Airborne troops landing in Caen
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Airborne troops landing in Caen
British Horsa gliders and parachutes near Caen after allied airborne landings. The detachable fuselages have been removed from the wings. Date: June 1944
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Media ID 14110841
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
1944 Airborne Allied Caen Detachable Fuselages Gliders Horsa Landing Landings Parachutes Removed Wings
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the moment of the Allied airborne landings in Caen, France on the 17th of June, 1944. The scene is dominated by British Horsa gliders, their detachable fuselages having been jettisoned to lighten the load and allow for a smoother descent. Parachutes can be seen scattered around the area, having been used by troops to make their initial descent before completing the final leg of their journey to the ground in the gliders. The Allied invasion of Normandy, codenamed Operation Neptune, was a turning point in the Second World War. The airborne landings, carried out by the British 6th Airborne Division and the US 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, were a crucial part of the invasion strategy. Their mission was to secure key strategic points behind enemy lines, disrupt German defenses, and enable the ground forces to advance inland. The Horsa gliders, developed by the British, were a vital component of the airborne assault. Capable of carrying 27 troops or 11 tons of cargo, they offered a more efficient and flexible alternative to parachute drops. However, their landing was not without risk, as the gliders had to fly low and slow to allow their passengers to jump out before the glider touched down, making them vulnerable to enemy fire. This photograph is a poignant reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of the Allied troops who took part in the airborne landings at Caen during the D-Day invasions. It is a testament to their determination and skill, and a significant moment in the history of the Second World War.
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