Preparation for the Attack

Having returned from the Mediterranean theater after completion of the invasion of southern France, IX Troop Carrier Command was immediately alerted for a possible airborne mission. Other operations had been planned to be used if desired. Although on several occasions some of these plans were developed to full staff studies and the actual marshaling of aircraft and troops was accomplished, the ground forces advanced so fast as to render the operations unnecessary, since the terrain in question had been overrun by friendly troops.

By directive of the Supreme Commander, dated 5 September 1944, FAAA was ordered to cooperate with 21st Army Group in a contemplated northward advance. The troop carrier operation was to place airborne troops in position to seize the vital bridges of the Maas, Waal, and Neder Rijn rivers to facilitate the advance of the British Second Army along the axis Eindhoven-Grave-Nijmegen-Arnhem. (A proposed troop carrier operation against Walcheren Island had also been studied and rejected by FAAA as not feasible because of concentrated flak defenses, impossible glider landing zones, excessive water, big dikes, numerous canals, and other terrain difficulties.)

IX TCC, commanded by Maj. Gen. Paul L. Williams, and augmented by 38 Group and 46 Group, was to transport parachute and glider troops and equipment and to effect aerial resupply to British  and American forces. The advanced command post, established at Eastcote, England was used by the air commanders concerned as a combined headquarters, from which point all activities were directed. All final decisions as to route, air cover, and weather were made by General Brereton through his G-3, Brig. Gen. Ralph F. Stearley, coordinated through Combined Headquarters at Eastcote.