World War II Airborne Warfare Tactics (Elite #136)

Airborne warfare - the deployment of large numbers of troops by parachute and glider - reached its zenith during World War II - the only war in which its potential prizes ever justified its great costs, material and human. It required wholly new equipment and tactics; offered a new capability - to insert whole divisions behind enemy lines by surprise at great risks. This book will explain and compare the differences in doctrine, organization, equipment and employment of US, British, German and Soviet airborne forces as they developed during the war; and will examine one major operation by each. ."..this book provides an excellent overview and summary of World War II airborne force development. It is an excellent starting point for anyone interested in the history of airborne warfare and contains a further reading guide to a variety of titles and topics for anyone interested in more detailed information... Overall, the book is a valuable contribution to literature pertaining to airborne operations of World War II and provides an outstanding and clear overview of a very complex subject." -Captain David Wray, "Canadian Army Journal " (Summer 2006)

"As with other Osprey books, this is well-written and fun to read... This text offers a good overview of both Allied and Axis airborne operations in WWII; it is particularly nice to see the less well-know Soviet and Japanese forces included." -Michael Koznarsky, "Historical Miniature Gamer Magazine"