The
troops arrived at the airfield and were at their assigned planes two
hours prior to take-off. During this period, parachutes and
equipment were fitted an the individuals. Fifteen (15) minutes
prior to take-off, all men were seated in the planes with parachutes
and full equipment on.
"There are photographers all
over the place. On the ground are more transports than most people
have ever seen at one time. On adjoining strips fighters are warming
up, across the wat bombers are taxying from their revetments,
creeping along like gigantic cats slinking behind a fence toward the
hill." |