The Hamilcar Gliders at Operation Market-Garden - Arnhem 1944

This post is intended to link a previous post on the General Aircraft GAL-49/50 Hamilcar Glider with the specific employment of the Hamilcars during Operation 'Market Garden' at Arnhem 17-25 September 1944, by the British 1st Airborne Division. Readers who may be interested are referred back to the previous post; http://arnhemjim.blogspot.com/2011_09_01_archive.html. All photographs and drawings can be enlarged by clicking on them.

An excellent scale model of a Hamilcar glider showing its size
compared with a Universal Carrier and 6 pdr Anti-tank Gun

The following data was obtained from two excellent books; The Gunners at Arnhem, P. Wilkinson, Spurwing Publishing, East Haddon, Northton, 1999, ISBN 0-99535754-0-3, and Glider Pilots at ARNHEM,  M. Peters & L. Buist, Pen & Sword Military, South Yorkshire, 2009, ISBN 184415763-6, as well as original source documentation including;

GLIDER PILOT REGIMENT OPERATION “MARKET” APPRECIATION AND OPERATIONAL INSTRUCTIONS BY COMMANDER GLIDER-PILOTS, Col. G.J.S. Chatterton DSO at H.Q. 38 Group, Royal Air Force, 10 Sept. 1944, TOP SECRET.

OPERATION “MARKET” Instruction No. 1 (with Annexures), LGen F.A.M. Browning, Commander British Airborne Corps, 13 September 1944, TOP SECRET.

After Action Reports of Units of the Glider Pilot Regiment: Operation “MARKET” Air and Operation “MARKET” Ground, Commander, Glider Pilot Regiment, October 1944.

Given specifically different mission requirements from the 6th Airborne Division at Normandy, the 1st Airborne Division utilized the Hamilcar gliders primarily to transport the newly introduced 17-pounder Anti-tank guns and their prime movers into the landing zones at Arnhem, in order to provide a significantly improved capability against the increased armour of the newer German Tiger tanks. Unlike the 6th Airborne Division at Normandy, the 1st did not utilize either the Tetrarch Light Tank used during Operation Overlord, or the M22 Locust Light Tank used during Operation Varsity in 1945.

The Ordnance QF 17 pdr Anti-tank Gun a

massive artillery piece (weight in action, 4,624 lbs)

The "business end" of the 17 pdr Anti-tank Gun showing
both the barrel length and large protective shield

The Order of Battle of the 1st Airborne Division consisted of two troops of the 1st Airlanding Anti-Tank Battery, initially under the command of Maj Ian Toler (later of the Glider Pilot Regiment at Arnhem), and two of four troops of of the 2nd (Oban) Airlanding Anti-Tank Battery, Royal Artillery, commanded by  Maj A F Haynes. This totaled a complement of 16 of the 17-Pounder guns.

Because of both size and weight the 17-pounders could only be carried in the Hamilcar gliders, along with their towing vehicles, specifically modified Morris Commercial Quad Tractors (C.8/AT 30 cwt). These tractors also carried the gun crews and an initial ammunition allowance consisting of twenty rounds of armor piercing and ten rounds of discarding sabot. On 17 September the 17-pounders of the 1st Airlanding Anti-Tank Battery flew in 8 Hamilcars from Tarrant Rushton. Two Hamilcars encountered landing problems on the soft Dutch heath resulting in the loss of two 17-pounders as well as the majority of the crews.

A Morris C.8/AT 30 cwt Quad Field Artillery Tractor (FAT)

in unmodified configuration, for glider flight it would be
stripped of its doors, side panels, and windshields

A group of three 17 pdr Anti-tank rounds;

 the one on the left being the Armor Piercing

 Discarding Sabot (APDS) configuration

The cavernous interior of the Hamilcar glider can be seen in the following photographs of its empty interior, taken from the official RAF Airborne Forces Manual. The first looking forward and the second aft. The cargo box of the Hamilcar was comparable in size (however somewhat squarer in configuration, affording more clearance) to that of the Douglas C-47A Skytrain (known to the British as the Dakota), the principal military cargo aircraft of the USAAF and RAF during World War II (See third photo). It could, however, carry a payload of approximately 17,500 lbs (6,000 lbs more than the C-47A).

It can be seen how the aft fuselage section could easily
accommodate the long barrel of the 17 Pdr Anti-Tank Gun

Interior view of C-47A looking aft with cargo/paratroop
exit door on the right

The eight 17 pounders of the 2nd (Oban) Airlanding Anti-Tank Battery were scheduled to fly from Blakehill Farm in 8 Hamilcar gliders on the second day of the operation, the 18tth of September, as an element of the 4th Parachute Brigade Group. Due to in-flight accidents and enemy action, on or near, the landing zones, only 5 of the gliders with their 17 pounder loads successfully landed. The majority, if not all, of the Hamilcar flights into Arnhem were flown by "C" Squadron of the Glider Pilot Regiment. The tug aircraft for all of the Hamilcar gliders were Halifax bombers flown by pilots of 38 Group RAF.

