Drive on the Right Side: Allies During World War II
During World War II, the Allied troops primarily drove on the right side of the road, a practice consistent with most Allied nations including the United States and Western Europe. However, in occupied areas of France and Italy, the situation regarding road-handedness was more complex and varied.
Driving Practices in Allied Nations
Across the majority of Allied nations during World War II, the right-hand drive was the standard practice. For instance, the United States, which holds one of the largest contingents of Allied soldiers, followed this rule. Similarly, Western European nations such as France and the United Kingdom (which drives on the left) were straightforward in their road-handedness. This consistency in driving practices was crucial for ensuring safety and maintaining operational efficiency among the Allied forces.
Variations in Occupied Territories
It’s important to note that driving practices varied in occupied territories. In France, the rule of driving on the right side had been established since the early 20th century. This continued even during the period when Germany occupied much of the country. On the other hand, in Italy, there were regional variations. Before the war, Italy himself drove on the right, but some regions had different customs or influences from former colonial powers, leading to a mix of driving practices.
When Allied forces liberated these regions, they enforced right-hand driving to maintain consistency and safety. This was especially important for the safety of troops and civilian populations. Despite these local variations, the Allied military presence standardized driving practices in occupied territories to align with the broader right-hand rule observed in most Allied nations.
Rare Exceptions and Variations
One notable exception to the right-hand rule was in Great Britain and its dominions, where left-hand drive was the norm. However, this variation was minimal in the larger context of the Allied forces, which generally adhered to the right-hand drive.
Photos of World War II-era roads often show vehicles driving on the right, and it’s easy to imagine the potential chaos if troops and vehicles had to switch sides frequently. The widespread use of right-hand drive was conducive to maintaining order and operational efficiency, especially for large-scale logistical operations like the Red Ball Express, a vital supply route during the Normandy campaign.
During the Red Ball Express, the Allies commandeered bidirectional roads, converting them into one-way expressways for the movement of supplies. In such situations, staying in the center of the road was strategically beneficial, as it minimized collisions and conflicts.
Overall, while there were occasional regional variations, the predominant practice among Allied troops during World War II was to drive on the right-hand side of the road, reflecting the broader adoption of this practice across most of the participating nations.