| Inspired by the success of German airborne operations in the Second World War, Allied forces embarked on a course to develop quickly this form of warfare. In 1941, the War Office in London issued a directive significantly expanding the role of these forces. Included in this new doctrine was their most ambitious role, i.e., the seizure and holding of river crossings ahead of a frontal assault by ground forces.;This study examines three Allied airborne applications of this new role. LADBROKE and FUSTIAN were tactically successful, but resulted in Pyrrhic victories. In September 1944, the Allies implemented Operation MARKET in a bold attempt to end the Second World War in Europe. In this, the largest airborne venture of the war, the Allies suffered a shattering defeat.;All three operations are a testament to the mistakes in planning made by impetuous commanders eager to employ this novel form of warfare. |
