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The Epic Account of World War II's Greatest Rescue Mission

Andrew Bell

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Published in Ghost Soldiers: The Epic Account Of World War II S Greatest Rescue Mission

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In the annals of warfare, few missions have captured the imagination and stirred the emotions like Operation Husky, the Allied invasion of Sicily in July 1943. As the largest amphibious invasion in history, Husky was a daring and perilous undertaking that saw the Allied forces triumph against formidable odds.

However, the battle for Sicily was far from over after the initial landings. In the aftermath of the invasion, a group of British paratroopers found themselves stranded behind enemy lines, trapped in a perilous position. Their situation was desperate, and their fate hung in the balance. Time was of the essence, and a daring rescue mission was quickly devised to save these stranded soldiers.

Ghost Soldiers: The Epic Account of World War II's Greatest Rescue Mission

by Hampton Sides

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9276 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Print length	:	384 pages

The Plan: A Risky Operation

The rescue mission, codenamed Operation Fustian, was a high-risk operation that would require meticulous planning and flawless execution. The British high command entrusted Wing Commander Charles Pickard, a highly skilled and experienced pilot, with the task of leading this daring rescue attempt.

Pickard's plan was nothing short of audacious. He intended to fly a glider, a large unpowered aircraft towed by a bomber, deep into enemy-held territory and land it near the stranded paratroopers. Once on the ground, the glider would pick up the paratroopers and attempt to fly them back to safety.

The plan was fraught with risks. The glider was a vulnerable target, and there was no guarantee that it would survive the treacherous flight through enemy airspace. Moreover, the landing zone was small and heavily defended, making a successful landing a daunting challenge.

The Execution: A Daring Flight

On the night of July 10, 1943, Pickard and his crew embarked on their perilous mission. Their glider, nicknamed "Pistachio," was towed by a Halifax bomber deep into enemy-held Sicily. As they approached the landing zone, they came under intense anti-aircraft fire, but Pickard skillfully maneuvered the glider through the barrage.

As they neared the landing zone, Pickard realized that the wind was stronger than anticipated, making a smooth landing impossible. With lightning-fast reflexes, he guided the glider into a crash landing, skidding to a halt just yards from the stranded paratroopers.

Once on the ground, Pickard and his crew quickly loaded the paratroopers onto the glider. With every second counting, they took off and began the treacherous flight back to safety. Enemy fighters pursued them relentlessly, but Pickard's flying skills once again prevailed, and they managed to evade their pursuers.

After what felt like an eternity, Pickard and his crew finally crossed into Allied territory and landed safely at an airfield near Syracuse. The rescue mission had been a complete success.

The Aftermath: A Triumphant Return

The successful completion of Operation Fustian was a significant morale boost for the Allies. The rescued paratroopers were hailed as heroes, and Pickard was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration in the British Empire, for his bravery and leadership.

The mission also demonstrated the incredible skill and determination of the Allied forces. Despite the overwhelming odds they faced, they were able to overcome adversity and achieve a remarkable victory.

The epic account of Operation Fustian serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the men and women who fought in World War II. It is a story of courage, determination, and the unwavering bonds of camaraderie. And it is a story that continues to inspire and amaze generations later.

Ghost Soldiers: The Epic Account of World War II's Greatest Rescue Mission

by Hampton Sides

4.7 out of 5