This archive is an extract from original World Wat Two War Diary of the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion, Royal Canadian Army, June 1944
Prelude – Doc Snafu
Use of Paratroopers in 1940
The Pioneering Airborne Forces of World War II
The year 1940 marked a significant phase in the evolution of airborne warfare. Although the concept of paratroopers had been explored in the 1930s, by 1940, only a handful of nations had developed organized airborne units capable of conducting combat operations. The primary armies that fielded paratroopers at this time were Germany, the Soviet Union, Italy, and, to a lesser extent, the United Kingdom and France. These forces played a crucial role in the early years of World War II, demonstrating the strategic and tactical potential of airborne troops in modern warfare.
Germany – Fallschirmjäger
Germany was the first country to use paratroopers in large-scale combat operations. The German airborne forces, known as the Fallschirmjäger, were part of the Luftwaffe (German Air Force) rather than the Army. Inspired by Soviet experiments with paratroopers in the 1930s, Germany quickly developed its own airborne units under the direction of Gen Kurt Student. The Fallschirmjäger saw their first major combat action in 1940 during the German invasion of
Soviet Union – Red Army Airborne Forces
The Soviet Union was among the earliest nations to experiment with airborne troops. In the early 1930s, Soviet military theorists developed large-scale airborne exercises, and by the late 1930s, the Red Army had established several airborne brigades. However, the Soviets had not yet used these forces in a major combat role by 1940. Despite the lack of large-scale operations, the Soviet Union continued to train thousands of paratroopers, envisioning their role in deep penetration strikes behind enemy lines. Although these units were not tested in World War II until the German invasion in 1941, their early development influenced other nations, particularly Germany.
Italy – Carabinieri Paratroopers
Italy was one of the lesser-known early adopters of airborne forces. The Regia Aeronautica (Royal Air Force) began developing a small airborne unit in the late 1930s, and by 1940, the Italian military had formed the 1st Paratrooper Battalion (Battaglione Paracadutisti Carabinieri Reali). However, Italy‘s airborne forces remained relatively undeveloped compared to Germany or the Soviet Union. The Italians did not employ their paratroopers in major combat operations in 1940. Instead, they focused on training and organization, preparing for future engagements in North Africa and the Mediterranean. Later in the war, Italian paratroopers participated in battles such as the invasion of Crete and the North African Campaign.
United Kingdom – British Airborne Forces
The British military had taken note of German airborne successes in 1940, particularly during the fall of Belgium, the Netherlands, and France. Although the United Kingdom had not yet fielded a dedicated airborne force, PM Winston Churchill ordered the creation of a British paratrooper unit in June 1940, recognizing the need for a rapid deployment force capable of striking deep behind enemy lines. By the end of 1940, Britain had begun forming its 1st Parachute Battalion, laying the foundation for what would become the Parachute Regiment. Though British paratroopers did not see combat in 1940, their development was spurred by the events of that year, setting the stage for future airborne operations such as Operation Biting (1942) and the large-scale airborne landings of D-Day in 1944.
France – 601st Airborne Infantry Group
France had begun experimenting with airborne forces in the late 1930s, forming the 601st Groupe d’Infanterie de l’Air (GIA) in 1937. However, France was slower in developing its paratrooper units compared to Germany and the Soviet Union. By 1940, French airborne troops had undergone training, but they were not deployed in combat before the fall of France in June. The rapid German invasion and subsequent occupation prevented France from fully utilizing its airborne forces. After the armistice, some French paratroopers would later join the Free French Forces and continue airborne operations alongside the British and Americans.
United States – Airborne Forces
The United States did not have an active airborne force in 1940, but efforts to develop paratroopers were underway. Inspired by German successes, the US War Department approved the formation of an experimental airborne platoon in 1940. This initiative led to the creation of the 501st Parachute Infantry Battalion in 1941, which marked the beginning of the American airborne forces. Although American paratroopers did not see combat in 1940, the groundwork was laid for the large-scale airborne operations that would play a crucial role in later conflicts, including D-Day and Operation Market Garden.
