IT looks like there may be a misprint in the ‘Father’s wartime service honoured’ story.
Where Robert’s glider is spelled Hauser it should be Horsa.
After the Germans had successfully used gliders in the invasion of France, Winston Churchill ordered the development of an airborne division which, besides gliders, would include paratroops.
The first of the British gliders was the General Aircraft Hotspur, which, with a capacity of only eight troops, was considered too small for the job and, as a result, was relegated to the training role.
If my memory serves me correctly, I think that they were used in this training capacity at Kidlington Airport.
About a thousand were built. The next glider was the Airspeed Horsa and finally the General Aircraft Hamilcar.
The Hamilcar was a very large glider designed, not only to carry troops, but vehicles and, or, a small tank.
The Horsa, which was larger than any of the German gliders, could carry up to 30 troops, was built in its thousands and used in most Second World War theatres, by, not only the British, but the Americans as well.
I believe that training was done at Brize Norton.
DERRICK HOLT Fortnam Close Headington
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here