WWII saw the use of a different sort of aircraft, the combat glider. Though the type was developed a bit further post war, it was never used in combat again. The main reason for that was the ascendency of the helicopter, which basically fulfilled the same role in terms of moving troops and light equipment. Helicopters still provide that sort or resource today.

Gliders were developed and used by the three Allies with the British and Americans saving them for invasions rather than everyday use or special operations. That was not the case with the Germans who developed an array of gliders from the fairly small to the very large, with the latter able to haul light tanks and artillery pieces in addition to troops.

This book concentrates on the initial glider, the DFS-230. This was a somewhat small aircraft that could carry nine fully equipped troops along with its pilot. It was also capable of hauling 1,200 kg of cargo. A plus was that it could be towed by a number of different aircraft and often it was obsolete types that were used for the tow plane. Thanks to its fairly short landing run, it was used in a number of special ops where getting into and out of small areas was paramount. Its first combat operation was landing troops atop the Belgian fort of Eban Emael in an operation that was highly successful.

In this book the author covers the design and development of the 230 along with its more interesting operations. Add to the readability of the book are a lot of period photos, including some in full color, that really add to the overall presentation. A book that I found interesting and I know you will enjoy reading it as well.

May 2025

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