MWSA Review
Much has been written about the 101st Airborne Division and their exploits in World War II, and rightfully so. Arthur "Ben" Powers's book Never a Dull Moment: The 80th Airborne Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion in World War II tells of a lesser-known airborne division, the 82nd. Covered within these pages are the accomplishments of a group of soldiers, those of the 80th Airborne Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion. Treated as the red-headed stepchild not only by history but also the Army initially, they were considered a Coast Guard artillery unit. But the 80th AAA battalion fought alongside the paratroopers of the division, albeit they were entering battle by way of gliders instead of parachutes, and fought just as heroically as those paratroopers.
Powers meticulously recounts the history of the 80th AAA battalion from its formation as the 80th Airborne Anti-tank Anti-aircraft Battalion in 1942 through various bases for different phases of training, and into North Africa, Sicily, and Italy. From there, they transferred to Ireland and England in preparation for their role in D-Day and Operation Neptune, where they doggedly defended the town of Sainte-Mère-Église, receiving multiple medals as a result. It was during this time that the glider troops were finally recognized for not only their bravery in combat, but all the additional training involved in the utilization of gliders in action. This recognition consisted of not only hazardous duty pay, but their own glider badge, similar to the parachutist badge but with a glider in the center of the wings.
After Normandy, the battalion went back to England to prepare for Operation Market Garden where they implemented the lessons learned previously. The additional education gained in this operation would come in handy when they faced their greatest challenge: preventing the German breakthrough in the Ardennes in the Christmas Battle of the Bulge. The 82nd Airborne were every bit as heroic as the 101st Airborne in their defense against this offensive, and the 80th AAAB were an integral part of this defense, providing the support needed to allow for the safe withdrawal of the 7th Armored Division. After their successful defense in Belgium and subsequent invasion of Germany, their final assignment was in Berlin serving as an occupation force until their ultimate dissolution.
Powers provides a detailed history of these heroic glider-men. His narrative is engaging, showing not just an attention to detail as shown by the thorough documentation of his narrative using numerous primary sources, but also showing great enthusiasm in presenting their actions and accomplishments. Never a Dull Moment is a not only a welcome addition to the library of World War II literature, but serves an important role in documenting the ordeal of a previously overlooked airborne unit.
Review by Daniel E. Long (July 2025)
Author's Synopsis
Most modern books and films glamorize World War II airborne soldiers as troopers leaping into the night to descend by parachute into combat. Much less often considered is the role of glider forces. Glider troops lacked the panache and special distinctions of paratroopers, despite their critical role in airborne warfare. Likewise, World War II ground combat is characterized as a combined arms fight of infantry and armor, backed up with field artillery; by comparison the role played by specialized, supporting arms has received scant attention.
The 80th AAA Battalion was a glider outfit, providing antiaircraft defense and antitank capability to the division’s three infantry regiments as battlefield conditions dictated. Elements of the battalion fought in Italy, Normandy, Holland and the Battle of the Bulge, making combat glider assaults during both Operation Neptune and Operation Market Garden. The exploits of the men of the 80th tend to be obscured as commanders maneuvered the batteries wherever their special skills were needed on the battlefield, with no regiment to call a permanent home.
The 80th AAA battalion was a hybrid unit. While its members were considered Coast Artillery (the branch responsible for defending ground formations from air attack during WWII), they fought alongside parachute and glider infantry, most often providing direct fire, anti-armor support with 57mm/6 pounder cannons. While field artillery, both parachute and glider, established their gunlines some distance behind infantry units to provide indirect fire support, the men of the 80th fought face to face with the enemy, alongside their infantry brothers.
Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle
Review Genre: Nonfiction—History
Number of Pages: 264
Word Count: 62,985