The following drawing is of a correctly (+/- 2% error ) scaled Morris C.8/AT Quad Tractor and 17 pdr Anti-Tank Gun superimposed on the interior cargo compartment dimensions of the GAL-49 Hamilcar I Glider. One assumption is made; being that the gun was loaded and flown with its trail eye made up to the pintle of the gun tractor for both facilitation of load-out, as well as speed/efficiency of exit upon landing. The drawings of the Hamilcar are from RAF Air Publication 2453D, dated October, 1944. Given the overall length of the tractor and gun at 29' 8.75" and the cargo compartment length at 32' 3.5", an allowance of 2' 6.75" remains with the wheels of the gun resting at the very ends of the vehicle rails. Also note that the vehicle rails are adjustable to accommodate varying axle widths of loads. Apologies, it is the author's error in scaling the tractor and gun, or placement of the pair, which accounts for the slight off-set of the gun carriage wheels from the vehicle rails shown in the glider's floor plan. The width of the glider's nose door is 7' 7". The width of the tractor is 7' 1/4"! So much for the calculations of a former U.S. Navy combat cargo officer.

Elevation and plan view of the Hamilcar glider cargo
compartment depicting placement of C.8/AT Quad Tractor
and 17 pdr Anti-Tank Gun

Cross-sections of the cargo compartment (Note: Due to
different sized original drawings the scale differs, but
 obviously correct dimensions are indicated.)

The following photograph is unique in several aspects. First it is one of the few known showing the loaded position of the C.8/AT Mk III (Airborne Configuration) with its wheels and bonnet (hood) clearly protruding into the nose section of the Hamilcar glider. Secondly, showing then Maj-General Richard Nelson "Windy" Gale MC, G.O.C. 6th Airborne Division, to the right of King George VI, and given the caption, it would indicate that at least a few of the then very new 17 pdr Anti-Tank Guns were flown into Normandy at D-Day, 6 June 1944. On the right fender of the vehicle, although partially obscured by a blackout light fitting, appears to be the tactical marking (white '47' imposed on red over blue square) of either the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th Airlanding Anti-Tank Batteries, which were elements of the 6th Airborne Division. Finally the lashed-down position of the vehicle would tend to reinforce the previous supposition regarding the placement of both tractor and gun.

The photograph shows the C.8/AT directly
 under the fuselage frame corresponding to
Section B-B shown above.

Another view of the rigging of a 40mm Bofors SPG
Morris C.9/B during load certification trials.

This is a rare photograph of the heavily modified C.8/AT Mk III
(Airborne configuration) used to tow the 17 pdr AT Gun, and
carried with the gun in the Hamilcar Glider (Courtesy of the
Airborne Forces Museum Para Data web page)

A fully and correctly restored Morris C.8/AT MkIII (Airborne
 configuration) with an Ordnance QF 17 pdr Anti-Tank Gun in
 tow, note extensive modifications and tactical markings as
compared with a previously shown unmodified vehicle 

There were also 5 Hamilcar gliders in the 1st Lift, and 4 in the 2nd Lift, assigned to carry a payload of 2 Universal Carriers each, for a total of 18 carriers. In addition to their primary loads of heavy anti-tank artillery, there were 3 Hamilcar gliders, in both the 1st and 2nd Lifts, assigned to deliver bulk loads. Their specific loads are listed in a table below.  The following are pages pertaining to Hamilcars, copied from the Annexures of an original copy of the Operatonal Order and excerpts from Appendices 8 and 9 of the book, Glider Pilots at ARNHEM. The latter two pages are of particular interest in that they detail; RAF Station of take-off, Specific Tug/Glider Configuration, RAF Squadron, Glider Pilot Regiment Unit, DZ/LZ(Drop/Landing Zone), Chalk No. of the Gliders, Embarked Airborne Unit/Payload, and which gliders aborted their flights.

The Directorate of Military Survey map used for Operation Market-Garden annotated with an overlay of all the planned drop and landing zones, the intended major unit perimeters, and other significant points of interest.

A contemporary photograph from 1944 superimposed on two differing scales of Google Earth, showing both Hamilcar and Horsa gliders on Landing Zones (LZ) X and Z west and northwest of Wolfeze. The second map gives a better appreciation of the distance (varying from 5 to 7 mi.) from the LZs to the main road bridge (primary objective) at Arnhem which appears in the upper right of the photograph where Eldenseweg crosses over the Neder Rijn. This factor was one of several critical flaws in the planning for the operation. For any reader who might be interested in a comprehensive analysis please see: http://arnhemjim.blogspot.com/p/operation-market-garden.html on this site. For a more interactive map of the entire area of operations see: http://www.gearthhacks.com/dlfile24751/Gliders-near-Wolfheze,-September-1944.htm. If inclined you can become a photographic intelligence interpreter/analyst, and carefully enlarge the image to the point where the Hamilcar gliders can be discerned from the smaller and more numerous Horsa gliders.

