US Airborne Units in the Mediterranean Theater 1942–44: : Battle Orders Gordon L. Rottman Osprey Publishing

US Airborne Units in the Mediterranean Theater 1942–44

Description

While the best-known multi-division airborne operations were carried out in the European Theater of Operations (such as the Normandy landings and Market Garden), a significant number of airborne assaults were conducted in the Mediterranean Theater in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, and Southern France. These included parachute drops and in some instances glider assaults and provided valuable learning experience for the men and units that would lead the invasion of Europe in June 1944.

This author discusses each unit's internal organization, weapons and equipment (focusing on unique and unusual items), commanders, training, how the unit was raised, its missions, and the extensive combat operations it was involved in, with special attention given to airborne operations. Task organization for combat and details of attached units are also dealt with, together with the unit's command relationship with higher headquarters. The units that discussed in this book include the 82d Airborne Division, 1st Special Service Force, 1st Airborne Task Force (1ATF), 509th Parachute Infantry Battalion, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 517th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Battalion, 551st Parachute Infantry Regiment, and the 550th Airborne Infantry Battalion.

The book also covers pre-war and early-war airborne units, detailing how the first ones were formed and the tactical thinking involved. Additionally it provides the context and background information for the other two titles on US Airborne Units in the European Theater 1944-45 (Spring 2007) and US Airborne Units in the Pacific Theater 1941-45 (Spring 2007). These volumes will ultimately provide a complete organizational record of all US Airborne units in World War II.

Introduction
Combat mission
Doctrine and training
Unit organization
Tactics
Command, control, communications and intelligence (C3I)
Weapons and equipment
Lessons learned
Chronology
Bibliography
Glossary
Index

Product details

Published	Oct 31 2006
Format	Paperback
Edition	1st
Extent	96
ISBN	9781841769202
Imprint	Osprey Publishing
Illustrations	50 b/w; 52 col
Dimensions	10 x 7 inches
Series	Battle Orders
Short code	BTO 22
Publisher	Bloomsbury Publishing

Author

Gordon L. Rottman

Gordon L. Rottman entered the US Army in 1967, vol…

Throughout the book there are outstanding unit organizational charts, maps of various battles and superb period photographs. Overall, another fascinating book from the folks at Osprey. I always learn from these books and find them to be an excellent resource. It is a book you can buy with confidence.

Scott Van Aken, modelingmadness.com
Rottman packs a wealth of historical background in this title. That, along with pertinent photos and well-conceived maps and tables, I know have a much clearer understanding of the subject. No doubt those with more knowledge of this subject will glean much more from this book than I. Recommended.

Mike Kirchoff, Armorama (September 2006)
Gordon Rottman has written the most detailed account I've ever read of the organisation and doctrine behind the US Airborne Forces of WW2... it remains a fascinating and very worthwhile read for all students of the use of paratroopers and glider forces.

Rowan Baylis, Armorama (January 2007)
[One of many] outstanding coverages in-depth military holdings will welcome.

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