I joined the forum to find more information about Operation Varsity. So far I have not found anything. I only recently learned that there were a lot of problems and US plans were leaked. I also learned that there is a lot of information including films that were classified as Top Secret and are not scheduled for release until 2015. I have found indications (no hard facts) that the evacuation of wounded Americans was postponed because one bridge across the Rhine was exclusively used for Brit entry into Germany and Americans may have died waiting to be moved to medical units in the rear.

Does anyone know of detailed information about Operation Varsity. I am most interested in information about the US 17th Airborne.

First, welcome to the forum. You will find a great deal of information as well as many fine folks to answer your questions. Feel free to dive in.

I found two threads that have already been developed on Operation Varsity. Both of them contain external links to provide areas for further research. Good luck with your quest.

Operation varsity and C-47 losses

Info on Operation Varsity

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"Faint heart never won fair maiden", so I say "Go for it!"

Lou

Thanks Lou

Welcome to the forum.....can I suggest looking for a book called The Last Drop by Steve Wright...it was published your side of the water by Stackpole Books ISBN 978 0 8117 0310 9

Covers both the Britsh and American sides......

hi and welcome!

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Always be clear of what you want in life

Medic,
On your recommendation I have ordered "The Last Drop".
Gary

Gary,

I hope you won't be disappointed.....I'm lucky enuogh to have a signed copy and it covers as I said both the US and British airborne actions......

The author sometimes visits this forum too......

Medic

I have received it, but behind in my reading. I am sure I will be happy with it. Via another source, I got an email and have been in touch with Steve Wright, the author. Steve indicated he may write an updated edition which would include additional information he has received since the release. In fact I sent him a scanned little booklet, I inherited from my Dad, a history of the 139th AEB.

Gary

I've met Steve on a few occasions and a nice guy......

Gary
I PM'd you awhile back re: 139th AEB.
Thanks!

Do a search on Operation Varsity, and you will find some documents at CARL:

Combined Arms Research Library Digital Library : Advanced Search

By the way, it is highly improbable that the NARA or the Pentagon
has any materials or films on OV that are still classified today.


Dave

Dave,
I checked out
CARL and found some info.
I got a note from the Military History Institute, they think most if not all has been declassified, with the possible exception of some OSS stuff, which would probably never be declassified.
JD,
I'll see if I can find your PM

JD,
I can't find your PM

Gary,

I'm sorry I thought I PM'ed you but it must not have worked, the process seems a little confusing. I posted some kind of message to you but don't know where it is. Anyway, my great-uncle was killed during 'Varsity' and he was in Company C 139th AEB. I have some info, photos on the 139th and would be interested in what info you have.

Have you read "Thunder from Heaven" the story of the 17th Airborne? I'm awaiting a copy from my local library and am really looking forward to it!

JD,
Since my Dad was in Co. C of the 139th AEB, I would be interested in any info/pictures you may have. I have items that I would be glad to share:History of the 139th Airborne Engineers (this I inherited from my Dad and scanned into a PDF file), I found a "XVIII Corps report on Operation Varsity" from the CARL link, this was already in PDF format and some misc other items. I have also ordered some copies from the Military History Instute, including the 17th Airborne Historical Report of Operation Varsity signed by General Miley.

You can send me a personal email at gstift@misn.com and we can make arragements to share info. I do have a copy of "Thunder from Heaven".

Gary