Canada – Airborne Forces<
Canada, like the United States, did not have a dedicated airborne force in 1940. However, by the early 1940s, Canada recognized the strategic value of airborne troops. In cooperation with the British, Canada contributed to the formation of airborne units that would later serve in major Allied operations. The 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion was officially established in 1942 and trained alongside British and American paratroopers. Though Canada did not deploy airborne troops in 1940, its later contributions were significant, particularly in the invasion of Normandy and other European operations.
After the German Fallschirmjäger Operations in Belgium and Holland during the month of May 1940, the Creation Gen William Lee’s First Parachute Test Platoon on the Frying Pan at Fort Benning (Georgia), the creation of the British 1st Parachute Battalion in June 1941 in Ringway (Manchester) in the UK, the Royal Canadian Army had to react, and in 1942, the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion became a unit ready to go. The 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion (1CPB) was officially authorized on July 1, 1942, as Canada’s first airborne infantry unit.
The creation of the battalion was a direct response to the evolving nature of modern warfare, in which airborne troops had proven to be an effective means of executing surprise attacks, rapid deployments, and strategic assaults behind enemy lines. Inspired by the success of British and German airborne operations early in World War II, Canada sought to establish its own specialized force capable of undertaking such missions. The battalion was formed under the authority of the Canadian Army, with recruitment taking place across the country. Volunteers were drawn from all branches of the Canadian military, including the Royal Canadian Infantry Corps and various regiments that contributed their best personnel. These men were subjected to rigorous selection criteria, as airborne troops required exceptional physical fitness, mental resilience, and the ability to operate independently under extreme conditions.
Given Canada’s lack of experience with airborne operations, the newly formed 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion underwent training in several locations. The first group of Canadian paratroopers was sent to Fort Benning (Georgia) in 1942 to undergo jump training under the supervision of the US Army Parachute School. Meanwhile, other contingents were sent to the Parachute Training School in Ringway, which was managed by the British Army’s Parachute Regiment. The selection process was demanding, and only a fraction of those who volunteered successfully earned their wings. Training included extensive physical conditioning, parachute jumps from various altitudes, weapons handling, demolition tactics, and survival skills. The battalion also practiced night operations, infiltration techniques, and small-unit tactics designed to disrupt enemy supply lines and communications. By early 1943, the Canadian Parachute Battalion had assembled in England as part of the growing Allied airborne forces preparing for future operations in Europe.
The battalion’s first commanding officer was Lt Col George F. P. Bradbrooke, a highly experienced officer who played a crucial role in shaping the battalion during its early days. However, in mid-1943, command was transferred to Lt Col Jeff Nicklin, an officer with extensive combat experience and a deep understanding of airborne warfare. Nicklin was instrumental in refining the battalion’s tactical capabilities, instilling
discipline, and ensuring that his men were ready for the challenges of combat. Nicklin, a former professional football player with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, was known for his leadership skills and physical toughness. Under his command, the battalion gained a reputation for excellence, quickly becoming one of the most elite fighting forces within the Canadian Army.
In July 1943, the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion was officially integrated into the British 6th Airborne Division, a newly formed division under the command of Maj Gen Richard Gale. The battalion was assigned to the 3rd Parachute Brigade, alongside the 8th and 9th Battalions of the British Parachute Regiment. This placement meant that the Canadians would fight under British operational control while maintaining their national identity within the division. Throughout late 1943 and early 1944, the battalion engaged in a series of large-scale training exercises in England. These included mock airborne assaults, coordination drills with British and American airborne units, and training in various forms of warfare, including sabotage, demolition, and urban combat. As the year progressed, it became increasingly clear that the battalion was being prepared for a major operation.
