Operation Manna was the codeword for a Second World War operation by the British and Greek forces in Greece in mid-October 1944, following the gradual withdrawal of the German occupying forces from the country. The operation included an airborne element, which was conducted by the British 2nd Independent Parachute Brigade on 12 October, when elements of the 4th Parachute Battalion parachuted onto the Megara airfield 28 miles (45 km) outside of Athens. The prevailing weather conditions forced the abandonment of further parachute operations and it was not until 14 October that the rest of the brigade, less the 5th Parachute Battalion, arrived. After landing, the 4th and 6th Parachute Battalions marched on Athens. On 16 October, the 5th Battalion and the brigade's glider-borne element arrived. The 2nd Para Brigade was reinforced by the British 23rd Armoured Brigade, and the British force took over the protection of the city. The British and Free Greek navies transported British and Greek troops, as well as the Greek government in exile, to Athens.
British airborne troops of 'C' Company of the 4th Parachute Battalion descending on Megara in Greece, 12 October 1944
Sherman tanks and troops from 5th (Scots) Parachute Battalion, 2nd Parachute Brigade, during operations against members of ELAS in Athens, Greece.
2nd Parachute Brigade (United Kingdom)
The 2nd Parachute Brigade was an airborne forces brigade formed by the British Army during the Second World War.
British paratroopers of the 2nd Independent Parachute Brigade in a Dakota on their way to their drop zone at Megara in Greece, 14 October 1944.
4th Parachute Battalion mortar team in action, Italy 1944.
British paratroopers of the 2nd Independent Para Brigade on the drop zone at Megara in Greece, 14 October 1944.
British paratroopers of the 2nd Independent Para Brigade disembarking from landing craft assault at Salonika, 8 November 1944.