The 6th Airborne Division was an airborne infantry division of the British Army during the Second World War. Despite its name, the 6th was actually the second of two airborne divisions raised by the B
Glider infantry of D Company, 2nd Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, of the 6th Airlanding Brigade, 6th Airborne Division, in Normandy 1944.
The division's first GOC, Major-General Richard Nelson "Windy" Gale.
Men from the 22nd Independent Parachute Company, the division's pathfinders, prior to take off for Normandy 5 June 1944.
Paratroopers of the 6th Airborne Division climbing into an RAF Albemarle aircraft at RAF Harwell, 5 June 1944.
General Sir Richard Nelson "Windy" Gale, was a senior officer in the British Army who served in both world wars. In the First World War he was awarded the Military Cross in 1918 whilst serving as a ju
6th Airborne Division (United Kingdom)
…other being the 1st Airborne Division. The 6th Airborne Division was formed in the Second World War, in mid-1943, and was commanded by Major-General Richard N. Gale. The division consisted of the 3rd and 5th Parachute Brigades along with the 6th Airlanding Brigade and supporting units. The division's initial…
Brigadier Gale (left) in conversation with Lieutenant Colonel Ernest Down (third from right), CO of the 1st Parachute Battalion, during an inspection of Down's battalion at RAF Ringway, 1941.
Major-General Richard Gale talking to troops of the 5th Parachute Brigade, in front of an Armstrong Whitworth Albemarle, June 1944.
Major-General Richard Gale, GOC 6th Airborne Division, addresses his men, 4 June 1944.