CONTENTS PAGE Context and Literature survey page 2 Work Undertaken page 10 Work to be completed page 13 Methodology/Framework underpinning work page 15 Original contribution to knowledge page 17 Details of Seminars page 18 Bibliography page 20 Context and Literature Survey Since the end of the Second World War much has been written on the exploits of the British and German airborne forces. The use of airborne troops first occurred during the war in both large and small numbers for small raids and large strategic drops. However, even though the war developed the use of airborne troops and laid down the principles for airborne troop insertion, the majority of the operations conducted have never been academically researched or studied. Most have become footnotes, while some books allow a few lines on the more obscure operations. Yet even some of the major operations still remain in the twilight of historical research. Indeed, the majority of current written work continues to be in the form of narrative descriptions of the operations with little analytical discussion. Many of the operations lack any in-depth historical analysis, and in order to provide a statement on the effectiveness of airborne troops it is necessary to evaluate and study all the operations of the era. Indeed many major operations still lack research and serious academic study, for example the Rhine crossing in 1945, the German capture of Leros in 1943, the Allied operations in Italy and Operation Strosser in 1945. Alongside these operations in Europe, historians have also largely ignored the British airborne operations in the Far East. The operations conducted at Crete in 1941 and at Arnhem in 1944, have been exhaustively researched and written about, yet even here in the context of airborne effectiveness they have not been worn out. The problem with the study of these two operations is that they were fought between the Germans and primarily the British. With the majority of written work coming from British sources, they carry an inclination, which has been propagated through other works and has become the established view of the events of these two engagements. It seems that even with two highly researched operations, possibly two of the most studied battles of all time, there are still very few analytical appraisals. Crete continues to be seen as a British failure, rather than a German victory, and Arnhem is viewed in the same light. But in considering the effectiveness of airborne troops these operations need to be re-studied with an analytical view of the operations. Robert Kershaw’s work, It Never Snows in September (1990), was the first and the only complete study of the German commitment to the battle at Arnhem and the Market Garden Campaign. It shows the battle in a completely different light than works written from the British perspective, and offers the explanation for the Allied defeat to have been the determined resistance and reaction of the German troops rather than the mistakes and failures of the Allied forces and the British airborne. So perhaps Arnhem should be considered the last German victory in the West? Certainly the German troops who fought there considered it such. Therefore to assess correctly the performance of British and German troops the available written works must be carefully considered in terms of historical worth, with both British and German sources used. With regards to the German airborne forces, most historians consider that after Crete the Fallschirmjager became a 'ground-based' force, fighting in the role of elite infantry. While this is largely in effect true, with the expansion of the service and lack of strategic opportunity it was necessary to use them as ground forces; the Germans did still conduct airborne operations up until the end of the war. To state that the Fallschirmjager were ‘grounded’ after Crete is misleading. Although it is true that no operation of the size of Crete was launched, many smaller drops were undertaken, some with great success, others a terrible failure. But after Crete, although their wings were clipped the Germans remained able to commit troops to an airborne assault and maintained an infrastructure capable of mounting mass airborne operations until 1944 when fuel shortages finally grounded training planes. Many of these operations took the form of small raids, with limited numbers of troops and these along with the operations of the S.A.S, laid the foundations for modern special forces. Perhaps the best example of this is the Gran Sasso raid, where Mussolini was whisked away by Otto Skorzeny and the Fallschirmjager. The main problem with the study of the German forces particularly in these smaller operations is the lack of written material and evidence in English. Although there are sources in German, Die Fallschirmjager Chronik (1983) and Fallschirmjager (1988) for example, they are still limited in scope providing a mainly narrative account of German operations. Although the Imperial War Museum does have a limited number of German documents it is by no means exhaustive. Therefore in order to construct an overall view of German airborne operations it would be necessary to commit to extensive research in Germany, in both archives and with veterans of the war. One