From their first introduction at the Battle of the Somme in the
First World War, tanks proved to be one of the most important
military developments in the history of warfare. Such was their
influence on the battlefield, both as infantry support and as an
armoured spearhead, their presence could determine the outcome of
any battle. Another significant development during the 1930s was
that of airborne forces, with a number of countries experimenting
with air-dropped troops. Such a concept offered the possibility of
inserting soldiers behind the front lines to sow fear and confusion
in the enemy's rear. However, such troops, parachuting from
aircraft, could only be lightly armed, thus limiting their
effectiveness. It is understandable, therefore, that much thought
was given to the practicalities of air-lifting tanks that could be
dropped, or deposited, alongside paratroopers. Tanks, though, are
heavy, cumbersome vehicles and before there could be any thought of
carrying them by air, much lighter models would have to be
produced. Charles Roberts' fascinating book opens with an
investigation into the efforts in the 1930s by Britain, the Soviet
Union and the USA into the development of, or adaptation of, light
tanks for airborne operations. It was, inevitably, the start of the
Second World War which accelerated efforts to produce an airborne
tank and the means of delivery. The use of conventional powered
aircraft to carry the tanks, limited their use to existing
airfields which negated their employment with airborne troops
landing in the open countryside. Another method of delivery had to
be found, and this took the form of the glider, which could be
landed in a field behind enemy lines. The combination of light tank
and glider made the aim of airborne forces being supported by
armour a realistic proposition - and as a result, the 28th Airborne
Tank Battalion was born. This detailed and comprehensive study
deals with every aspect of design and deployment of American
airborne tanks from the earliest concepts to their actual use, by
British units, on D-Day and during Operation Varsity, the Rhine
crossing.
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