Britain S Airborne Forces Of Wwii

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Britain's Airborne Forces of WWII

Author : Mark Magreehan
Publisher : Frontline Books
Page : 331 pages
File Size : 43,8 Mb
Release : 2021-05-31
Category : History
ISBN : 9781526779472

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Britain's Airborne Forces of WWII by Mark Magreehan Pdf

The Second World War saw huge advancements in military tactics and technology occurring at an unprecedented pace. One such development was the employment of forces able to deploy at short notice by parachute across the globe, utilizing the opportunities created by the advancements in aeronautical technology. These forces were created to deliver an in-depth shock effect, and few have attracted more attention than Britain’s famed Parachute Regiment. This formation was born from the humble beginnings of a fledgling unit drawn together from the British Army and Royal Air Force after Winston Churchill called for a new capability to be created following German airborne successes in the opening stages of the Second World War. Despite being initially poorly equipped, operating outdated aircraft and wearing clothing copied from captured German examples, the Parachute Regiment rapidly grew into what would become two complete airborne divisions – formations which played a key role in the destruction of the Axis forces. The equipment needed by these men rapidly changed as the war evolved and this is clearly illustrated in the author’s fine and unique collection of rare airborne items from that period, several of them being the sole surviving items known to exist. The chronological historical information on Britain’s paratroopers’ role and development during the Second World War in this highly illustrated book is not only supported by a comprehensive and rare collection of items displaying the development and expansion of their equipment for each operation, but also by hundreds of original pictures which embrace the entire period. Additionally, the book also briefly covers the Polish Parachute Brigade and the Canadian parachute formations embedded into the British order of battle. This book provides a comprehensive pictorial display of Britain airborne forces which will prove to be a ‘must have’ tool for military history enthusiasts, airborne collectors, re-enactors and modelers, as well as current serving soldiers linked by service to this truly special military formation.

Churchill's Spearhead

Author : John Greenacre
Publisher : Casemate Publishers
Page : 459 pages
File Size : 44,5 Mb
Release : 2010-06-19
Category : History
ISBN : 9781844685806

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Churchill's Spearhead by John Greenacre Pdf

This book covers the inception, growth and employment of Britains airborne forces (parachute and glider-borne formations) between June 1940 and March 1945. It takes a comparative approach and follows tailored lines of development. Each of these lines—politics and policy, equipment and technology, personnel and training, command and control and concepts and doctrine—influence each other.The contents include:Politics and Policy: The political environment within which the major decisions were made concerning the concept of development of Britains airborne forces. Churchills personal contribution, the effect of inter-service rivalry and the influence of other government departments. Equipment and Technology: The methods and obstacles of procuring and supplying the bespoke equipment required by airborne forces. The supply of combat equipment, the provision of support aircraft and the procurement of gliders. Personnel and Training: The effort incurred to man the new force and the effect of different approaches to recruitment and training. The selection and recruitment of airborne personnel, the individual training of paratroops and glider pilots and the role of collective training prior to operations. Command and Control: The ability of individuals in key appointments to influence the path of development and the operational and tactical employment of the force. The reaction and approach of higher commanders to the new capability, the selection and impact of commanders within the airborne force and the influence of the airborne staff. Concept and Doctrine: Examines the manner in which Britains airborne forces were employed and performed on operations in the Mediterranean and northwest Europe. How the development of the airborne concept was influenced by physical constraints (equipment and personnel), the ideas of higher commanders and the German example. The impact of individual commanders and physical limitations.

Paras

Author : Roger Payne
Publisher : Amberley Publishing Limited
Page : 368 pages
File Size : 55,8 Mb
Release : 2014-09-15
Category : History
ISBN : 9781445638461

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Paras by Roger Payne Pdf

The true story behind the heroes of Sicily, Normandy, Arnham and the crossing of the Rhine.