of the greatest assets to the military historian in studying the British airborne forces of the Second World War is the book Airborne Forces (1990) by Colonel Terence Otway. This book, originally published in 1951, was never intended for general publication and was a confidential publication for the British government on the development and use of airborne forces during the war. It is highly analytical and didactic in its content and was used for the purposes of teaching. It remains a largely untapped source of information for military historians, having only recently been published in limited numbers. It is both an informed and authoritative account on the development, formation and achievements of the airborne troops. Its author not only served with great distinction in the airborne forces but also had access to many unique and unavailable documents. This book, despite its obviously high value, features rarely in historian’s bibliographies and should be seen as a core text on the study of airborne forces. Another book that provides an excellent insight into the operations of the British airborne forces is the personal account from wartime veterans. Foremost amongst these is Denis Edwards’ The Devil’s Own Luck (1999), which is in the form of his wartime diary and truly brings out the unique nature of the men which served in the airborne formations and there sense of belonging and camaraderie. Other works of this type include Ian Toler’s Gliding Into War (1998), the account of a glider pilot who served in every major operation from D-Day to the end of the war, and Harry Bankhead’s Salute to the Steadfast (1999), which remains the only complete account of the 151/156 British Parachute Battalion from its foundation to its destruction during Operation Market Garden. A further valuable source is Jack Hewitt’s book, A Hell of an Education (2000), which not only covers his training and service as a British paratroop signaller but also provides extensive technical information on the signals equipment, used by the British airborne forces. Although there is no work on the German airborne forces comparable to Otway’s, there are several texts, which are vital to the study of the German Fallschirmjager. Although most take the form of military narratives of certain battles or campaigns and many lack any academic structure, several texts stand out as fundamental in the study of the Fallschirmjager. Foremost amongst those works are those written by Fallschirmjager veterans of the war. Martin Poppel’s book, Heaven & Hell (1988), is his wartime diary of service in the German airborne forces. This provides a deeply personal account of the war from joining in 1938 to his capture in 1945 and covers all the major airborne operations as well as the training and selection of troops. Another veteran’s account is that by Baron Von der Heydte. In his book Daedalus Returned (1958), he gives a poignant account of the unique battle for Crete and the work clearly shows the bond that develops between men in elite combat units. Other works that provide an insight into the Fallschirmjager are the works of James Lucas and Bruce Quarrie. Quarrie’s recent book, Fallschirmjager 1935-45 (2001), covers all the aspects of training and equipment development and also considers the beliefs sense of belonging and camaraderie, which created the esprit du corps of the Fallschirmjager. Lucas’ book, Storming Eagles (1988), covers all the major actions of the Fallschirmjager and covers them in reasonable detail. Although the work does take the form of a narrative of the actions it provides a good basis for further study. In terms of study on the Luftwaffe operations, which are key to the study of German airborne operations due to the need for air superiority, two authors stand out. Williamson Murray’s book, Strategy for Defeat - The Luftwaffe 1933-45 (1992), gives details for both operational effectiveness and equipment production. Alongside this are the works of E. Hooton, which provides an in-depth analysis of Luftwaffe performance during the war. Also of use is Cajus Bekker’s book, The Luftwaffe Diaries (1967), that provides a narrative account of the German airforce’s operations. In relation to equipment and material analysis there are many works which provide detailed information. As mentioned previously Otway’s book, Airborne Forces (1990), provides details for all equipment and materials issued to the British airborne forces, ranging from personal battle equipment to the aircraft and gliders used to deliver the soldiers. It also includes artillery and armoured vehicles deployed by airborne troops and experimental equipment designs. It gives an account of the equipment and how it performed in war. Alongside this is George Forty’s book, British Army Handbook 1939-1945 (1998), which also contains technical details on personal equipment and support arms and this gives a comparison to Otway’s information. As mentioned before Hewitt’s book, A Hell of an Education (2000), provides all the technical information on the wireless equipment issued to the British airborne troops during the war and also provides further information on the gliders and aircraft employed by the British, giving details of performance and production quantities. For equipment and