The Wings of Pegasus by George Chattaton

Chapter 3 North Africa Adventure

Up to this time, late 1942, two major airborne operations had been undertaken.

One had been used as a morale builder.

It was a night drop by a parachute company, led by Major John Frost upon a radar station

on the coast of France at Bruneval, and then a withdrawal by sea.

It was very effective propaganda.

A certain amount of useful lessons were learned, not least the importance of a spree

to core and discipline, characteristics which were, I think, rather lacking in this company.

John Frost agreed with me on this point when we discussed the operation afterwards.

The second was the dropping of a parachute brigade in North Africa ahead of the advancing

first army.

In this operation, the force was dropped too far in front of the main army, and therefore

was placed in a perilous position.

However, the valor and fighting ability of the parachute brigade was proved beyond

doubt.

So much so that they were used at frontline infantry, although this really was a waste

of valuable and specially trained men.

Nevertheless, the parachute brigade earned great distinction because of its courage and

dash on this occasion.

Thus, with only these two minor operations as a guide, the first airborne division embarked

for destinations unknown.

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