Operation Colossus

Author : Lawrence Paterson
Publisher : Casemate Publishers
Page : 294 pages
File Size : 46,7 Mb
Release : 2020-06-24
Category : History
ISBN : 9781784383794

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Operation Colossus by Lawrence Paterson Pdf

“Provides an excellent overview of the development of parachute troops as well as an exciting battle narrative and gripping human interest story.” —Argunners Magazine Formed by a collection of free-thinking army and air force officers, the fledgling British paratrooper unit, known as the “SAS,” deployed trial and error in terms of tactics and equipment before an elite few were selected to make the first British parachute raid of the war, which took place in Basilicata, Italy on 10 February 1941. Collectively known as “X-Troop,” these men were parachuted by specially selected bomber crews into the heart of enemy territory, where they successfully destroyed their target, the Tragino Aqueduct, before becoming the object of an exhaustive manhunt by Italian troops and civilians. Captured, they were variously interrogated, imprisoned, and the Italian SOE agent placed on trial for treason and executed. Given the distances that had to be covered, the logistical complications and the lack of any precedent, the raid was a remarkable feat. Its success or failure depended on a group of men using methods and equipment thus far untried by the British Army. They were truly “guinea pigs” for those that would follow in their footsteps. Often overlooked in British military history, Paterson brings this extraordinary episode to light, drawing on verbatim testimony and interrogating the truth of previous accounts. From the formation of the unit and the build up to its first deployment, through Operation Colossus and its aftermath, to its ongoing legacy today, this is the fascinating story of the modern-day British Parachute Regiment. “Well written with all the flash and dash of typical commando warfare.” —Historical Miniatures Gaming Society

Paras

Author : David Reynolds
Publisher : Alan Sutton Publishing
Page : 288 pages
File Size : 55,5 Mb
Release : 1998
Category : History
ISBN : UOM:39015043221830

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Paras by David Reynolds Pdf

This is the story of the birth of the Regiment during World War II and its rapid development into one of the British Army's pre-eminent fighting regiments.

By Air to Battle

Author : Bob Carruthers
Publisher : Archive Media Publishing Limited
Page : 238 pages
File Size : 43,8 Mb
Release : 2012-02
Category : History
ISBN : 1781580405

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By Air to Battle by Bob Carruthers Pdf

"Three hours later the search party found me, six miles away from the dropping zone, hanging helplessly from the highest branches of a clump of trees." Captain J. Dawes, during training First published in 1945 and comprising a compilation of fascinating primary accounts of airborne combat as told by the very men who fought in the action, 'By Air to Battle' is the official history of Airborne operations by British Paratroops in World War II. Spanning the introduction of the Central Landing Establishment to the end of the war, we follow the heroic exploits of the British First and Sixth Airborne Divisions. 'By Air to Battle' is an inspiring and at times very comic description of the true events that took place at such historic conflicts as Arnhem, the Rhine, Normandy and Bruneval as well as the Airborne forces in North Africa, Sicily and Italy. This is a must-read for any military history enthusiast.

By Air to Battle

Author : Great Britain. Air Ministry,Great Britain. Ministry of Information
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 152 pages
File Size : 51,8 Mb
Release : 1945
Category : Airborne troops
ISBN : UOM:39015008848510

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By Air to Battle by Great Britain. Air Ministry,Great Britain. Ministry of Information Pdf

Beretter om de engelske luftbårne troppers indsats og kampe under 2. verdenskrig.

If Chaos Reigns

Author : Flint Whitlock
Publisher : Open Road Media
Page : 657 pages
File Size : 45,6 Mb
Release : 2013-05-07
Category : History
ISBN : 9781480406636

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If Chaos Reigns by Flint Whitlock Pdf

“A gem of a book that highlights the ‘fog of war’ as seen by American, British, and Canadian airborne units when they parachuted behind enemy lines.” —WWII History Magazine “Gentlemen, do not be daunted if chaos reigns; it undoubtedly will.” So said Brigadier S. James Hill, commanding officer of the British 3rd Parachute Brigade, in an address to his troops shortly before the launching of Operation Overlord—the D-Day invasion of Normandy. No more prophetic words were ever spoken, for chaos indeed reigned on that day, and many more that followed. Much has been written about the Allied invasion of France, but award-winning military historian Flint Whitlock has put together a unique package—the first history of the assault that concentrates exclusively on the activities of the American, British, and Canadian airborne forces that descended upon Normandy in the dark, pre-dawn hours of June 6, 1944. Landing into the midst of the unknown, the airborne troops found themselves fighting for their lives on every side in the very jaws of the German defenses, while striving to seize their own key objectives in advance of their seaborne comrades to come. Whitlock details the formation, recruitment, training, and deployment of the Allies’ parachute and glider troops. First-person accounts by veterans who were there—from paratroopers to glidermen to the pilots who flew them into the battle, as well as the commanders (Eisenhower, Taylor, Ridgway, Gavin, and more)—make for compelling, “you-are-there” reading. If Chaos Reigns is a fitting tribute to the men who rode the wind into battle and managed to pull victory out of confusion, chaos, and almost certain defeat.

