Operation Varsity Essay

Operation Varsity, conducted March 24th, 1945 near the end of World War II, is the largest single day airborne operation in one location in Unites States military history. The final airborne operation of World War II consisted of 9,387 American paratroopers and an additional 8,000 British paratroopers delivered to their assigned drop zones via approximately 1,700 aircraft and 1,300 gliders (Hagerman, 2006). Assigned with the mission of landing on the east bank of the Rhine River, the 17th Airborne Division and British 6th Airborne Division assisted the British 21st Army’s amphibious assault across the Rhine in order to occupy Northern Germany. Despite significant personnel and equipment losses, Operation Varsity was not only the largest airborne operation in history, but also the most successful of World War II.

Situation Prior to Operation Varsity During the march eastward into Germany, the western Allies faced many obstacles including fierce German opposition and difficult terrain along the route. Most notably, the Rhine River provided a significant terrain challenge due to its size, steep banks, and strong water currents. Considering the destruction or inaccessibility of bridges crossing the river, few options remained for the Allies

The 6th Airborne would occupy in the northern drop zones, while the 17th Airborne would land in the southern drop zones. After the accomplishment of their assigned missions and the successful crossing of the Rhine by ground forces, both Divisions were to link up with ground forces and continue the Allied offensive push into