material information for the German airborne forces the best starting point is Quarrie’s two books, Fallschirmjager (2001) and German Airborne troops 1939-45 (1983). Both give a detailed analysis of the equipment issued to the Germans and its performance in battle and study the weapons and parachute designs closely. They also provide information on the gliders and aircraft employed by the Fallschirmtruppe. Following this is Alex Buchner’s work, Weapons and Equipment of the German Fallschirmtruppe (1996), which gives details for all personal equipment, gliders and aircraft, support weapons, aerial delivery systems and communications equipment. This provides a good basis for further research and covers all aspects of the material performance and employment. A further book, which gives technical information on German weapons and support equipment, is Bruce Quarrie’s, Encyclopaedia of the German Army in the 20th Century (1989). This gives details of weapon performance and specifications for small arms and artillery used by the German airborne forces, and is supported by George Markham’s work on the weapons of the Third Reich. Alongside these works are the personal papers of various commanders who are linked to the formulation and development of airborne troops. In relation to the German forces the papers of Kurt Student are of prime importance as he effectively developed the German airborne forces. His papers feature in many of the listed works but only in fragmented form, the most complete source of his papers resides at the Bundesarchiv in Koblenz. A further German commander worthy of study in relation to airborne operations is Albert Kesselring as many of his Luftwaffe commands provided the transport and air support for airborne operations. In terms of British commanders many are widely available in published accounts. Montgomery and Alanbrooke both contributed to the deployment of airborne troops and both wrote articles on the employment of airborne forces. These articles feature in Otway’s book Airborne Forces (1990). The papers of Lt-General F.A.M Browning are available for study at the Airborne Forces Museum in Aldershot. Many of the airborne commanders wrote their own personal recollections of their service in the war and these titles feature in the bibliography. These include John Frost, Stanislaw Sosabowski, Brian Urquhart, Roy Urquhart and Baron Von Der Heydte. However many prime airborne commanders lack published accounts, particularly German commanders and finding their personal papers may prove difficult due to wartime destruction of many documents. For example the papers of Rudolf Witzig, GeneralOberst Stumpf and General Ramcke would be of major interest for historical analysis, but they remain difficult to find. A starting point for the search of these papers will be the Bund Deutscher Fallschirmjager in Saarlouis and the Luftlande-Fliegerkameradschaft in Dortmund. These organisations, along with correspondence with Dr. Fritz Markscheffel will provide the locations of these and many other unpublished documents on the German airborne troops. Alongside the study of works on the airborne forces other works also provide information on aspects of historical study that relate to the study of airborne forces. With relevance to combat motivation and military culture, the works of John Keegan, John Ellis and Williamson Murray need to be studied carefully to assess their relation, if any, to combat effectiveness and its effects on performance. Murray writes “German army culture demanded not only high standards in terms of troop leadership but also serious study of the profession of arms” a culture which certainly helped to shape the Fallschirmjager. A starting point for research into the psychological factors of war begins with Emil Dinter’s study, Hero or Coward (1985), and Ben Shepard’s recent work, A War Of Nerves (2002). This assists greatly in the research of military psychology and the work of Dr. Tom Main, an expert on leadership and morale, who was attached to the British Airborne. Shepard also covers the idea of military culture and many historians see a definite link between the military culture of a nation and the development, employment and performance of their troops. So far very little academic analysis has been written on the airborne operations of the war. Although many of the operations are covered in detail this exists only in the form of narrative description and lack in-depth critical study. The coverage of the exploits of airborne troops is born from the popular notion of their esprit du corps and status as elite combat troops, and writing has reflected this. Most works tend to be descriptions and narratives of the combat and operations performed by airborne troops without much discussion into their actual effectiveness in battle. It seems taken for granted that these troops always performed at the pinnacle of military performance. This is due to the public fascination with elite forces and their peculiar role in battle, which has assured that books on airborne forces remain a viable sellable product, without the need for accurate academic analysis. It seems that the wartime promotion of airborne troops and immediate post war propaganda still permeates many of the recent works written