Operation “HUSKY”

The Invasion of Sicily, D-Day, 10th July 1943

© IWM (CNA 4180)
OPERATION HUSKY: personnel of a Beach Balloon Detachment bring gas cylinders ashore from LST 331 at “Cent” Beach near Scoglitti, Sicily. (RAF official photographer, F/Lt B.J.H. Daventry) © IWM (CNA 4180)

Balloon Units so far identified as taking part in Operation HUSKY are:

F Balloon Unit (Beach) – no Operations Record Book available. Commanding Officer F/Lt. Gates. Combined with “K” Unit from 17th July. Moved to Catania on 5th August, then ordered to return to North Africa.

K Balloon Unit (Beach) – Landing with the 1st Canadian Division in the “BARK” West area (Beach 57).

L Balloon Unit (Beach) – no Operations Record Book available. Commanding Officer F/Lt. Hood. Moving to Catania in August 1943.

1 Beach Balloon Detachment – no Operations Record Book available.
Commanding Officer F/O H.J. Wovenden.

2 Beach Balloon Detachment – ?

3 Beach Balloon Detachment – no Operations Record Book available.

4 Beach Balloon Detachment – did not take part in the initial assault landings but arrived in Syracuse on 21st July 1943, moved to Carlentini on 27 July, and then moved to Catania on 20 August 1943 before taking part in Operation BAYTOWN.

and also:
No. 1 Port Balloon Detachment – no Operations Record Book available. Commanding Officer F/Lt. Richardson. Located in Syracuse.