On the night of 9th July 1943, British airborne troops launched Operation Ladbroke, a daring glider assault to seize the Ponte Grande and railway bridges in Sicily. A and C Companies of the 2nd Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment led the coup-de-main raid, transported in Airspeed Horsa gliders to improve landing precision. Despite meticulous planning, the operation quickly descended into chaos.

Gliders crashed into the sea, troops were scattered across enemy territory, and the airborne force, vastly outnumbered, faced overwhelming Italian counterattacks. Yet, with sheer determination, they captured the Ponte Grande bridge, severed enemy communications, and held their ground against relentless assaults. Outgunned and low on ammunition, they fought until the last bullet before being overrun, only to retake the bridge later that day.

Through firsthand accounts and detailed historical research, Special Forces in World War II brings to life the incredible bravery, resilience, and sacrifice of the men who paved the way for the Allied invasion of Sicily.

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