on airborne forces. Perhaps the best example of this is again the battle for Arnhem in 1944. Recent works still propagate the notion of heroic sacrifice, of a similar vein to that of the British troops during the First World War, concentrating on the failures of the British command without really examining the actual merits of the operation or the German response to the operation. What is needed is a complete analysis of airborne troop effectiveness during the war and by choosing to study and compare the British and German experiences of airborne operations this will allow for the formulation of the evolution of airborne operational performance. Work undertaken The work that has been undertaken so far consists of secondary and primary source analysis, research into the British airborne forces at various institutions in the country and further advancing the ability to read and write the German language in both its standard form and in hand written gothic. Over the course of the last year it has been necessary to evaluate the texts available to the study of airborne warfare. The range of published sources varies from military narratives by modern historians to many primary source works published by former soldiers in the airborne forces. Many of the military narrative are only useful to gain an impression of the formation's performance during the war and their basic development over the course of the war. They do however allow the historian to gain a basic view of the British and German effectiveness in the deployment of airborne troops. The battles for Crete and Arnhem have the largest amount of written work on them and are worthy of study in regards to comparing the effectiveness of the two forces as the battles are somewhat similar in many respects, both being strategic in concept. Therefore research has been devoted to these two battles to begin to form the basis for a comparative study on the airborne forces. The study of these engagements has allowed the study of strategic airborne operation effectiveness and the study of Operation Tonga and the German operations in Belgium and Holland in 1940 provide two tactical examples which too can be compared due to their similarities. Thus with two comparative case studies, on strategic and tactical operations, this will formulate the basis of further research into the comparative performance of the two nations. Alongside this has been research into the equipment of the British and German Airborne forces. All equipment has been considered from the clothing and parachutes to the weapons, radio communication and aircraft. This will be used to determine which force possessed an advantage in terms of equipment, if any, and if this affected their performance. In providing a complete comparative analysis it will be important to study the equipment and determine which force performed better due to an advantage, either in numbers or technically, stemming from their equipment. Also the training manuals of the period have been examined to compare the airborne training programmes to define any comparative advantage that one side may possess. Alongside this the military doctrine of the time has also been studied along with research into the military and political culture of the period and its possible relation to combat effectiveness. During the last year research was also undertaken at the Imperial War museum in London, the Public Records Office at Kew and the Airborne Forces museum in Aldershot. The Imperial War museum provided several documents, which related in some way to the airborne forces during the Second World War. Of the most use were those documents, which provided anecdotal personal accounts by those, serving in the airborne forces. The Airborne Forces museum in Aldershot holds the records of the British Airborne Forces and provides many documents for research. Of particular interest to the historian studying combat effectiveness are those documents that relate directly to training and personnel selection. In terms of historical value the records of the museum are the greatest resource available to a historian studying the British airborne forces. Also undertaken alongside research were attempts to contact as many surviving veterans as possible. This was done through letters to veteran’s societies and on the Internet. Through these methods contact has been made with several surviving veterans and the relatives of others who have large amounts of research on their relatives wartime service. So far correspondence has been made with Sergeant Gordon Brennan, formerly of the 6th Airborne, Dr. Fritz Marktscheffel, a former glider pilot of the Fallschirmtruppe and Colonel Terence Otway, leader of the assault on the Merville battery on the morning of D-Day. Also David Lenk, his grandfather Werner Lenk served in the Fallschirmjager, has offered to share his research on the German forces and in particular the battle for Crete. This has led too much valuable primary source information on training and the units in combat. Work to be completed The work left to be completed consists of several major parts. Firstly, whilst continuing research upon the British forces, it will be vital to advance the ability to read and write German in preparation for a research trip to