AVweb Normandy Visit: Gliders Of D-Day

4

The combat glider was an integral part of Operation Neptune, the airborne component of Operation Overlord, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this week in Normandy. In this video shot in 2017, AVweb’s Paul Bertorelli explains the critical role gliders played in the Normandy operation.

Other AVwebflash Articles

4 COMMENTS

  1. NOT to belittle anyone Paul mentions here – But let’s not forget those who were actually first to capture a piece of France at 00:16. Major John Howard’s “Coup De Main” against the bridges at Ouistreham in 6 Horsa gliders – 5 of which landed either on the bridge defences or up to 770 yards away. They took the bridges almost before the Germans knew what happened. This protected the British beaches from German armoured counter attacks. First casualty of D-Day being either Lance-Corporal Fred Greenhalgh (drowned in a pond when his glider broke apart on landing ) or Lieutenant Den Brotheridge (hit by German fire while leading the charge across the bridge at Ouistreham).

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Deadstick

  2. Very informative program on gliders, one of the least known of all military aircraft! Especially enjoyed the WW 2 vintage footage which included a photo I have been searching for – the glidermen on board a CG 4a, one in the foreground holding a M1903A3. Thanks very much Paul!

  3. “HERE RESTS IN HONORED GLORY A COMRADE IN ARMS KNOWN BUT TO GOD.” And here is where atheism fades away.

    Thank you Paul Bertorelli.

LEAVE A REPLY