The main amphibious landings involved three British divisions in the east and two US divisions in the west, all supported by heavy fire from off shore warships.
The US paratroopers had difficulties too, the pilots were inexperienced and dust and anti-aircraft fire resulted in the 2,781 paratroopers being scattered over an area 80km radius. A further 56 landed in the wrong area of Sicily and just 12 reached the target area and managed to take the bridge. Of the 137 gliders, 69 came down in the sea, drowning some 200 men.
These landings were, on the whole, unsuccessful. They were to seize the Ponte Grande Bridge south of Syracuse. The British 1st Airlanding Brigade mounted in 137 gliders, were the first to land. Pontoon bridge being constructed from a landing craft to the shore.
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