The following combat photograph, enlarged from the previous maps, shows one of the Hamilcar gliders having successfully landed and off-loaded its payload (Note nose door fully open and vehicle tracks), at either Landing Zone (LZ) X or Z near Wolfheze, northwest of Arnhem (see previous maps).

The following photograph shows eight of the Hamilcars on LZ "Z" from serial B-14 originating at RAF Tarrant Rushton. One glider, chalk No.319 shown at the top of the picture, flipped over on landing, killing one glider pilot, Sergeant Charles Brackstone, and seriously wounding the other, Staff Sergeant Jack Shaw. The payload, a 17 pdr and its C.8/AT Mk III tow vehicle of D Troop were lost.

   

This is a close-up photograph of the crashed and overturned Hamilcar chalk No. 319.

The following link shows a vintage 1943 British MOVIETONE News clip of the Hamilcar glider demonstration flight from take-off to landing, including the unloading of a universal carrier; http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=d99_1295756711 An alternate tactical/combat landing was not on the landing gear, but on the glider's 2 pair of skids. This eliminated the requirement (time delay) of releasing the hydraulic fluid from the oleo struts of the gear, affording immediate opening of the nose door and disembarkation of the payload. However the normal landing was on the landing gear, as evidenced from wheel tracks in the LZs.  Why all the aircraft engine noise after the glider is cast-off in the film clip is unexplained.

In conclusion I would like to  share a video of an interview with Brigader M.D.K "Mike" Dauncey DSO DL, Glider Pilot Regiment. As a young lieutenant, piloting a Horsa glider, he flew a  jeep,  2 trailers, and associated personnel elements of The Airlanding Light Regiment, Royal Artillery into Landing Zone Z northwest of Arnhem (near Wolfheze). Given the Brigadier's oral history (see below) and the weight, space and balance limitations of the Horsa, it's not absolutely certain exactly what his payload was.

He in recent years wrote the forward to the book, The Gunners at Arnhem. He fought at Oosterbeek, was wounded, taken prisoner, escaped, and for his heroism was awarded the Distinguished Service Order. In the parlance of modern 'operators', he has "been there, done that"! Thank goodness someone has had the presence of mind to get an oral history from him before it's too late. The interview can be found at; http://kingscollections.org/servingsoldier/index.php?id=694. The payload of his glider would have probably looked very much like this, except for the absence of the 75mm Pack Howitzer, M1A1(M8 carriage) and the addition of a trailer (with full acknowledgement to the authors of Glider Pilots at ARNHEM).

Note orientation of the payload in the
 Horsa glider which was off-loaded from
the rear by removal of the entire tail section 

The following is an excerpt which is credited from a Wikipedia article further detailing the employment of the Hamilcar gliders during Operation Market Garden;

"A lack of sufficient transport aircraft meant that 1st Airborne Division would be dropped in three separate lifts over three successive days. 1st Parachute Brigade and most of 1st Airlanding Brigade would land on 17 September, 4th Parachute Brigade and the rest of 1st Airlanding Brigade would land on 18 September, and on 19 September the Polish 1st Independent Parachute Brigade would land, along with a supplies for the entire division.  The division would utilize approximately 650 gliders during the operation, of which 39 would be Hamilcars. It appears that the Hamilcars that had been utilized by 6th Airborne Division and subsequently abandoned in June had been replaced, as records state that 64 of the gliders were available by September. Thirteen Hamilcars would be flown on 17 September and land in landing zone 'Z'. Eight of the gliders would carry 17-pounder anti-tank guns, their towing vehicles and crews, and the other five would carry ten Universal Carriers, two apiece; the Carriers were to act as transports for the airborne troops. On 18 September fifteen Hamilcars would land in landing zone 'X'; eight would carry a 17-pounder anti-tank gun, their towing vehicles and crews each, and the other four would carry eight Universal Carriers, which would once again act as transport for the airborne troops that were flown in. The final three were packed with ammunition and stores, as well as a number of sappers from the Royal Engineers; these were experimental loads, as it was believed that the Hamilcar might be a more efficient way of transporting supplies rather than the Horsa due to its larger size.[60] On 19 September, ten Hamilcars would transport American engineers who belonged to the American 878th Aviation Engineer Battalion and their equipment, which included bulldozers, cranes and graders; they were to construct a forward airfield in landing zone 'W' after the gliders had been cleared away.

