English: Waco CG-4A ’42-43809’ was built by Gliders & Airplanes of Willow Grove, Pennsylvania in early 1943. On 9th July 1943 it was one of 136 CG-4s used during Operation ‘Ladbroke’, a glider landing of the British 1st Airlanding Brigade at Syracuse, Sicily. ‘Ladbroke’ was the first Allied use of significant number of gliders and was in support of the overall Allied invasion of the island, Operation ‘Husky’. Tragically, 65 gliders were released early by their towing aircraft and some 252 soldiers drowned when the gliders had to ditch in the sea. The forces that did successfully make landfall held the Ponte Grand Bridge, the main objective, until after the time that they should have been relieved, but eventually had to surrender to Italian forces.

This exhibit is based around an original CG-4 frame which joined the collection, from France, in 1985. It seems unlikely that the identity is genuine for this airframe, but she is an impressive exhibit representing a significant operation. She has been allocated the British Aircraft Preservation Council identity BAPC185. Army Flying Museum Middle Wallop, Hampshire, UK.

21st August 2020