Tag Archives: Boy Browning

Chatterton vs Hopkinson – the Facts

Posted on 10/02/2017 by Ian Murray

There is a story about Lt Col Chatterton and Maj Gen Hopkinson and the genesis of Operation Ladbroke that is so pervasive that it has almost become gospel. Certainly it seems to go completely unchallenged. But is there any evidence … Continue reading →

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Glider Pilots to Blame for Operation Ladbroke Disaster? Part 2

Posted on 08/10/2016 by Ian Murray

The CO of the glider pilots blamed their ‘limitations’ for the ‘near disaster’ of Operation Ladbroke. That was later. What did he say at the time? In Part 1 we saw how Operation Ladbroke, the glider assault that opened the invasion of … Continue reading →

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The Story of Glider 26 – Combat Medics in Operation Ladbroke

Posted on 04/09/2016 by Ian Murray

Glider 26 carried a surgical team in the invasion of Sicily. According to contemporary reports, the medics not only saved lives, but they also fought to do so. Glider: CG4-A Waco 26, serial no. 243811. Tug: C-47 or C-53, serial 41-18418, nose (squadron) … Continue reading →

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Glider Pilots to Blame for Operation Ladbroke Disaster?

Posted on 30/07/2016 by Ian Murray

After the failures of Operation Ladbroke, recriminations flew in every direction. The glider pilots were not exempt. Surprisingly, their own commander later blamed them the most. “It was … the nearest run thing you ever saw in your life”, the … Continue reading →

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German predictions for Operation Ladbroke & airborne landings in Sicily

Posted on 16/08/2015 by Ian Murray

German General Kurt Student’s June 1943 report reproduced in full.  One month before Operation Ladbroke, the opening glider assault in Operation Husky, the Allied invasion of Sicily, the leader of Germany’s airborne forces produced an intelligence report. It predicted with startling … Continue reading →

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