Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force

The position itself shares a common lineage with Supreme Allied Commander Europe and Atlantic, but they are different titles.

That process was shaped by Eisenhower and the land forces commander, General Sir Bernard Law Montgomery, for the initial part of the invasion.

SHAEF remained in the United Kingdom until sufficient forces were ashore to justify its transfer to France.

The US 12th Army Group (12 AG) commanded by Lieutenant General Omar Bradley was created as the western wing of the bridgehead.

As the breakout from Normandy took place, the Allies launched the invasion of southern France on 15 August 1944 with the US 6th Army Group (6 AG) under the command of Lieutenant General Jacob L. Devers.

[6] SHAEF commanded the largest number of formations ever committed to one operation on the Western Front, with American, Free French, British and Canadian forces.

SHAEF commanders at a conference in London
Left to right: Lieutenant General Omar N. Bradley , Admiral Sir Bertram Ramsay , Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Tedder , General Dwight D. Eisenhower , General Sir Bernard Montgomery , Air Chief Marshal Sir Trafford Leigh-Mallory , and Lieutenant General Walter Bedell Smith