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by Neil Page.
Softcover (7.2×9.8 inches). 182 pages. 2025.
While Allied glider operations were a large part of the initial D-Day landings and part of crossing the Rhine, concentrating on the design, development, and operations of the DFS 230 opens up a wealth of German combat glider operations: Eban Emael, Corinth Canal (Greece), Crete, Saaremaa Island (USSR), and anti-partisan surprise drops in Yugoslavia and France. Further, the DFS 230 was used in a multitude of supply runs on the East Front and in North Africa. Finally, a DFS 230 was used in the rescue of Mussolini in Italy.
Although it only carried nine soldiers and the pilot, it became a handy tool to precision drop such troops in hard-to-reach places. Overviews of the operations provide inspiration for tabletop scenarios — although you’ll need to consult other sources for terrain and a full OOB.
One typo: “taxying” (p69) should be “taxiing” although this may be a British spelling.
The book contains 176 black and white photos, two black and white illustrations, two color maps, two color illustrations, and eight color photos.
It’s a nice overview of operations using this glider.
Enjoyed it.
— Reviewed by Russ Lockwood
