| Operation Varsity |
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| CATEGORIES ABOUT OPERATION VARSITY | |
| world war ii operations and battles of europe | |
| varsity | |
| world war ii western european theatre | |
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Operation Varsity was an Airborne operation towards the end of World War II , intended to gain a foothold across the River Rhine in western Germany as a part of Operation Plunder . It involved two divisions and 1,700 transport aircraft. The operation took place on 24 March 1945 and involved the British 6th Airborne Division and the US 17th Airborne Division . The US 82nd Airborne Division had originally been scheduled to participate in the jump as well until a shortage of transport aircraft forced the use of just two divisions. The operation saw the first use of the C-46 Commando transport aircraft operating with the reliable C-47 Skytrain of previous airborne operations. ORDER OF BATTLE Units
(included many RAF pilots drafted for mission) Aircraft
OUTCOME Objectives All objectives for the brigade had been achieved in 24 hours; the bridges over the river were secured and the village of Hamminkeln , near Wesel . The division was joined by ground forces of the 21st Army Group. Casualties
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