PURPOSE OF AIR INVASION

Press, Volume LXXX, Issue 24366, 19 September 1944, Page 5

PURPOSE OF AIR INVASION

"Quick Decision In .West"' ~ MESSAGES PROM COMMANDERS (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 9 p.m.) LONDON, Sept. 18. Just before the take-off in Sunday's air-borne invasion of Holland, Lieutenant-General L. H. Brereton, commander, of the airI borne forces, circulated to his men ! the following message:—"You are taking part in one of the greatest alr-bcrne operations in military ■ history. On the success of your mission to-day—on the navigation, flying skill, and courage of the air crews and the skill, courage and sneed of the landing force—rests the difference between a quick decision in the west and a long-drawn-out battle. I know I can depend on you." In the actual operation, troops and equipment of every description were landed and in action against the enemy within a few hours of taking off from bases scattered all over southern England. 4 Before the departure of the airborne armada. Air Vice-Marshal Lopghurst told the airmen: "You ere about to participate in an air-borne operation transcending in importance even the one launched on D Day itself. It is an operation vital to the outcome of the land battle. Its success may mean all the difference between a rapid decision in the west and a protracted winter campaign." Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Tedder paid a surprise visit and watched Stirfings tow off the packed gliders.