All fifteen Hamilcars which participated in the first lift on 17 September arrived over the landing zones safely, but problems were experienced when they came in to land. Two of the gliders landed on soft ground, which caused them to rapidly decelerate; this, combined with the majority of their equipment being in the front of the gliders, resulted in them flipping onto their backs. Three of the pilots were killed and the fourth was badly wounded and later taken prisoner, and several passengers were wounded; the 17-pounder anti-tank guns on board the gliders were damaged beyond repair. The rest of the Hamilcars landed successfully, although one overran the landing zone and hit a railway embankment; this damaged the two Universal Carriers being carried by the glider, although both were later salvaged. The lift on 18 September was delayed for several hours due to poor weather conditions, and the glider force did not take off until approximately 11:00. En-route to the landing zones, one Hamilcar was forced to cast off and land at an airfield in England after its tow aircraft developed engine trouble, and another ditched in the English Channel when its tug developed engine troubles as well; both had been carrying 17-pounder anti-tank guns. The rest of the Hamilcars encountered heavy anti-aircraft fire as they landed, with several being hit. As a result, one Hamilcar landed short of the landing zone after being hit in the wing, and another was forced to make an emergency landing far from the landing zone after being hit; the stores, pilots and passengers were captured by German forces shortly after the glider landed. The rest of the Hamilcars landed successfully. The third lift on 19 September did not take place due to weather problems, and because several of 1st Airborne Division's landing zones had been overrun. Finally on 21 September the weather cleared, but due to 1st Airborne Division's deteriorating situation it was decided that the 878th Aviation Engineer Battalion would not be delivered. As such, only a single Hamilcar accompanied 1st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade when it dropped near the town of Driel; this was the same Hamilcar which had been forced to land in England on 19 September when its tug had experienced engine trouble. However, the tow rope between the glider and tug snapped over Belgium, and it was forced to land near Ghent."

One of the tested and certified payloads for the Hamilcar was the Tractor, Light (5 tons), Caterpillar or International (manufacturers). With acknowledgement and gratitude to the Airborne Museum, Hartenstein, the following photograph shows a different, lighter, crawler bulldozer bearing the tactical markings of the 261st Field Park Company Royal Engineers. This unit was attached to the 1st Airborne Division, and landed by Horsa glider at Arnhem. The very fact that it was delivered by a Horsa glider, and not a Hamilcar, is in and of itself amazing. 

(Editorial note: The author has to apologize for his previous ignorance, even initial disbelief. The true facts were pointed out by a very knowledgeable reader, Jimmy E., who cited the fact that the bulldozer was carried in by Horsa glider(s), not a Hamilcar! This fact would place it, in probably two loads in Horsa Chalk No.'s 950 - 969 (956, 964 aborted) which carried Equipment; det 261 Fd Pk Coy, RE. A rather tight fit to put it mildly! The bulldozer is an American Machine and Metals, Inc.; Tractor, Crawler, Gasoline; Clark CA-1, which would have required reassembly of the blade (from a second glider) upon landing. The driver has been identified as Sapper Meryn Potter, RE. The essential elements of this information have been corroborated by author and acknowledged expert on Arnhem, Niall Cherry. Acknowledgement and sincere gratitude to both Jimmy E. and Niall for this intriguing facet of history.)

The following photographs are of the actual restored tractor in the Hartenstein Museum, and another restored identical model CA-1 tractor. Of particular interest is the nameplate, and data (unfortunately the weight is not discernible, but physical dimensions are). 

With acknowledgement and full credit to Stefan Landman for his extensive and extremely accurate research, and magnificent execution of a diorama of Landing Zone “Z”. See; http://www.network54.com/Forum/78970/thread/1411133406/Gliders+on+Landing+Zone+%27Z%27,+17+September+1944, appearing on missing-lynx.com. The following map with detailed plots and contemporary photograph chronicle the designated landing zone for a significant number of the Hamilcar gliders landed. Stefan's diorama is discussed in detail in the following article within this blog; http://arnhemjim.blogspot.com/2015/10/landing-zone-z-wolfheze-netherlands.html .

The part of LZ'Z' on which the diorama is based, still looks pretty much the same today as it did 70 years ago. Here is a picture of it. The road leads to the south across the LZ, on the left is Doorwerth Heath and on the right lay the fields preserved for the Keevil gliders.

With acknowledgement and expressed gratitude to Time Life, Inc., a newly rediscovered photograph of a Hamilcar glider, and another attributed to the Nico Braas Collection.

Although only deployed in very limited actual combat during Operation Varsity the M22 Locust Light Tanks were delivered by Hamilcar glider onto LZ 'P'. With acknowledgement and expressed gratitude to The Royal Air Force Museum in Cosford, Shropshire, the following is an excellent image of both during those load qualification trials;

For those individuals who might be interested in additional background information on the Hamilcar glider please see the following web site; https://everything.explained.today/General_Aircraft_Hamilcar/ .