AIRBORNE LANDINGS

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 69, 19 September 1944, Page 6

AIRBORNE LANDINGS

GREATEST EVER UNDERTAKEN

Rec. 2.20 p.m. LONDON. Sept. 18. "The greatest airborne operations ever undertaken" 'was the description given by three senior staff officers to the landings of the paratroopers and gliderborne forces yesterday, and the reinforcement by gliders today of the First Allied Airborne. Army's task force. They disclosed that they were the first airborne forces to be used for strategic purposes','-as distinct from tactical forces.

-The officer commanding the troop:arrying forces, speaking of today's glider said: "A few hours ago I saw a sight which' left me thrilled. There was a tremendous number of gliders this morning to carry supplies and reinforcements to the troops already operating. The three columns of gliders covered 285 miles. They took two hours to stream out from the coast. We had the same support from fighters as yesterday. We have not yet received many details, but we know that the missibn is 'in the bag.'" : ; .

Another officer said: "Given sufficient .-•fighter cover, we can beat the Ehine and any other barrier. We have plenty of experience and reserves. We go-in as an army with a strategic mis-

sion. We have built up to a point where we can still be used. We are a new member of General Eisenhower's team, delivering a blow in the Eisenhower manner. Our ,troops were veterans, and it was inspiring to see Ihe spirit with which they went in. We were assisted'by Dutch patriots, who are doing a good job, and also a Polish contingent. We, the Allied Army, are proud .to have, our Allies with us."