A Photographic History of Airborne Warfare, 1939–1945

A pictorial account of the development and implementation of airborne forces during World War II.

On ten May 1940 German Fallschirmjäger stormed the Dutch fort of Eben-Emael, south of Maastricht. The brilliantly executed operation was the first signal success by airborne troops in the Second World War and it made the military world sit up and take notice. Improved parachutes and the creation of gliders that could carry troops meant that assault forces could be dropped or landed behind enemy lines. This was a significant new tactic which had a dramatic impact on several of the key campaigns, and it is the subject of Simon and Jonathan Forty’s in-depth, highly illustrated history.

In this in-depth, highly-illustrated history, Simon and John Forty the story of the development of airborne forces, how they were trained and equipped, and how they were landed and put into action in every theatre of the global conflict., offering readers fascinating insight into WWII airborne warfare.

“The photos may help [wargamers] and modelers tinker with the look of figures and models.” —Historical Miniatures Gaming Society

“Rich substance. . . . gives readers detailed insights into training, equipment, vehicles, techniques and methods of airborne troops of the many nations involved in the global conflict.” —HistoryNet