By early 1944, preparations for the D-Day invasion of Normandy were well underway. The 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion was selected to be part of the airborne component of Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of German-occupied France. The battalion’s role was to be among the first troops to land in Normandy on the night of June 5-6, 1944, securing key positions behind enemy lines before the amphibious landings began at dawn. In preparation for this mission, the battalion trained extensively in night parachute jumps, bridges and road destruction, and small-unit tactics designed for disrupting enemy reinforcements. The men were equipped with standard airborne gear, including Sten submachine guns, Lee-Enfield rifles, Bren light machine guns, and Gammon bombs for demolition purposes. Each soldier carried a limited supply of rations, ammunition, and medical supplies, as they would be operating behind enemy lines without immediate reinforcements.
By June 1, 1944, the battalion had received its final briefings and orders. Morale was high, and despite the obvious risks associated with airborne landings, the men were eager to prove themselves in battle. As the battalion prepared to embark on their aircraft for the drop zones in Normandy, they knew that their mission would play a crucial role in the success of the entire invasion. The 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion, though relatively new compared to some of the more established airborne units, had quickly become a formidable force. With rigorous training, a strong command structure under Col Jeff Nicklin, and a clear operational role in Operation Overlord, the battalion was poised to make a significant impact in the coming battle. Their actions in Normandy would cement their legacy as one of Canada’s most elite military units of World War II.
1st Canadian Parachute Battalion – June 1944
June 01, 1944: All briefing tents and models were ready for the briefing which began today.
June 02, 1944: Briefing continued, Brigade Commander commended the Intelligence Section on their Briefing preparations, said ‘They were the best in that Division‘.
June 03, 1944: Briefing continues. All Ranks showing a keen and Intelligent interest. A violent storm threatened to destroy models and enlargements in the briefing tents. Battalion proceeded to Down Ampney Airfield where they saw their aircraft for the first time and drew and fitted their parachutes.
(Above): Royal Air Force Down Ampney or more simply RAF Down Ampney is a Royal Air Force station located 1.8 miles (2.9 km) north east of Cricklade, Wiltshire and 3 miles (4.8 km) south west of RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire. The airfield operated during the Second World War from February 1944 until February 1947. (photo 1943)
June 04, 1944: Church Parade in the morning, Aircraft crews came to the Camp where they were introduced to the sticks their planes were to carry. These R.A.F. crews came from every country in the Empire. Their calm certainty of dropping their sticks at the right time greatly reassured the men. Gen Gale, G.0.C, 6th Airborne Division, spoke to the Battalion of its approaching tasks and wished it God-Speed and good hunting.
June 05, 1944: Weather was cloudy with a light wind. All Ranks ordered on enforced rest during the morning and the afternoon. Battalion was paraded at 1930 in full kit. All Ranks checked and inspected. Charlie Company then left for their airport. Remainder of the Battalion proceeded to Down Ampney Airport where each stick reported to its respective Aircraft. Parachutes were put on and a short prayer was offered for the success of the mission. Battalion emplaned at 2245 and were Airborne at 2300 in C-47 Aircraft. Charlie Company had emplaned at 2260 in Albemarles.
June 06, 1944: The initial stages of Operation Overlord insofar as the 1st Cdn Parachute Battalion was concerned, were divided into three tasks. The protection of the left flank of the 9th Para Battalion in its approach march and attack on the
Upon crossing the coastline, numerous fires could be seen which had been started by the R.A.F. bombers. Unfortunately, the Battalion was dropped over a wide area, some sticks landing several miles from their appointed of RV. This factor complicated matters but did not deter the Battalion from securing its first objectives.
Protection of Left Flank of the 9th Para Bn РAble Company: Able Co vas dropped at approximately 0100, on the morning of June 6, 1944. Lt Clancy, upon rea̤hing, the Company RV found only two or three men of the Company were present. After waiting fruitlessly for further members of the Company to appear, he decided to recon the village of Gonneville-sur-Merville. Taking two men he proceeded and p̩netrated the village but could find no sign of the enemy. He then returned to the Company RV which he reached at approximately 0600 and found one other officer and twenty other Ranks of the Battalion and several men from other Brigade Units waiting. The entire body then moved off along the pre-arranged route to the Merville Battery encountering no other opposition en route other than heavy R.A.F. bombardment at Gonneville-sur-Merville. Upon completion of the 9th Battalion task the Canadian party acted first as a recon patrol to clear a chateau from which a German MG had been firing and then as a rear guard for the 9th Battalion withdrawal toward Le Plein. The party left the battalion area (9th Battalion) at Le Plein at 0900, and reached the 1st Cdn Para Bn position at Le Mesnil Bavent crossroads (139729) at 1550 on June 6, 1944.
