Operation Varsity, 6th Airborne Division

Allied Forces

Axis Forces

Operation

On March 24^th, 1945, the 6^th Airborne Division participates in Operation Varsity, an airborne assault aimed at facilitating the Allied crossing of the River Rhine. Over the Rhine, the first British formation of the 6th Airborne Division to land is the 8th Parachute Battalion, belonging to the 3^rd Parachute Brigade commanded by Brigadier James Hill. The brigade drops onto Drop Zone A nine minutes ahead of schedule, successfully landing despite encountering intense German small-arms and 20-millimetres anti-aircraft fire. As the troops engage enemy forces within the Diersfordter Wald, they sustain several casualties. However, by 11:00 hours, the brigade has effectively cleared the drop zone of German resistance, and all battalions are formed and ready for action.

A strategically important position at Schnappenberg is swiftly captured by the 9^th Parachute Battalion, operating alongside troops from the 1^st Canadian Parachute Battalion. However, the Canadian battalion’s commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Jeff Nicklin, is tragically killed by German small-arms fire moments after landing. Despite further casualties, the brigade successfully drives the Germans from the area. By 13:45 hours, Brigadier Hill reports that all of the brigade’s objectives have been fully secured. Canadian medical orderly Corporal Frederick George Topham is later awarded the Victoria Cross for his extraordinary bravery under fire, as he rescued and treated wounded soldiers despite sustaining injuries himself.

Following closely behind is the 5^th Parachute Brigade, under Brigadier Nigel Poett, landing on Drop Zone B. Although this brigade achieves its landing zone, poor visibility leads to less accurate drops than those of the 3rd Parachute Brigade, complicating the assembly of troops on the ground. The brigade faces immediate resistance from nearby German units, coming under intense small-arms fire, artillery bombardment, and mortar fire, resulting in casualties in their assembly points. Nevertheless, the 7^th Parachute Battalion soon clears the area of enemy troops occupying farms and nearby buildings. The 12^th and 13^th Parachute Battalions promptly secure the brigade’s remaining objectives. Subsequently, the brigade advances eastwards to clear German positions around Schermbeck and engages enemy concentrations near the farmhouse used as headquarters by the 6^th Airborne Division. By 15:30 hours, Brigadier Poett confirms that all objectives have been secured and successful links established with other airborne formations.

The 6^th Airlanding Brigade commanded by Brigadier Hugh Bellamy, lands shortly afterwards by glider. Tasked with capturing several key locations, including the town of Hamminkeln, this brigade is split into company-sized groups, landing across Landing Zones P, O, U, and R under heavy anti-aircraft fire. Difficulties are exacerbated by dense haze and smoke, causing several glider pilots to become disoriented, leading to crashes or landings away from designated areas. Despite this confusion, most gliders land safely enough for the brigade’s battalions to achieve their mission objectives. They swiftly capture three vital bridges across the River Issel intact. Furthermore, with assistance from American troops of the 513^th Parachute Infantry Regiment, who inadvertently land in the vicinity, the brigade successfully secures Hamminkeln itself. Shortly after taking the town, Brigadier Bellamy reports all objectives secured and firmly under British control.

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