Operation Tonga

Operation Tonga was the codename assigned to the British 6th Airborne Division's actions as part of Operation Overlord. Tasked with a number of objectives, the division's paratroop and glider brigades all participated in the operation landing on the eastern edge …

1944-06-06

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Operation Tonga was the codename assigned to the British 6th Airborne Division's actions as part of Operation Overlord. Tasked with a number of objectives, the division's paratroop and glider brigades all participated in the operation landing on the eastern edge of the overall invasion area near the French city of Caen. The 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion, 3rd Parachute Brigade was tasked with a of objectives including bridge destruction and the capture of other key terrain features in and around Robehomme and Varaville. As with the other parachute units in the division, they were initially scattered over a wide area, some missing their drop zones by a considerable distance. German Resistance in the landing area consisted primarily of the 709th and 716th Infantry Divisions. Both were static formations of conscript and medically downgraded troops. They were in no way considered first line units. Although the 12th SS Panzer and 352nd Infantry Divisions were in the area, it had been estimated that it would take them at least 8 hours before they could reach the landing zones. After regrouping and engaging the German defenders, the Canadian paratroopers were able to accomplish their primary objectives and hold on until relieved.

Caen, France

Operation Tonga was the codename given to the airborne operation undertaken by the British 6th Airborne Division between 5 June and 7 June 1944 as a part of Operation Overlord and the D-Day landings during World War II.

Wikipedia: Operation Tonga

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