Airborne assault captures key bridge

14th July 1943: The battle to defend the Primosole Bridge from German counter-attack after it was seized by paratroopers and demolition charges removed

An airman attaches the tow rope of an Airspeed Horsa glider to the tow hook of a Handley Page Halifax A Mark V Series 1 (Special) glider tug of No. 295 Squadron RAF Detachment at Goubrine II, Tunisia, in preparation for Operation FUSTIAN; the airborne assault and seizure of the Primosole Bridge over the River Simeto, south of Mount Etna on Sicily, by elements of 1st Parachute Brigade on the night of 13/14 July 1943

A Handley Page Halifax A Mark V Series 1 (Special) glider tug of No. 295 Squadron RAF Detachment prepares to tow off an Aispeed Horsa glider at Goubrine II, Tunisia, during preparations for Operation FUSTIAN

British paratroopers boarding a Dakota during training in North Africa in May 1943

Nervous paratroopers with the 82nd Airborne prepare to jump over Sicily on July 10, 1943—the first American combat jump of the war. They would spearhead the attack on the island, but many would be killed by friendly fire.

The airborne Operations on Sicily were to be costly exercises. 'Friendly fire' from the Allied Naval force and shore-based positions caused unnecessary casualties to U.S. airborne forces leading to much upset. Many lessons were learnt for future operations, especially the invasion of Normandy.