Out of the Blue

Author : James A. Huston
Publisher : Purdue University Press
Page : 341 pages
File Size : 47,7 Mb
Release : 1998
Category : Electronic
ISBN : 9781557531483

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Out of the Blue by James A. Huston Pdf

Beginning with a case study of the greatest airborne operation of the war, the 1944 invasion of Holland, Huston examines the inception, organization, training, equipment, strategies, Allied cooperation, and overall effectiveness of the airborne in the total war effort. Operations in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, Southern France, the Pacific, and the Far East are discussed. No other book brings together as much information and documentation on the airborne. Of special interest to the veterans who took part in the great paratroop and glider movements, this book will become invaluable to students of aerial warfare and of World War II.

Airborne Operations In World War II, European Theater [Illustrated Edition]

Author : Dr. John C. Warren
Publisher : Pickle Partners Publishing
Page : 376 pages
File Size : 48,6 Mb
Release : 2015-11-06
Category : History
ISBN : 9781786252975

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Airborne Operations In World War II, European Theater [Illustrated Edition] by Dr. John C. Warren Pdf

Includes 12 maps, 12 photos and 2 charts. THE seminal study of the Allied large scale airdrops of the Second World War in the European Theater. “The first combat airborne missions in history were flown by the Germans in 1940. Recognizing the possibilities of such operations, the British and Americans followed suit. The first British mission was flown in February 1941, and the first American mission was flown from England to Oran, Algeria, on 8 November 1942 as part of the Anglo-American invasion of North Africa. Other, later missions, principally in the Mediterranean region, provided the American troop carriers with an apprenticeship in airborne warfare. However, until the summer of 1944 no force larger than a reinforced regimental combat team was flown into action in any Allied mission. In World War II the only Allied airborne operations employing more than one division took place in the invasion of Normandy, the unsuccessful attempt to win a bridgehead across the Rhine at Arnhem, and the successful crossing of the Rhine at Wesel. Consequently the study of airborne missions in the European Theater of Operations is of particular importance for the light it throws on the planning and performance of large-scale airborne assaults.”

Sky Warriors: British Airborne Forces in the Second World War

Author : Saul David
Publisher : HarperCollins UK
Page : 627 pages
File Size : 52,8 Mb
Release : 2024-04-25
Category : History
ISBN : 9780008522186

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Sky Warriors: British Airborne Forces in the Second World War by Saul David Pdf

From bestselling historian Saul David, a riveting new history of the British airborne experience across the Second World War.

Operation Colossus

Author : Lawrence Paterson
Publisher : Greenhill Books
Page : 278 pages
File Size : 44,9 Mb
Release : 2020-06-24
Category : History
ISBN : 9781784383817

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Operation Colossus by Lawrence Paterson Pdf

Lawrence Paterson’s groundbreaking new book is a detailed account of the now legendary Operation Colossus, the first British airborne raid of the Second World War, which took place in Basilicata, Italy on 10 February 1941. Britain was one of the last major powers of the Second World War to establish an airborne arm of service. Formed by a collection of free-thinking army and air force officers, the fledgling British paratrooper unit, known as the ‘SAS’, deployed trial and error in terms of tactics and equipment, costing the lives of several volunteers before an elite few were selected to make the first British parachute raid of the war. Alongside the paratroopers were two veterans of the First World War: an Italian SOE agent, formerly a banqueting manager in London hotels, and an RAF reserve officer who held the Military Cross for bravery. Collectively known as ‘X-Troop’, these men were parachuted by specially selected bomber crews into the heart of enemy territory, where they successfully destroyed their target, the Tragino Aqueduct, before becoming the object of an exhaustive manhunt by Italian troops and civilians. Captured, they were variously interrogated, imprisoned, and the Italian SOE agent placed on trial for treason and executed. Given the distances that had to be covered, the logistical complications and the lack of any precedent, the raid was a remarkable feat. Its success or failure depended on a group of men using methods and equipment thus far untried by the British Army. They were truly ‘guinea pigs’ for those that would follow in their footsteps. Often overlooked in British military history, Paterson brings this extraordinary episode to light, drawing on verbatim testimony and interrogating the truth of previous accounts. From the formation of the unit and the build up to its first deployment, through Operation Colossus and its aftermath, to its ongoing legacy today, this is the fascinating story of the modern day British Parachute Regiment.

