In our next feature – spread out over 3 parts – we turn our gaze to the sweltering and dusty plains of Sicily during the summer of 1943. We talk with battlefield guide and historian Mike Peters to learn more about Operation Husky, the Allied Invasion and campaign to capture the Mediterranean island as well as the Glider Pilot Regiments involvement within these events. Part One sees us taking a look at why Sicily was chosen by the Allies following their success in North Africa, the Casablanca Conference, how the Allies tried to hide their intentions to the Germans with Operations Mincemeat & Barclay; the opposition faced by the Allies on Sicily, the fledgling Allied Airborne’s’ roles to come, including in particular the Glider Pilot Regiment and the differences between the US Waco and British Horsa Gliders. And that’s only just starting to scratch the surface as we discuss the Ponte Grande Bridge and an episode of herculean logistical feats in terms of Operation Beggar or Turkey Buzzard. 

Music Featured: Hearts & Flowers by Jeff Kaale (SoundCloud/Instagram)

*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*