Operations, The Glider Pilot Regiment

July 9th, 1943 – July 10th, 1943

Operation Ladbroke

1st Airborne Division, The Glider Pilot Regiment

Operation Ladbroke is a glider landing mission carried out by British airborne troops near Syracuse, Sicily, beginning on July 9th, 1943 as part of Operation Husky, the Allied invasion of Sicily during the Second World War. It is the first Allied operation involving large numbers of gliders, launched from Tunisia by the British 1st Airlanding Brigade under Brigadier Philip Hicks. The mission involves a force of 136 Hadrian gliders and eight Airspeed Horsas. The objective is to land near Syracuse, secure the Ponte Grande Bridge, and ultimately capture the city, including its strategically important docks, in preparation for the full-scale invasion of Sicily. On the night of July 9th, 1943, 2,075 British troops, along with jeeps, anti-tank guns, and mortars, take off from Tunisia bound for Sicily. Adverse weather conditions and anti-aircraft fire result in confusion. During the flight to Sicily, sixty-five gliders are released prematurely by American towing aircraft, resulting in crashes at sea and the drowning of approximately 252 soldiers. Of the remaining troops, only eighty-seven make it to the Ponte Grande Bridge. Despite their small numbers, they manage to capture the bridge and hold it until their ammunition is exhausted, and only fifteen unwounded soldiers are left. Ultimately, the troops surrender to Italian forces. The Italians attempt to destroy the bridge but are thwarted, as British soldiers had previously removed the explosives. Meanwhile, other members of the 1st Airlanding Brigade who land elsewhere in Sicily successfully destroy communications lines and capture enemy gun positions.

July 13th, 1943 – July 14th, 1943

Operation Fustian

1st Airborne Division, The Glider Pilot Regiment

The 1st Parachute Brigade, commanded by Brigadier Gerald Lathbury, plays a central role in Operation Fustian, the British airborne assault aimed at securing the Primosole Bridge in Sicily on July 13th, 1943. The brigade consists of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Parachute Battalions, the 16th (Parachute) Field Ambulance of the Royal Army Medical Corps, the 1st (Parachute) Squadron of the Royal Engineers, and the 1st (Airlanding) Anti-Tank Battery of the Royal Artillery, equipped with 6-pounder anti-tank guns. The plan divides the brigade’s drop zones into four locations, with gliders allocated to two designated landing zones. The objective is to parachute behind enemy lines, capture the bridge over the Simeto River, and hold it until relieved by the 50th (Northumbrian) Infantry Division. Preparations take place in Sousse, Tunisia, where the brigade undergoes intensive training in parachute landings, communications, and tactical operations. A major setback occurs on July 6th, 1943 when a massive explosion at the 1st Airborne Division’s ammunition dump threatens the brigade’s readiness. Despite this, training continues, and final preparations proceed as aircraft and gliders are loaded with essential equipment. However, aircraft dispersal, caused by navigational errors, Allied friendly fire, and intense Axis anti-aircraft defences, results in fewer than 20% of paratroopers landing in their intended areas. Despite these challenges, elements of the 1st and 3rd Parachute Battalions succeed in securing the bridge at 02:15 hours on July 14th, 1943, eliminating the Italian defenders and disarming demolition charges. However, as dawn breaks, the 1. Fallschirmjäger-Division counterattacks with support from Tiger tanks and artillery, inflicting heavy casualties on the British airborne troops. As ammunition supplies dwindle and losses mount, the brigade is forced to withdraw. The 50th Infantry Division eventually secures the area after three days of fierce fighting, but the airborne forces suffer significant losses. Gliders play a vital role in the operation, transporting the brigade’s anti-tank weapons, jeeps, and other heavy equipment. This marks the first British airborne operation in which artillery is flown directly into battle. A total of 19 gliders are allocated for the mission, comprising 11 Airspeed Horsa gliders, which carry guns and vehicles, and eight smaller Waco CG-4A gliders, designated for lighter equipment and personnel. Tow aircraft include Handley Page Halifaxes and Armstrong Whitworth Albemarles. Several gliders fail to reach Sicily due to mechanical failures, navigational errors, or enemy fire. Some crash on take-off, while others miss their landing zones entirely. Only four gliders successfully land with operational anti-tank guns, with the remainder being destroyed on landing or en route, often under sustained fire from Fallschirmjäger machine guns. The Glider Pilot Regiment, comprising highly trained personnel from the Royal Air Force and Army Air Corps, demonstrates exceptional skill under extreme conditions. Pilots navigate hostile skies, evade anti-aircraft fire, and land in enemy-held territory before transitioning to ground combat. Many fight alongside paratroopers in the defence of the bridge, exemplifying the multi-role nature of glider pilots in battle. Although the 1st Parachute Brigade successfully reaches and secures the Primosole Bridge, the lack of reinforcements and overwhelming German counterattacks prevent them from holding their position. The glider operation, while innovative, suffers heavy losses, with only a fraction of the transported equipment reaching the battlefield. Operation Fustian highlights the courage and determination of British airborne forces but also exposes the significant challenges of early airborne operations, particularly in terms of coordination and execution.