Germany next year. Secondly the continuance of research at the Airborne forces museum in Aldershot. Thirdly, the start of writing, beginning with two comparatives case studies, on operations, and a comparative analysis of the equipment and training. Fourthly, the research trip to Germany and then in my final year the writing up period. The basis for learning German has consisted of a home taught programme of A level equivalent and will include modules from the University’s language programme. It is therefore necessary to dedicate time to advancing the knowledge of German so that the limited time available for research in Germany can be utilised to its maximum potential. For assistance in translation, several colleagues have offered their help, two are students of Wolverhampton University and for assistance with older cultural language terms and hand written script, Mr. H. Seidel, who was a German Army chauffeur during World War Two and his daughter-in-law, Hella. Over the winter period it will be important to continue research at the Airborne Forces Museum and also the Public Records Office. Both of these contain many documents relevant to the period and the airborne forces museum will require several research visits before all the information has been gathered. Alongside this will also be research at the Imperial war museum on their collection of German documents, to provide a basis for more research in Germany. Research also needs to be conducted at the Liddell Hart Centre that contains many of the personal records and papers of British officers. The writing of the project will also begin over the winter with two comparative case studies on operational effectiveness at the strategic and tactical levels, followed by a comparative analysis of equipment and training. It seems viable to begin writing as soon as possible to allow the work to progress and develop and to build a structure for the rest of the work. Also planned for the coming year are field research trips. Firstly a trip to Normandy, secondly a trip to the Arnhem area of Holland and finally a trip to Germany to conduct research. The first trip will be to Normandy with the students from the university’s Normandy Module run by Dr. John Buckley. This will allow time to see the landing areas of D-Day and also to visit the areas of action by British airborne troops, notably Pegasus Bridge and the Merville Battery. This trip will take place during the spring and will hopefully allow visits to several museums of interest to the student of airborne troops. The second trip will be to the Arnhem area to visit the battlefields of Operation Market Garden. There are many museums in the area dedicated to the battle but the timing of this trip will be to coincide with the yearly anniversary ceremonies, allowing the opportunity to meet veterans of the battle on the actual battlefield on which they fought. Finally the most important of these trips will be the research trip to Germany. The trip will consist of visiting several archives and meeting with veteran societies as well as several veterans who have been contacted and are willing to meet to discuss the period. Methodology/framework underpinning work This study will offer a comparative analysis of British and German airborne troops and operations during World War Two 1939-1945. This will be achieved through critical analysis of doctrinal and training manuals, after-action reports, and the letters and diaries of the respective participants, along with personal interviews with veterans and operational research documents, many of which form the bulk of Otway’s book, Airborne Forces. It will also redefine how operational performance is examined, by using a plan of six factors, which initial research indicates to be those most needed for operational success; Planning, Air Supremacy, Motivation & Morale, Training, Communication and Surprise. Examining a force's performance in these key areas will culminate in a clear understanding of the development and employment of airborne troops, as well as their wartime performance. Furthermore, this study will aim to identify the factors that contributed to the operational performance of the British and German airborne troops. The findings of this investigation can then be contrasted to identify and analyse the success/failure of their operational performance. Having analysed and identified the factors behind operational performance of British and German airborne troops during World War Two, this study aims to analyse critically the reasons for such performance. This will help to give a clear impression of the roots of operational performance and highlight the strategic, tactical and material innovation in the development and employment of airborne forces. This will look at the strategic innovation of deploying troops, en masse, behind enemy lines for the first time. It will also highlight the innovation in airborne tactics, for example the use of airborne troops to rescue Mussolini from the Gran Sasso and specialist tactics for airborne forces. Furthermore, the unique nature of airborne operations inspired items of material and equipment, which were purpose-designed and advanced the boundaries of military technology. It will also include a critical investigation of the impact