The Wings of Pegasus by George Chatterton, chapter 8 Normandy

On the 6th of June 1944, the Great Inversion Armada began to move, and among the first formations

to go were three bomber glider combinations at Tarant Rushton, which included the crews

of gliders 27, 28 and 28 A, who were to crash land on the Mervil battery.

The conditions were very poor, and glider number 28 A broke a tow rope over the sea coast

and had to land in England.

The other two aircraft combinations weaved in and out of the clouds and rain, the glider

pilots having considerable trouble in keeping on tow.

However, as they cleared the English coast, the weather seemed to improve when they crossed

the channel.

The combination, which included glider 27, piloted by Staff Sergeant Kerr, had to make

a 360 degree turn at Wirthing in order to lose time before arriving over the French coast.

When it arrived there in the pitch darkness, Flack pounded up from the defenses and several

parachutists were badly wounded.

However, the tug and glider pressed on.

In glider number 28, piloted by Staff Sergeant Bone, the parachute arrester gear came

undone from the tail and streamed out behind.

This stalled the entire combination, and considerable hype was lost, but they released

1800 feet and circled the area.

Now, a great snag arose.

The radio aid Rebecca Eureka failed.

I've described before how the Eureka was to be carried by a parachute, it is to an

...