June 5th, 1944 – June 6th, 1944

Operation Tonga

6th Airborne Division, The Glider Pilot Regiment

The invasion of German-occupied Europe, codenamed Operation Overlord, is set for June 5th, 1944. The insertion phase, known as Operation Neptune, aims for the airborne troops to secure the eastern flank of the assault bridgehead. General Gale’s 6th Airborne Division is tasked with this mission, while the 1st Airborne Division remains in reserve. The Glider Pilot Regiment plays a crucial role in these operations, conducting daring night landings to circumvent German defences and facilitate the seaborne landings. From June 5th,1944, to June 6th, 1944, the Regiment is responsible for three waves of gliders under Operation Tonga, followed by a fourth wave, Operation Mallard, in the evening of D-Day, ensuring the sustained reinforcement of airborne troops. The first wave involves six Horsas, flown by elite glider pilots, delivering 138 men of the 2nd Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, along with thirty Royal Engineers, to secure the Orne River and Caen Canal bridges. The skilled glider pilots ensure most landings are near the designated targets. Their expert handling of the gliders contributes to the successful capture of the Orne and Caen bridges, which are reinforced by Lord Lovat’s Commandos by midday. Operation Tonga starts with the second wave, consisting of seventeen Horsas piloted by members of the Regiment, follows with paratroopers, anti-tank guns, and heavy equipment. The third wave arrives at 03:00 hours, transporting additional forces, artillery, and key equipment, including a hazardous mission in which gliders are crash-landed onto the heavily fortified Merville Battery. The Merville Battery assault encounters difficulties due to scattered landings, but the operation ultimately succeeds in neutralising the guns. At 21:00 hours, Operation Mallard, executed with precision by the Glider Pilot Regiment, delivers reinforcements, including the 1st Battalion, Royal Ulster Rifles, and an Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment. Despite a brief weather-related delay, the glider pilots navigate challenging conditions and successfully land, securing key objectives. By D+2, the 6th Airborne Division is firmly established east of the Orne, repelling multiple German counterattacks. The glider pilots, having demonstrated their skill and bravery under intense enemy fire, are extracted and returned to England in preparation for further operations. Their success in achieving 95% of their objectives underscores the critical role of the Glider Pilot Regiment in airborne warfare.

June 6th, 1944

Operation Mallard

6th Airborne Division, The Glider Pilot Regiment

The invasion of German-occupied Europe, codenamed Operation Overlord, is set for June 5th, 1944. The insertion phase, known as Operation Neptune, aims for the airborne troops to secure the eastern flank of the assault bridgehead. General Gale’s 6th Airborne Division is tasked with this mission, while the 1st Airborne Division remains in reserve. The Glider Pilot Regiment plays a crucial role in these operations, conducting daring night landings to circumvent German defences and facilitate the seaborne landings. From June 5th,1944, to June 6th, 1944, the Regiment is responsible for three waves of gliders under Operation Tonga, followed by a fourth wave, Operation Mallard, in the evening of D-Day, ensuring the sustained reinforcement of airborne troops. At 21:00 hours, Operation Mallard, executed with precision by the Glider Pilot Regiment, delivers reinforcements, including the 1st Battalion, Royal Ulster Rifles, and an Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment. Despite a brief weather-related delay, the glider pilots navigate challenging conditions and successfully land, securing key objectives. By D+2, the 6th Airborne Division is firmly established east of the Orne, repelling multiple German counterattacks. The glider pilots, having demonstrated their skill and bravery under intense enemy fire, are extracted and returned to England in preparation for further operations. Their success in achieving 95% of their objectives underscores the critical role of the Glider Pilot Regiment in airborne warfare. Specific casualty figures for British glider pilots during Operation Overlord are not comprehensively documented. However, records from No.1 Wing of the Glider Pilot Regiment indicate that during the Normandy operations, the unit suffered 18 personnel reported as missing and four wounded.

August 5th, 1944 – August 16th, 1944

Operation Dingson 5A

Special Air Service, The Glider Pilot Regiment

In late May 1944, eleven glider pilot crews are withdrawn from D-Day training and formed into ‘X’ Flight under Captain ‘Peggy’ Clarke. Their task is to retrieve Waco/Hadrian gliders from American bases and undergo intensive training at Netheravon. On August 5th, 1944, ten WACO-CG-4A Hadrian gliders, towed by Halifax bombers of No. 644 and No. 298 Squadrons, transport thirty-five French 4th Special Air Service troops and their heavily armed jeeps 270 kilpmetres behind enemy lines to Vannes, Brittany. The Special Air Service, plans to link up with 3,000 Maquis resistance fighters. Escorted by thirty-two Spitfires, the gliders evade detection by flying low and reach their landing zone near Saint Helena without opposition. They are greeted by Maquis fighters and proceed under escort to a coastal hideout. During their stay, the glider pilots observe sabotage operations against German forces. The Germans quickly recognise their presence, issuing a 20,000-franc bounty for their capture. Despite this, they remain hidden and eventually reach Vannes, where they are transported to Rennes before returning to England by Dakota on August 16th, 1944.