Robehomme – Baker Company: Two platoons of Baker Company were dropped in the marshy ground south and west of Robehomme. Elements of these platoons under Sgt Outhwaite then proceeded toward the Company objective. En route, they encountered Lt Toseland with other members of Baker Co making a total of thirty alL Ranks. They were guided through the marshes and enemy minefields to the Robehomme bridge by a French woman. On arriving at the bridge they met Capt D. Griffin and a further thirty men from various sub-units of the Battalion, including mortars and Vickers Platoons. Maj Fuller, who had been there for some time had left in an attempt to locate Battalion Headquarters. Capt Griffin waited until 0630 for the Engineers who were to blow the bridge. As they failed to arrive explosives were collected from the men and the bridge was successfully demolished. A guard was left at the bridge and the main body withdrawn to the Robehomme hill. Although there were no enemy in the village there were several skirmishes with enemy patrols who were attempting to infiltrate through the village and some casualties were suffered by the Company. An Observation Post was set up in the church spire. An excellent view was obtained of the road from Pont de Vacaville to Varraville. Artillery and infantry could be seen moving for many hours along this road from the east. It was particularly unfortunate that Wireless Communication could not be established with the Battalion HQ as the subsequent fighting of the Battalion was carried out in such close country that observation of enemy movement was almost impossible.
At about 1200, on June 7, 1944, it was decided to recon the route to Battalion HQ. Upon the route being reported clear orders were issued for the party to prepare to join Bn HQ. Lt I. Wilson, Bn Intelligence Officer came from Le Mesnil to guide the party back. The move was made at 2250, the strength of the party by this time being 150 all Ranks, the addition having been made by stragglers of various units who had reported in. The wounded were carried in a civilian car given by the Priest, and a horse and cart given by a farmer. The route was Briqueville to Bavent road (169729), through the Bavent Wood and on to Le Mesnil Crossroads. Near Briqueville, the lead platoon was challenged by the enemy sentries. The platoon opened fire killing seven and taking one prisoner. Shortly afterwards, this same platoon was fortunate enough to ambush a German car which was proceeding along the road from Bavent and four German Officers were killed. The party reached the Bn HQ at 0330, on June 8, 1944.
Varaville – Charlie Company: The majority of Charlie Company was dropped west of the Dives River, although some sticks were dropped a considerable distance away including one which landed west of the Orne River. Due to this confusion the Company did not meet at the RV as pre-arranged but went into the assault on the Chateau and Varaville in separate parties. Maj McLeod collected a Sgt and seven men and proceeded towards Varaville. En route they were joined by a party under Lt Walker. One of the Sgts was ordered to take his platoon to take up defensive positions around the bridge that the Engineers sections were preparing to blow. This was done and the bridge was successfully demolished. Maj McLeod and Lt Walker, with the balance of the party, then cleared the chateau and at the same time other personnel of Charlie Company arrived from the DZ and cleared the gate house of the chateau. The gatehouse then came under enemy MG and mortar fire from the pillbox situated in the grounds of the chateau. The pillbox also had a 75-MM AT Gun. The whole position was surrounded by wire, mines and weapon pits. Maj McLeod, Lt Walker, and five OR’s went to the top floor of the gate house to fire on the pillbox with a PIAT. The enemy 75-MM Gun returned the fire and the shot detonated the PIAT ammunition. Lt Walker, Cpl Oikle, Pvt Jowett and Pvt Nufield were killed. Maj McLeod and Pvt Bismuka were fatally wounded. Pvt Docxer and Pvt Sylvester evacuated these casualties under heavy fire.