"Go to It!"

Author : Peter Harclerode
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 192 pages
File Size : 55,8 Mb
Release : 2000-01
Category : World War, 1939-1945
ISBN : 184067136X

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"Go to It!" by Peter Harclerode Pdf

On 23rd April 1943, the War Office laid down a phased programme for the formation of what was to become one of the most renowned divisions in the history of airborne forces: the 6th Airborne. Based on a wide variety of sources, including eyewitness accounts by former members of the division, this superbly and profusely illustrated volume covers in detail the history of this remarkable force and the equally remarkable men who served in it. The 6th Airborne Division was one of the most famous fighting formations of the British Army. Go To It is the gripping account of a story which has not been told - until now.

Crossing the Rhine

Author : Lloyd Clark
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 472 pages
File Size : 46,6 Mb
Release : 2008
Category : History
ISBN : IND:30000123525952

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Crossing the Rhine by Lloyd Clark Pdf

"In September 1944, with the Allies eager to break into Nazi Germany after Normandy but conflicted about how to do so, Supreme Commander Dwight Eisenhower is forced to arbitrate a power struggle between two rival subordinates: Lieutenant General George Patton, commander of the U.S. Third Army, and Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, who leads the British Twenty-first Army. Patton wants to continue his assault from the south, while Montgomery proposes a complex two-pronged attack on the lower Rhine - Germany's last great natural barrier in the west - that calls for thirty-five thousand American and British paratroopers to be dropped sixty-five miles behind enemy lines in the Netherlands, where they will be reinforced by a column of ground forces. After intense debate, Eisenhower approves Montgomery's plan, code named "Operation Market Garden," over a chorus of complaints by Patton and other U.S. officers." "The attack, immortalized in the classic book and film A Bridge Too Far, will go down in history as the most ambitious - and disastrous - airborne assault of all time. Allied soldiers outnumber Germans by two to one, but the plan breaks down when the ground forces encounter unexpected resistance and cannot reinforce the paratroopers, who find themselves lightly armed and isolated behind enemy lines. After nine days of brutal fighting, with heroic stands at the towns of Arnhem, Oosterbeek, and Nijmegen, the Allies suffer massive casualties and are forced to retreat. Several months later, after the Allies repulse Germany's last-ditch attempt to extend the war with the Battle of the Bulge, Montgomery orchestrates another airborne attack on the Rhine, with soldiers fighting around the town of Wesel in Germany. This time they prevail and begin their march into the heart of the Third Reich." "Lloyd Clark is at the forefront of the next generation of military historians, and in Crossing the Rhine he uses new firsthand research to chronicle both battles - examining them in relation to one another and in the larger context of the war - to show how the Allies' earlier audacity led to their later success. He places the attacks in context by recounting the events that preceded them: the heated disagreements between U.S. and British generals, the extensive training of airborne soldiers, and the growing disillusionment of German troops. And he argues that, contrary to popular opinion, these operations were the right offensives at the right times for the right reasons."--BOOK JACKET.

Storming Eagles

Author : James Lucas
Publisher : Canelo
Page : 418 pages
File Size : 45,5 Mb
Release : 2022-05-26
Category : History
ISBN : 9781800329843

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Storming Eagles by James Lucas Pdf

Unstoppable and deadly, this is the gripping story of some of the most feared soldiers in the war The daring, courage and skill of the highly-trained men who spearheaded German assaults in the blitzkrieg of 1940, dropping from the air to seize and overwhelm key invasion points, showed to an alarmed world that a new dimension had been added to the science of warfare. One spectacular success was the invasion and capture of Crete in May 1941, all be it achieved at a terrible price. The German paratroopers were an elite, justifying again and again their great reputation for courage and hard fighting in Russia, North Africa and Italy. Bestselling military historian James Lucas has researched deeply in Allied and German archives and interviewed many of the leading members of the Fallschirmjaegar who survived the war. This is an unmissable and dramatic account of the Second World War’s most frightening elite, perfect for readers of James Holland and Max Hastings.