Skip to content

North West Europe 1944 - 1947:

British Airborne Formations

The two British Airborne divisional formations, the 1 Airborne Division and 6 Airborne Division, were both deployed during the campaign in North West Europe.

The 6 Airborne Division was dropped on D-Day in June 1944 in Normandy, fighting on the left flank of the bridgehead under command of I Corps.

The 1 Airborne Division was dropped at Arnhem in September 1944 during Operation Market Garden, where it was effectively destroyed as an operational formation. It was partially rebuilt back in the United Kingdom after the Battle of Arnhem, and was used to secure both Norway and Denmark following the cessation of hostilities in North West Europe on the 9 May 1945.

The 6 Airborne Division was also dropped during the crossing of the River Rhine in April 1945, and remained in Germany in the final advance leading to the armistice on 9 May 1945.  Immediately after the war was sent to Palestine during the troubles leading up to the formation of the state of Israel.

Back To Top