Capt Hanson of Charlie Company, was slightly wounded and his batman killed while proceeding to report to the Brigade Commander who had arrived in the village from the area in which he dropped. Charlie Company, together with elements of the Brigade HQ and the Royal Engineers took up defensive positions around the village and a further party encircled the pillbox in order to contain the enemy, A further party of Charlie Company under Lt McGowan who had been dropped some distance from the DZ arrived in Varaville in time to catch two German Infantry Sections who were attempting to enter the town. Lt McGowan’s platoon opened fire causing casualties and the remainder of the enemy surrendered, This platoon took up firing positions firing on the enemy pillbox. Charlie Company HQ which was located in the church yard pinned down an enemy section attempting to advance in a bomb crater, killing at least three. The chateau was evacuated by our troops and left as a dressing station. An enemy patrol re-entered the chateau and captured the wounded including Capt Brebner, the unit Medical Officer and CSM Blair of Baker Company. This patrol although attacked by our own troops managed to escape with their prisoners.
Heavy enemy Mortar fire and sniping was brought to bear on our positions from the woods surrounding Varaville. During this time, the local inhabitants were of great assistance, the women dressing wounds and the men offering assistance în any way. One Frenchman in particular distinguished himself. Upon being given a red beret and a rifle he killed three German snipers. This man subsequently guided the Brigade Commander and his party towards Le Mesnil. It is believed however that he was a casualty of the bombing attack that caught this party en route to Le Mesnil. At approximately 1030, the enemy pillbox surrendered. Forty-two prisoners were taken and four of our own men who had been captured were released. From 1250 on, artillery fire was brought to bear on Varaville from the high ground east of the Dives River. At 1500, bicycle troops of the 6th Commando arrived and at 1730, June 6, 1944, Charlie Company proceeded to the Battalion area at Le Mesnil.
Vickers Platoon – Initial Stages: The Vickers Platoon was dropped in four sticks of ten or eleven each, being a total of forty-one all Ranks. For the first time their MG’s were carried in Kit Bags, a number of which tore away and were lost. The Platoon was dropped over a wide area, a part of them joining Charlie Company’s attack on Varaville, part joining Baker Company at Robehomme and part joining the Battalion HQ. Casualties on the drop totalled twelve missing and three wounded. After the initial Company tasks had been accomplished the platoon was deployed to the Companies as single gun detachments or as Sections.
Mortar Platoon РInitial Stages: The Mortar Platoon was dropped over a wide area and suffered very heavy loss in equipment due to kit bags breaking away, and a great majority of the men landing in marshy ground. As the platoon dropped they attached themselves to the nearest company they could find and assisted in the capture of the objectives. One Detachment commander landed on top of the German pillbox at Varaville. He was made prisoner and spent the rest of the time in the pillbox until the Germans surrendered to Charlie Company. A point of interest was that the PIAT Bombs did definite damage to the interior of the pillbox and had a very lowering effect upon the morale of the defenders. Some of the Mortar Platoon which jǫned Baker Company at Robehomme were detailed to guard the approaches to the destroyed bridge. Three enemy lorries full of infantry appeared on the other side of the bridge. The guards opened fire knocking out one truck killing most of its occupants. The other two lorries were able to withdraw. One of our own men who was a prisoner in the lorry was able to make good hits escape. Upon the detachments arriving at Le Mesnil they were re-grouped as a platoon and given three mortars which had arrived by sea. These mortars were set up in position in the brickworks where they engaged the enemy.
