The highly effective leadership of Major-General Richard Gale overcame
the haphazard nature of airborne operations 1939-1945, and enabled the
unproven British 6th Airborne Division to achieve its objectives during
the Normandy Campaign of June - August 1944.
Despite its scattered parachute landings 6th Airborne achieved its D-Day
goals, and held the line for three months, a task for which it was not
equipped. This study examines the factors that made this possible and
analyses Gale's impact on the Division's organizational development,
preparation and training which lay behind this success.
To establish the environment within which Gale had to operate, this book
explores the shaping forces which influenced the creation of 6th
Airborne Division: the constraint of inadequate resources and the
absence of a clear applied airborne doctrine, inter-service politics and
the influence of key war figures such as Field Marshal Sir Alan Brooke.
The study pursues the links between war situation, the cost and
capability of equipment and manpower, developing technology, and ongoing
training through to distinguishable impact on the enemy. Two unique
models form the heart of the study. The first shows the process of
1940-1945 airborne assault methods based on British cognizance of
1940-1943 operations. The second exposes the influences needed to create
high value military formations based on 6th Airborne's experience - with
Gale acting as a critical accelerant.
The leadership provided by Gale in the creation, development and
Normandy operations of 6th Airborne Division was critical. The
capability of the Division was developed through a tough regime of
realistic and relevant training which also forged a robust identity.
Aggressive and inventive leadership was selected and employed throughout
the order of battle, while intelligent but simple operational planning
was used as the base of briefing which was then cascaded throughout. The
impact of surprise in the landing operation and a pragmatic approach
toward co-opting the firepower of surrounding forces then maximized 6th
Airborne's combat effectiveness. It was Gale and his leadership culture
which underpinned the development of the capability of the airborne
soldier and the cohesion of the fighting for as a whole.
