ABSTRACT
The American air groups fell in behind the British tug and glider force which was leading the northern half of the 'Market' air armada out over the North Sea, but the tugs and gliders of Corps Headquarters would fall in behind the American parachute aircraft. The Manston combinations would join in over the North Sea. The tugs and gliders from the mam group of airfields in the South Midlands had first to fly well to the west before turning over the Bristol Channel and setting course for the North Sea. Many of the parachute troops who had dropped in Sicily were anxious when flak was encountered in case the American pilots would let them down again, but this time the Americans flew with complete steadiness. The side door of each Dakota parachute aircraft had been removed before take-off in case the aircraft was hit by flak and a quick jump had to be made.
