Operation Varsity: Airborne Artillery in the Rhine Crossing

Operation Varsity was one of the largest airborne assaults in history. It was part of a larger Allied offensive to cross the Rhine River and push into the heart of Germany. The operation was planned by Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, the Allied ground forces commander. Montgomery believed that an airborne assault across the Rhine would be the key to breaking the German defenses and opening the way for the Allied armies to advance into Germany.

The airborne assault was carried out by the 17th Airborne Division, which was made up of the 513th Parachute Infantry Regiment, the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, and the 464th Parachute Field Artillery Battalion. The 464th was the first artillery battalion to be dropped by parachute into combat.

The airborne assault began on March 24, 1945, when over 17,000 paratroopers and glider troops were dropped behind enemy lines near Wesel, Germany. The paratroopers and glider troops quickly secured a bridgehead on the east bank of the Rhine, and the 464th Parachute Field Artillery Battalion began firing on German positions.

The German forces were caught off guard by the airborne assault, and they were unable to prevent the Allies from establishing a bridgehead on the east bank of the Rhine. The Allied forces were then able to cross the river in force and push into the heart of Germany.

Operation Varsity was a success, and it played a major role in the Allied victory in World War II. The operation showed that airborne forces could be used to cross major obstacles and establish bridgeheads behind enemy lines. Operation Varsity also showed that artillery could be effectively used in airborne operations.

The 464th Parachute Field Artillery Battalion was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for its actions in Operation Varsity. The battalion was also awarded the French Croix de Guerre.

The story of the 464th Parachute Field Artillery Battalion is a story of courage, determination, and sacrifice. The battalion’s actions in Operation Varsity helped to pave the way for the Allied victory in World War II.

This book tells the story of the 464th Parachute Field Artillery Battalion in Operation Varsity. It is a story of courage, determination, and sacrifice. It is a story that has never been told before.

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Publisher ‏: ‎ PageBook24.com (January 13, 2025)
Language : ‎ English
Dimensions ‏: ‎ 6 x 9 inches
Pages ‏: ‎ 133 pages

Pasquale De Marco stands as a prolific author whose literary prowess knows no bounds. With a passion for storytelling that transcends genres, he has made a name for himself as a versatile writer with the extraordinary ability to captivate readers across diverse literary landscapes. His journey as an author is marked by an insatiable curiosity, a love for the written word, and a relentless commitment to sharing knowledge and experiences with the world.

Pasquale De Marco collaborates with a dedicated team of ghostreaders who assist him in evaluating and editing the manuscripts. His collaborators are not only skilled professionals but also avid readers who purchase and read books as a personal hobby. This unique blend of creativity allows Pasquale to push the boundaries of traditional publishing, making literature more accessible and diverse.