Reprint: Airborne Armour

Despite numerous works on airborne forces since 1945, Britain’s ‘airborne armour’ story remains untold. This book aims to fill that gap. It covers two main topics: the project to fly tanks into battle to support airborne forces and the history of the unit that operated those tanks, the 6th Airborne Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment (6th AARR). Based on original research and interviews with surviving members, it details the development of airborne tanks like the British Tetrarch and American Locust, and the Hamilcar glider. It also discusses similar projects, such as the German Me 321 Gigant glider, and evaluates the success of the British project. The book traces 6th AARR’s origins to the Special Service Squadrons of the RAC, pioneers of armoured amphibious assault, active in the 1942 Madagascar invasion. These squadrons evolved into the Airborne Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment, flying 20 Tetrarch tanks on D-Day and 8 Locust tanks during the Rhine crossing. 6th AARR played a crucial role in ground combat in Normandy, the Ardennes, and Germany, often leading the 6th Airborne Division’s advance. This book aims to highlight the achievements of this overlooked regiment.

This book was first published by Helion over 20 years ago. We’re proud to report that we’ve transformed our front cover and want to re-introduce this core title to a new readership. The same content but with a brand new cover style!

Link naar Helion – Airborne Armour