Battalion Headquarters – Initial Stages: The Commanding Officer, the second in command, the Signals Officer, the Intelligence Officer, and a small portion of the Battalion Headquarters together with elements of 224 Para Field Ambulance and other Brigade Units met at the Battalion RV in the early hours of the morning of June 6. The Signals Officer was detailed to look after the Enemy Signal Exchange near the RV. He went into the house and found a certain amount of Signals equipment which he destroyed but he found no Germans. The Intelligence Officer set out with two men to recon Varaville and bring back a report on the situation. In the Battalion Headquarters meantime, the party moved off to Le Mesnil taking with them many scattered elements including a 6 Pdr AT Gun and crew. Upon reaching the Chateau they encountered part of the Brigade Headquarters. The party there upon split up into unit parties and continued until they reached the orchards (141789) where they came under heavy sniping fire from nearby houses. This fire caused several casualties including one officer. The enemy were forced to withdraw from the buildings after an attack by the party. The party reached the Battalion area at approximately 1100, June 6.
June 7, 1944: In the early hours of the morning, German infantry of the 857.Grenadier-Regiment and 858.Grenadier-Regiment supported by Self-Propelled Guns and number of MK IV tanks (PzKpfw IV), attacked Baker and Charlie Companies positions. Our mortars in the brickworks were given an ideal target as the German infantry formed up in close groups along a road in the apparent belief that we possessed no mortars. Heavy casualties were inflicted on the enemy and the main force of the attack was broken, however casualties were inflicted on our own Battalion by the SP Guns and tanks. One tank penetrated to within one hundred yards of the Charlie Company position but withdrew before the PIAT’s could fire effectively on it. Some of the enemy infantry also attempted to assault our forward positions but were driven off. It was learned later from PW’s that the object of the German attack was to secure the brickworks and the crossroads at Le Mesnil. The rest of the day was quiet save for activity by enemy snipers.
June 8, 1944: Baker Company party returned from Robehomme at 0230, and were a welcome addition to the Battalion strength. It was decided to clear the enemy from buildings at (144730) to neutralize the harassing fire from that position. Recon patrols went out from Charlie Company early in the morning and confirmed the presence of the enemy in the buildings. At 0900, Capt P. Griffin with the Company Headquarters and 2 platoons from Baker Company, strength of seventy-five, went into the assault on the position with the support of a naval bombardment. The party was split into two sections, the main body consisting of Capt Griffin and one and one-half platoons assaulting the position from the front. The balance of the Company Headquarters and the remainder were to go to the Bavent road east of the objective to protect the flank. There were six to eight enemy MG’s in the hedge in front of the objective. These positions were abandoned as the assault party went in. The crews withdrawing to positions behind the house, a small number of the enemy was found in the house and adequately dealt with. The enemy launched an immediate counterattack and was caught in the crossfire of the assault party that had withdrawn to the hedge in front of the houses and the flank protection party that was still moving along the edge of the orchard (145727) toward the Bavent Road. Pvt Geddes and Pvt Naval with a Bren gun and a sniper’s rifle killed approximately twenty-five Germans. Total enemy casualties for this engagement were reckoned as approximately fifty dead and an unknown number wounded. Baker Company then withdrew to a hedgerow (141726) that continued to form a forward line of their position.
Later in the afternoon, an enemy attack was launched against our left but was driven off by mortar and small arms fire. However they left snipers in the trees and hedgerows who were a nuisance factor until winkled out in the course of the next few days.
June 9, 1944: Enemy patrols were active along the Battalion front. Snipers who had infiltrated into the woods near our positions continued to be a nuisance factor. The Battalion sent out patrols both to recon the enemy positions and to deal with these snipers. The Bulk of the Battalion had their first opportunity to secure some rest.
June 10, 1944: Weather continued to be fine and constant patrolling was maintained by the Battalion. During the day the enemy formed up on the glider field for an attack against the Brigade area but this attack was broken up by our artillery and MGs’ before it got under way. Battalion position was shelled and machine gunned by the enemy at intervals during the day.
https://www.normandywarguide.com/archives/the-1st-canadian-parachute-battalion-in-france-6-june-6-september-1944/appendix-a
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Down_Ampney#/media/File:RAF_Down_Ampney_-_4_Dec_1943_Airphoto.jpg
“MC” Company, : :