In WW2 why was there a huge freindly fire incident during Operation Husky(The Si

Question:

In WW2 why was there a huge freindly fire incident during Operation Husky(The Sicily airborne drop)?

Why did the U.S Navy shoot down their own planes? July 9, 1943

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: The planes were planned to fly over American lines, then over Axis lines to drop the 82nd Airborne behind enemy territory, and it was one of the first significant deployments of Allied paratroops.

The soldiers manning the antiaircraft guns were told about the drop, told that their own planes would be flying over at exactly what time they would be. But, like others have said, troop inexperience, combined with the frightening thought of a convoy of planes flying over, caused the troops to fire. they were jumpy, inexperienced, and nervous. And, as we have seen throughtout history, when such tension is built up, it only takes a small spark to release it (Attica prison riot, Kent State inn 1970, Boston Massacre). So, when one person fired, the next did, and soon everyone joined in.

It was a sad moment in military tactical history, but luckily the Allies pursued the idea of paratroops and redeployed them in Operation Overlord and the storming of Normandy.