September, 17th, 1944 – September, 25th, 1944

Operation Market-Garden

1st Airborne Division, The Glider Pilot Regiment

The Glider Pilot Regiment plays a major role in the Arnhem operation, transporting troops, vehicles, and heavy weaponry into battle through a large-scale glider deployment. On September, 17th, 1944, they begin their mission with 304 Horsas, thirteen Hamilcars, and four Hadrians, carrying essential elements of the 1st Airborne Division. The gliders transport Divisional Headquarters, 1st Air-Landing Brigade Headquarters, and units including the 1st Battalion, the Border Regiment, 2nd Battalion, the South Staffordshire Regiment, and 7th Battalion, the King’s Own Scottish Borderers. Additionally, they deliver the 1st Air-Landing Anti-Tank Battery, 1st Air-Landing Light Regiment, Royal Artillery, 9th Field Company, Royal Engineers, 17-pounder anti-tank guns, artillery units, engineers, communications equipment, and Field Ambulance detachments. Despite challenging weather conditions, the pilots execute precise landings, ensuring the successful deployment of their cargo. However, some gliders are lost en route, including those carrying reconnaissance troops essential to the operation. Poor weather over England causes twenty-three gliders to separate from their tugs before reaching the English coast. Some crash, while others land far from their designated zones, complicating efforts to establish an effective airborne presence. Once on the ground, the pilots transition from aviators to combat troops. Their primary task is to secure the landing zones for subsequent lifts, a role they carry out despite facing increasing mortar fire and counterattacks. This necessity, however, reduces the number of troops available for the main assault on the Arnhem bridge, a factor that contributes to the overall difficulties faced by airborne forces. Glider pilots engage in close-quarters combat, reinforcing infantry units and helping to repel German attacks. During the battle, glider pilots fight alongside paratroopers, particularly in the defence of the Arnhem bridge. At least twenty-one pilots from B Squadron’s 19 Flight actively engaging in combat, manning anti-tank guns and machine guns against sustained German assaults. Over the following days, their numbers are steadily reduced due to enemy fire. Many glider pilots are killed, wounded, or captured, yet they remain an integral part of the defensive effort. Further glider lifts on September 18th, 1944, and September 19th, 1944, bring reinforcements, but fog delays and increasing anti-aircraft fire result in additional losses. Those gliders that make it to Arnhem face overcrowded landing zones and intense enemy fire. Several gliders land in German-occupied territory. While many pilots are taken prisoner, others evade capture with the assistance of the Dutch Resistance, hiding for weeks before eventually reaching Allied lines. Resistance groups in towns like Drunen and Den-Dungen play a crucial role in sheltering downed airmen at significant personal risk. Despite their original orders to return to the Great Britain after landing, the glider pilots remain engaged in combat. Lieutenant M.D.K. Dauncey exemplifies this determination, leading counterattacks and engaging enemy strongpoints despite suffering multiple wounds. He is awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his actions. Glider pilots participate in street fighting, operate heavy weapons, and provide critical defensive support to airborne troops isolated in Oosterbeek. By September 25th, 1944, with the battle lost, the remaining elements of the 1st Airborne Division withdraw across the Rhine. Many glider pilots play a role in guiding their comrades to safety, displaying discipline even in retreat. Their contributions to the operation are significant, transporting thousands of troops and essential equipment while effectively transitioning into combat roles. However, the Glider Pilot Regiment suffers heavy casualties during the battle. Of the approximately 1,200 glider pilots who take part in the operation, over 229 are killed, while 469 are wounded or taken prisoner. These losses severely impact the regiment, as replacing such highly trained personnel proves challenging.

March 24th, 1945 – March 25th, 1945

Operation Varsity

6th Airborne Division, The Glider Pilot Regiment

On March 24th, 1945, in clear weather, 439 gliders of No. 1 Wing, led by Lieutenant-Colonel Iain Murray, take off between 06:00 and 07:50 hours. One tug aircraft fails to launch due to undercarriage failure. Simultaneously, 906 Waco gliders carrying American forces depart from France. The airborne force includes 243 aircraft for British paratroopers and 303 aircraft for American troops. Heavy anti-aircraft fire disrupts the landings, and many pilots struggle to locate their designated zones due to smoke from pre-invasion bombing and ground force operations. Despite these challenges, the airborne troops achieve all objectives by 13:00 hours on March 24th, 1943,. By 10:00 hours on March 25th, 1945, they link up with 21st Army Group. Over 4,800 troops, 342 jeeps, 348 trailers, seven tanks, and numerous artillery pieces are delivered by British gliders. The new Horsa Mark II facilitates rapid unloading, reducing casualties during disembarkation. Varsity proves a resounding success, with 239 Liberator aircraft completing supply drops within an hour of the landings. RAF Fighter Command provides air cover, and 1,227 Thunderbolts and Mustangs from the VIII USAAF conduct offensive sweeps. Enemy fighters fail to intervene. Despite this success, the Regiment suffers heavy losses, with 98 personnel killed, including 58 ex-Royal Air Force pilots. Many more are wounded.