of training, doctrine and strategic intent on the development and employment and the subsequent operational performance of airborne troops. A study along the proposed lines would offer an investigation into the airborne troops reputation for ‘Esprit du Corps’, and look at the part played by any distinctive characteristics displayed by airborne forces, and how these may have shaped their development and employment. This study will also aim to identify the influence, if any, of psychological factors, and the military cultures of Britain and Germany on the development and employment of the airborne forces. Original contribution to knowledge This work, will for the first time, provide a complete comparative appraisal of British and German airborne operational effectiveness during the Second World War. This will compare and contrast the two nations airborne forces and analyse their performance in relation to the key factors in operational success to determine which, if either, performed higher in terms of operational effectiveness. By examining these operations it will provide an evolution of airborne warfare during the war and show the gradual development into modern Special Forces doctrine. The airborne operations of the war remain a phenomenon peculiar to World War Two and have never been repeated on such a scale due to technological refinements and the creation of Special Forces based on the tactical deployment of airborne troops during the war. The work will also aim to answer the question of whether airborne troops functioned more or less effectively in a strategic or a tactical role. The contribution of the work will also identify the level of strategic, tactical and material innovation in the development and employment of airborne troops during the Second World War. Alongside this the work will aim to analyse to what extent the part played by training, doctrine and strategic intent shaped the evolution and employment of the British and German airborne forces. The work will also identify and explain any distinctive characteristics in British and German airborne troops and how this, along with psychological factors and the established military culture, shaped the troops operational performance. This will aim to identify the factors that contributed to the units’ reputation for high ‘Esprit du Corps’ and high levels of combat efficiency. It will also analyse the role of camaraderie in these units and its effects on combat performance and effectiveness. Major Rudolf Boehmler, commander of Fallschirmjager Regiment 3 at Monte Cassino, wrote: “Das Geheimnis des Erfolges der Fallschirmtruppe kann in drei Begriffen dargestellt werden: Kameradschaft, Korpsgeist und Einsatzbereitschaft.” “The secret of the paratrooper’s success can be summed up in three words, Comradeship, Esprit du Corps and efficieny”. Also the work will analyse which military culture, if either, was more receptive to the introduction of airborne warfare doctrine. Thus did the German military melting pot of Blitzkrieg and Stormtrooper infiltration tactics adopt the ideals of airborne warfare in a more effective way than the British military cauldron of tradition and a dogged reputation for stubbornness in battle. The work will also establish the prime factors that contribute to operational success when employing airborne troops and how these factors contributed to operational success and failure during the period 1939-1945. Details of seminars During the previous academic year, work undertaken consisted of a lecture on the British Airborne role during D-Day for the Normandy module. This was a complete breakdown of Operation ‘Tonga’ and an evaluation of troop performance. This lecture will again run this year and hopefully include an additional seminar. Alongside this the dissertation which was completed at the end of my degree was on the operational contribution of the German Fallschirmjager during the Second World War. It considered the differing tactical options for the use of airborne troops and how these methods were employed by the German armed forces. It also considered the role of weapons and equipment and the consequences that this implied for the Germans. This work focused on the operations that were purely airborne in capacity and not those when deployed in a conventional ground role. Work is also progressing on a paper for a Postgraduate Seminar Training Day in the HLSS for the spring of 2003 and on an airborne exercise to be utilised during the Normandy modules time in France. Bibliography for Report Books Primary Source Ambrose, S. Band of Brothers, Simon & Schuster, London 1992. Ambrose, S. Pegasus Bridge, Touchstone, New York 1988. Bankhead, H. Salute to the Steadfast, Ramsey Press, Eastbourne 1999. Edwards, D. The Devil’s Own Luck, Pen & Sword, Barnsley 2001. Frost, J. A Drop Too Many, Buchan & Enright, London 1982. Hackworth, D. About Face, Guild Publishing, New York 1989. Hewitt, J. A Hell of an Education, Doug Willies, Sheringham 2000. Heydte, B. Daedalus Returned, Hutchinson, London 1958. Kumm, O. Prinz Eugen – The History of the 7th SS Mountain Division, J.J. Fedorowicz Publishing, Winnipeg 1995. Lamb, R. Montgomery in Europe 1943-1945: Success or Failure?, Buchan & Enright, London 1983. Lovat, L. March Past, Weidenfeld & Nicolson, London 1979. Montgomery, B. L. The Memoirs of Field-Marshal Montgomery, Collins, London 1958. Morrison, A. Silent Invader, Airlife, London 1999. Otway, T. Airborne Forces, Imperial War Museum, London 1990. Poppel, M. Heaven & Hell, Spellmount Limited, Staplehurst 1988. Shannon, K. One Night in June, Airlife, Bury St. Edmunds 1994. Sosabowski, S. Freely I Served, Kimber, London 1960. Wilmot, C. The Struggle for Europe, Wordsworth Editions, Ware 1997. Secondary Sources Arnold, J. Ardennes 1944, Osprey, London 1990. Badsey, S. Normandy 1944, Osprey, London 1991. Beevor, A. Crete: The Battle and the Resistance, Penguin, London 1991. Bekker, C. The Luftwaffe War Diaries, MacDonald & Co, London 1968. Bohmler, R. & Haupt, W. Fallschirmjager, Motz & Co, Holzmindin 1988. Brower IV, C. (ed.) World War II in Europe : The Final Year, Macmillan Press, London 1998. Buchner, A. Weapons and Equipment of the German Fallschirmtruppe 1935-1945, Schiffer, Atglen 1996. Busch, E. Die Fallschirmjager Chronik, Verlag, Podun 1983. Clark, A. The Fall of Crete, Cassell & Co, London 2001. Cooper, M. The German Army 1933–1945, MacDonald & Jane’s, London 1978. Davis, B. German Ground Forces 1939-1940 Poland & France, Almark Publications, Yeovil 1976. Davis, B. Uniforms and Insignia of the Luftwaffe, Arms & Armour, London 1991. Dinter, E. Hero or Coward, Collins, London 1985. Dressel, J. The Luftwaffe Album, Brockhampton, London 1999. Ellis, J. The Sharp End – The Fighting Man in World War Two, Pimlico, London 1993. Ellis, J. The World War II Databook, Aurum Press, London 1993. Foley, C. Commando Extraordinary: Otto Skorzeny, Cassell & Co, London 1998. Forty, G. British Army Handbook 1939-1945, Chancellor Press, London 1998. Forty, G. The Fall of France, Guild Publishing, Tunbridge Wells 1990. Gander, T. German Anti-tank Guns 1939-1945, Almark Publications, New Malden 1973. Haclerode, P. Arnhem: A Tragedy of Errors, Caxton Editions, London 2000. Haclerode, P. PARA! Fifty Years of the Parachute Regiment, Brockhampton, London 1992. Harclerode, P. ‘Go To It!’, Caxton Editions, London 2000. Harokopos, G. The Fortress Crete, Giannikos & Co, Athens 1993. Hart, L. History of the Second World War, BCA, London 1973. Harvey, A. Arnhem, Cassell & Co, London 2001. Hastings, M. Overlord, Pan Books, London 1999. Haupt, W. Elite German Divisions in World War II, Schiffer Military History, Ataglen 2001. Hooton, E, Eagle in Flames, Brockhampton, London 1999. Hooton, E. Phoenix Triumphant, Brockhampton, London 1999. Keegan, J. A History of Warfare, Pimlico, London 1994. Keegan, J. Six Armies in Normandy, Pimlico, London 1992. Kershaw, R. ‘It Never Snows in September’, Ian Allan, Hersham 2001. Lucas, J. Battle Group, Arms & Armour, London 1993. Lucas, J. Experiences of War – The Third Reich, Arms & Armour, London 1990. Lucas, J. Kommando: German Special Forces of World War Two, Cassell & Co, London 1985. Lucas, J. Last Days of the Reich, Guild Publishing, London 1986. Lucas, J. Storming Eagles, Guild Publishing, London 1988. Markham, G. Guns of the Reich, Arms & Armour, London 1991. McNab, C. Ed. German Paratroopers, Aurum, London 2000. Middlebrook, M. Arnhem 1944, Penguin, London 1995. Millar, G. The Bruneval Raid, Cassell & Co, London 2002. Mulheisen, H. Kreta 1941 – Das Untermelmen ‘Merkur’, Verlag, Freiburg 1968. Peterson, D. Waffen SS Camouflage Uniforms, Europa, London 1995. Peterson, D. Wehrmacht Camouflage Uniforms, Europa, London 1995. Quarrie, B. Encyclopaedia of the German Army in the 20th Century, Patrick Stephens Limited, Derby 1989. Quarrie, B. Fallschirmjager: German Paratrooper 1935-45, Osprey, London 2001. Quarrie, B. German Airborne Troops 1939-45, Osprey, London 1983. Regan, G. Military Blunders, Guinness Publishing, Enfield 1992. Ryan, C. A Bridge Too Far, Coronet Books, London 1976. Ryan, C. The Longest Day, Wordsworth Editions, Chatham 1999. Shepard, B. A War of Nerves, Pimlico, London 2002. Sheppard, A. France 1940, Osprey, London 1990. Steven, A. Waffen-SS Uniforms, Europa, London 1992. Williamson, G. German Military Police Units 1939-45, Osprey, London 1989. Williamson, G. German Mountain & Ski Troops 1939-45, Osprey, London 1996. Williamson, G. Infantry Aces of the Reich, BCA, London 1991. Williamson, G. Loyalty is my Honour, BCA, London 1995. Young, D. Rommel, Collins, London 1950. Articles Primary Source Featherstone, D. Steamroller Farm 1943, War Monthly, Issue 39 1977. Teske, H. Peter’s Corner, War Monthly, Issue 53 1978. Secondary Source Baxter, I. Hitler’s Green Devils, Military Illustrated, Issue 153, February 2001. Bull, S. Death of a Stormtrooper, Military Illustrated, Issue 138, November 1999. Calvert, M. Operation Amherst, War Monthly, Issue 35 1976. Coddington, M. Fall of Fort Eben Emael, War Monthly, Issue 59 1978. Curzon, L. Operation Sea Lion, War Monthly, August 1979. Fowler, W. Leros, War Monthly, Issue 49 1978. Fritz, S. Ideology and Motivation in the Wehrmacht on the Eastern Front, Journal of Military History, Number 60 1996. Keegan, J. Towards a Theory of Combat Motivation, Time to Kill, Pimlico, London 1997. Kidson, A. GalatasI, War Monthly, July 1979. Labbert, P. Panzerfaust, War Monthly, Issue 51 1978. Lamb, R. Arnhem, War Monthly, March 1979. Lamb, R. Rescue of Mussolini, War Monthly, Issue 57 