19. Discussing Fall Gelb (1940): The Fallschrimjager on the Albert Canal and Fort Eben-Emael with Mike Peters

On this episode, Mark welcomes Mike Peters, expert on glider operations during the second world war, host of the Mighty Eighth Podcast, co-author of Glider Pilots of Arnhem, The Glider Pilot Regiment and Bomb Group books. Mark and Mike discuss the Fallschrimjager operations on the Albert Canal in Belgium on 10 May 1940. Divided into four assault groups using the DFS 230 gliders, they launch four assaults codenamed Granite at Fort Ében-Émael, Steel on the Veldwezelt bridge, Iron on the Kanne bridge and Concrete on the Vroenhoven bridge. These assaults were in preparation to allow the Panzer regiments to advance into Belgium under the Blitzkrieg. Mike and Mark discuss how the Fallschrimjager planned, developed and conducted these operations, particularly in the light that they were not used during the invasion of Poland, but saved to be used in the Coup De Main action that all belligerent nations had to stand up and take note of. Thus, shaping the ideas of the Allies concepts for airborne operations for the rest of the war ironically as the Axis airborne operations declined.

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Hosted by Mark Martin.

With Mike Peters.

Edited and produced by Mark Martin.

Music: Throughout History available via Podcastle.

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