The establishment and initial development of a British airborne force, June 1940-January 1942
The following thesis is an examination of the establishment and initial development of a British airborne force. Beginning with an examination of airborne development outside the UK up to 1940, it traces the growing British use of air transport as a tool for imperial policing in the inter-war period, and examines why this did not lead to the logical step of creating a dedicated British airborne force. The impact of German airborne operations and the defeat at Dunkirk in 1940 on British attitudes is then analysed, followed by a detailed examination of the mechanics of the establishment of a British airborne force, ending with the British 1st Parachute Brigade attaining operational status in January 1942.
Buckingham, William Frederick
D731 World War II
The establishment and initial development of a British airborne force, June 1940-January 1942. The following thesis is an examination of the establishment and initial development of a British airborne force. Beginning with an examination of airborne development outside the UK up to 1940, it traces the growing British use of air transport as a tool for imperial policing in the inter-war period, and examines why this did not lead to the logical step of creating a dedicated British airborne force. The impact of German airborne operations and the defeat at Dunkirk in 1940 on British attitudes is then analysed, followed by a detailed examination of the mechanics of the establishment of a British airborne force, ending with the British 1st Parachute Brigade attaining operational status in January 1942.
establishment initial development british airborne force follow_examination establishment initial development british airborne force beginning examination airborne development outside trace grow british use air transport tool imperial police inter_war_period examines lead logical step create dedicate british airborne force impact german airborne operation defeat british_attitude analyse follow_detailed examination mechanic establishment british airborne force end british attain operational status