6th Airborne Division

The 6th Airborne Division was formed on 23rd April 1943. It took part in the invasion of Normandy on 6th June 1944 remaining in the line until the break out to the Seine in August. It reformed in the UK and was employed in the Ardennes during the 1944-5 winter German counter-offensive. In March 1945 the Division was involved with the Rhine Crossing and subsequent advance to the Baltic at the wars end.

In 1945 the Division was despatched to Palestine on internal security duties until the end of the British Mandate in 1948. In April of that year the Division returned to the UK and was disbanded. 

Order of Battle:

• 1st Parachute Brigade 1945 – 1948
• 2nd Parachute Brigade 1946 – 1948
• 3rd Parachute Brigade 1943 – 1948
• 5th Parachute Brigade 1943 – 1948
• 6th Airlanding Brigade 1943 – 1946

Attached Units:

• The Glider Pilot Regiment:
• No. 1 Wing (Lieutenant-Colonel Iain Murray)
• No. 2 Wing (Lieutenant-Colonel John Place
• Division Troops

Commanders:

• Major-General Richard Gale (7 May 1943)
• Major General Eric Bols (8 December 1944)
• Major-General James Cassels (1946)
• Major-General Hugh Stockwell (August 1947)

See also: HQ 6th Airborne Division