I thought the Allied Airborne were brave flying in Horsas, Waco's and Hamilcars but these look even more dangerous? 1. 2. 3. Stukas are the prime mover. 4. 5. Nice and Snug inside. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Pictures were taken in Italy and were used in the rescue of Mussolini.
Dangerous looking glider alright. Makes the Mussolini rescue seem all the more daring. Dont think I'd like to be inside one of those things. Interesting looking MG- gunner's position. I'd say it was pretty cold to be one of those gunners when the glider was in flight!!
Dangerous looking glider alright. Makes the Mussolini rescue seem all the more daring. Dont think I'd like to be inside one of those things. Interesting looking MG- gunner's position. I'd say it was pretty cold to be one of those gunners when the glider was in flight!! I am not familiar with glider tactics, but at first thought after seeing it, I figured that MG position would be primarily used just prior to landing, on a hot DZ. But you are right GH, it would still be a windy and cold position to exposed to even for a short while....
Andy, I knew a DFS 230 Glider Pilot and Fallschirmjäger after holidaying in Kent in the late 1970`s. Bert and his family visited me in the UK as he liked the UK and was a frequent visitor. He joined young before the war as he was born the youngest son in a large family in Bavaria and realizing he had no chance of inheriting decided to get out of farming. He had learned gliding as there were lots of clubs around later became a pilot for the DSF 230 and landed one on the fort at Eben Amael in Belgium. He later took part in the Crete campaign but was severely injured in the chest. Seeing that fellow wounded soldiers were being killed by the local population he hid in a very thick hedgerow for a couple of days before he was found by his own troops and taken to hospital. He never spoke much about the war, but I often wondered if he was in Italy at the same time as my father. After the war he went to night school and later became an industrial chemist and worked for Beyer, in particular developing Agfa colour film. A quiet and hard working individual whom you would not think was a paratroop and glider pilot. He passed away about 3 years ago. Battle of Fort Eben-Emael - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Fort Eben Emael - Google Video Search# Fort Eben-Emael - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Regards Tom
I think theyre all very brave, for fighting in the war, but trusting those planes makes them shine even brighter!
Awesome pics Tom, The second ones a bit blurry though. I still cant beleive people actually rode in them!?!
Great pics Tom. I take it though that where Crete was concerned, the majority of Fallschirmjaeger were deployed via parachute from JU52 as opposed to mass landings of these gliders?
Gotthard, Some Glider troops were used in Operation Mercury. A quote from Wiki. A total of 750 glider troops, 10,000 paratroops, 5,000 airlifted mountain troops, and 7,000 seaborne troops were allotted for the invasion. The largest proportion of the forces were in Group West. Battle of Crete - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Operation Mercury: The German Invasion of Crete, 20 May-1 June 1941 Regards Tom
The Gotha Glider only entered service in 1942 and the DSF 230 was the only assault glider available early in the war for the German assault on the Belgium Fort at Eben - Emael Regards Tom
The DSF had the same construction as the US Waco: a frame made of aluminium and wood with fabric over it...
The mountain and seaborn troops were used at the second stage of the battle for Crete commenced. They were deployed after the airport was secured by the Fallschirmjäger and used to unload the burden of the offensive from them. Cheers...
ImageShack - Last month taken at Eben Emael. If everything is according to plan we will rebuild a glider 1:1 and re-enact the event on Eben comming May 2010
ImageShack - Last month taken at Eben Emael. If everything is according to plan we will rebuild a glider 1:1 and re-enact the event on Eben comming May 2010 I take it you wont be flying them in??
ImageShack - Last month taken at Eben Emael. If everything is according to plan we will rebuild a glider 1:1 and re-enact the event on Eben comming May 2010 Just checked out the images. I am very impressed with your construction of the DSF 230 Glider. What will happen to it when it is completed, will it be going on permanent display or just on outings with the group? I look forward to seeing some pictures of the re-enactment planned. Regards Tom