1978. MacKenzie, S. Politics and Military Morale, Oxford Press, Oxford 1992. Moore, W. Rhine Crossings 1945, War Monthly, Issue 42 1977. Place, T. Lionel Wigram, Battle Drill and the British Army in the Second World War, War In History, November 2000. Van Creveld, M. Fighting Power : German Army Performance, Orbis, London 1983. Venohr, Dr. W. Weithin Unbekanntes von SS-Generalen, Zeitgeschehen, Set 32, Number 15, Berlin. Von Reichardt, J. Bundeswehr-Tradition : Elite und Fallschirmjager, Zeitgeschehen, Set 32, Number 15, Berlin. Weeks, J. Operation Weserubung, War Monthly, Issue 47 1977. Williamson, M. Does Military Culture Matter?, Orbis, Winter 1999. Documents Imperial War Museum MISC 81/16/1 – Major Blackwood. MISC 88/48/1 – Lt. Blower. MISC 93 (1387) – Major A. Henderson. MISC 99/63/1 – Major Barker. MISC 638 – General Browning address on his ideas of airborne forces in the future given in 1942. MISC 2647 – W. Churchill’s Arnhem Dinner Speech. MISC 8926 – Red Devils : A Parachute Field Ambulance. Angier, Major P.A. – Letters during service with 4th Parachute Battalion in North Africa and Italy. Barker, Major J. – Account of service in 6th Airborne Division in Normandy, covers equipment, tactics and the reaction to the actual jump. Bingley, Captain R. A. J. – Account of service with 1st Airborne Division in Italy, covers training, tactical briefing and combat against German parachute troops. Blackwood, Major J. E. – Account of attempts to hold Arnhem bridge. Blower, Lieutenant J. W. F. – Interesting references to the red beret and insignia of the British airborne troops. Brown, G. R. – Memoir of service at Sicily and comparison with the Arnhem operation. Cook, Captain F. N. – Planning and execution of Operation ‘Biting’. Drew, Lieutenant General Sir Robert KCB, CBE – Reports by Medical Officers of 1st Airborne Division on Operation ‘Market’ and experiences in the campaign. Freeman, G. J. – Memoir of Glider Pilot at Arnhem. Hardy, Captain J. S. D. – Covers training in 1st Airborne Division and its morale at Arnhem. Hegenkoetter, R. – Account service in the German 3rd Parachute Division. Hollinghurst, Air Chief Marshal Sir Leslie – Official correspondence and reports on airborne operations in North West Europe and South East Asia, includes Overlord, Neptune, Dragoon, Varsity and Doomsday. Liebschner, J. – Memoir of attempt to join Waffen-SS and subsequent service as a German paratrooper in Italy. Nelson, Major F. J. H. – Plans for Allied Airborne landings in Japan. Oliver, R. – Log books detailing service at RAF Ringway in parachute training. Pope, Major A. A. K. – Diary of Brigade-Major of the 3rd Parachute Brigade, May 1943-June 1944, with interesting references to the morale of his battalion and to the high standards of leadership among airborne commanders. Public Records Office AIR 27/2134 – Operations Record Book of 620 Squadron. AIR 37/1214 – 1st British Airborne Corps Allied Operations in Holland Sept-Oct 1944. CMAC RAMC 446/812 – The Health of the Army. OL 2155 – German planning for Crete. WO 171/660 – 130th Brigades War Diary. Airborne Forces Museum Aldershot Airborne Forces Museum File No. 42 – 1st Airborne Division War Diary. Airborne Forces Museum File No. 43 – Polish Independent Parachute Brigade War Diary. Airborne Forces Museum File No. 48 – Account of Unknown Company Commander on the re-supply situation at Arnhem. Airborne Forces Museum File No. 54 – Account from Major Cain. Airborne Forces Museum File No. 56 – 38-46 Group report on Arnhem. Airborne Forces Museum File No. 57 – Airborne Corps Report. Airborne Forces (1990) – Terence Otway Montgomery, Field-Marshal B. M. – The Value of Airborne Forces, Appendix P, page 446. Alexander, Field-Marshal H. A. – The Value of Airborne Forces, Appendix P, page 446. Internet Archives, Correspondence and Authors Collection Bosshammer, B. – Memoir of Operation Eiche. Brennan, G. – My Story. Clements, Captain A. B. – Account of the Battle of Djebel Mansour in North Africa. Elliot, Major E. M. – Effects of Operation MARKET on morale. Griesser, E. – Memoir of Operation Strosser. Hardy, Captain J. S. D. MC – Memoir of training and service with 1st Airborne Division in Sicily, Italy and Arnhem. Harrison, Captain C. A. – Memoir of the Battle of Arnhem. Schietzsch, A. – Memoir of German glider pilot, who took part in Operation Eiche. Uhlig, A. – Fighting in the Bocage.
Good work on this info Der Rittmeister (Red Baron). I know or have read many of these authors works and liked most of them. I still have to hold out on some of them like Ambrose and take most of what he says with a grain of salt-being he is (was) so biased and never wrote fairly as SHOULD have done. I do take pride in getting most of my info from the vets who were there. One thing ive never mentioned before but will do so is that I also have met Der Rittmeisters great-grandson when I was in Germany on a train going in the direction of Heidelberg. I was asked to look him up next time im in Germany. Next trip I think i'll do so--and this should prove interesting to say the least. [ 30. December 2002, 03:54 PM: Message edited by: C.Evans ]
Red Baron, yes excellent resources as material. Not sure how detailed or far you want to go on operations or do a general month to month diary ? good work E
