World War II Glider Assault Tactics
By Chris Banyai-Riepl
Author: Gordon L. Rottman
Publisher: Osprey Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-78200-773-9
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 64
While aviation formed an integral part of the First World War, and was used around the globe in the 1920s and 1930s in a variety of military operations, it was not until the Second World War that gliders saw combat usage. The Luftwaffe utilized them first in May 1940, and as the war progressed, both sides took advantage of their silent approach and large carrying capacity.
This latest title in the Osprey Elite series covers glider operations by both sides, including the following:
- Waco CG-4A
- Waco CG-13A
- Hotspur Mk II
- Horsa Mk I & Mk II
- Hamilcar Mk I
- DFS 230
- Go 242
- Me 321
The book covers the construction of the gliders, the types of tow aircraft, glider pilots, and the various units they operated in. The book also covers quite a few of the glider operations, including German operations in Belgium, Greece, Crete, Russia, Italy, Yugoslavia, and Hungary. Allied operations include Sicily, Burma, Normandy, Southern France, Netherlands, and Germany.
This is an interesting side of WWII aviation that is not often covered, and as such is a welcome addition to the aviation library. The book is well illustrated, both with photos and drawings, and the compelling text will definitely keep you hooked. My thanks to Osprey Publishing for the review copy.