Patton said it all with these alliances that haunt us to this day - He was right there with his men, so I respect his opinion the most. Fight to win or don’t fight at all. I am convinced he was assassinated as no one wanted to see him back in Washington after the war was over.
Quite likely that the more daring Patton could have prevented the partition of Germany, or at least left a smaller E Germany.
Especially if Ditka was driving.