The Allied airborne operation in Sicily was decisive despite widely scattered drops which must be expected in a night landing. It is my opinion that if it had not been for the Allied airborne forces (82nd) blocking the Hermann Goering Armd. Div. from reaching the beachhead, that division would have driven the initial seaborne forces back into the sea. I attribute the entire success of the Allied Sicilian Operation to the delaying of German reserves (by the 82nd ABN Div.) until sufficient forces had been landed by sea to resist the counterattacks by our defending forces, the strength of which had been held in mobile reserve.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Student credits the 82nd Airborne Division's blocking action for the success of the Allied Sicilian operation.
- In plain terms
- The 82nd Airborne Division was key to victory in Sicily.
- What can you take from it?
- Blocking enemy reinforcements is critical in war.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What makes a military operation successful?
- How important are airborne forces in war?
Another view
Success in war often depends on many factors.
More from Kurt Student
Hitler was very upset by the heavy losses suffered by the parachute units, and came to the conclusion that their surprise value had passed. After that he often…
Permalink to quote #2 The limitations of our strength compelled us to concentrate on two objectives - the points which seemed the most essential to the success of the invasion. The …
Permalink to quote #3 Kurt Student was a German professional soldier, typical of the best of his kind, totally devoted to his calling and to his country, though by no means in full …
Permalink to quote #4
Related quotes
The limitations of our strength compelled us to concentrate on two objectives - the points which seemed the most essential to the success of the invasion. The …
Kurt StudentKurt Student quote #3 I tried at that time to relieve the Sixth Army, of which I was supreme commander, above Paulus, by counterattacks - but it was not possible. I gave the order f…
Erich von MansteinErich von Manstein quote #2 Hitler was very upset by the heavy losses suffered by the parachute units, and came to the conclusion that their surprise value had passed. After that he often…
Kurt StudentKurt Student quote #2