6 Airborne Division. Report on Operations in Normandy, 6 Jun - 27 Aug 44.

WORLD WAR II.

Published by [Likely Great Britain: c. 1944]

A rare report, classified "secret". Formed in April 1943, the 6th Airborne dropped east of the River Orne on D-Day, securing the British left flank and capturing vital bridges over the Caen Canal and the Orne. During the push to the Seine, the division advanced 45 miles on foot, liberating 400 square miles territory and taking over 1,000 prisoners. The detailed document records the planning of the operation and each of its phases, supported by a sketch map of the Caen Canal area, diagrams and reconnaissance photographs of parachute battalion drops and glider landings, the text of instructions issued to parachute brigade commanders, and other appendices. Tables also document casualties and stores dropped from the air. A section of conclusions highlights improvements to be made in planning - "whilst it is desirable to keep as few people in the know as possible, a mistake was made in being too strict over this" - and communications, as well as the strengthening of the division's artillery firepower ("quite inadequate"). We have traced only the copy held in the National Archives. Quarto (345 x 210 mm). Together, 37 leaves of duplicated typescript (2 folding), variously printed one or both sides, 3 sketch maps (2 folding), 6 reference maps, 9 half-tone photographic aerial views, 3 large folding colour maps. Wire-stitched as issued between manila card covers, front cover lettered in black and with black emblem of airborne forces. Old stains and general wear to covers, light indentations affecting front cover and first few leaves, folding colour maps toned and foxed at fore edge when folded: very good. Seller Inventory # 190899

Bibliographic Details

Title: 6 Airborne Division. Report on Operations in...
Publisher: [Likely Great Britain: c. 1944]
Edition: 1st Edition