Back

Impossible Target – Why did so many paratroopers miss the drop zone on D-Day?

Doug Rozendaal pilots a Douglas C-47 Skytrain owned and operated by the Commemorative Air Force, Central Texas Wing, over the Iowa countryside. Dressed in the scheme of “That’s All, Brother,” the lead aircraft on the D-Day invasion, this C-47 is based out of San Marcos, Texas. (Photo by David Leininger)

131

On the airfield at Barkston-Heath (USAAF Station AAF-483) near the city of Grantham in Lincolnshire, 72 Douglas C-47 Skytrain transports from the 61st Troop Carrier Group sat waiting. Soon they would carry 1,230 paratroopers from the 2nd and 3rd Battalions of the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment to Normandy as a part of Mission Boston, the code name of the operation to move the 82nd Airborne Division to France on D-Day. Just seven miles away on...

PARDON THE INTERRUPTION

You need to be a Flight Journal Digital Member to see the full article
Already a Member?

Purchase Options

membership

All the stories featured in Flight Journal are as unique and varied as the airplanes and warriors who flew them. From popular warbirds like the P-51 Mustang and Me 109 to the Lockheed SR-71 and futuristic hypersonic fighters, we cover the whole spectrum of aviation. We’ve heard from countless readers over the years about how much they enjoy the compelling stories and beautiful photography.